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Can I use name found with "net localgroup administrators"?

Anonymous
2025-01-31T00:13:27+00:00

Computer: Dell Laptop (1 yr old)
OS: Windows 11 Pro

When I use the Command Prompt "net localgroup administrators"
I get the following screen display...
Administrators
mlth_xxxxxx (axtual name hidden for privacy)

I am in a jam without any admin rights. An issue that has been fully explored with Microsoft (3 sessions yesterday including one with Level 2) with the consensus being a recommendation of a clean install of Windows 11 when you have no admin rights.

I am fine with a clean install. But I need admin rights first. A bit of a catch-22. (smile)

But the only reason for my post is I am curious (since it has admin rights if there is any way I can access and use the aforementioned mlth_xxxxxx ?

Your thoughts please?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Accounts, profiles, and login

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Francisco Montilla 30,235 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-01-31T01:15:08+00:00

    Hi Michael,

    I'm an Independent Advisor and I'm happy to help you.

    The command "net localgroup administrators" simply lists all the users who have administrator privileges on your system. However, if you do not have access to the account "mlth_xxxxxx" (meaning you do not know the password or cannot log into it), you will not be able to use it directly.

    If this account belongs to you but you lost administrator rights, you can try the following:

    A.- Restart in Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

    • Restart your PC and press F8 or use Shift + Restart from the login screen.
    • Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.
    • Enter this command to enable the hidden Administrator account: net user administrator /active:yes
    • Restart and try logging in with the Administrator account.

    B.- Check if you can reset the password for the admin user.

    • If you can access another limited account, open Command Prompt and enter: net user mlth_xxxxxx *
    • If it allows you to set a new password, you can log in to that account afterward.

    C.- If you have access to another computer, you can create a bootable USB for Windows 11, use it to access advanced recovery options, and attempt to restore admin access without reinstalling everything.

    If none of these solutions work, a clean installation of Windows 11 will be necessary.

    Let me know if this helps! :)

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-01-31T03:27:47+00:00

    Excellent suggestions.

    Let me try some of these and return with an update.

    I was just about ready to wipe my hard drive so I could do a clean install which requires admin rights.

    I salute you.

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