How do I change admin access?

Question

I have a newly set up PC. I am just trying to activate Windows 11 but it says I need admin approval. However, there is no admin for this computer. I am the only user. How do I bypass these admin controls or change it so I am the admin without needing the admin password?

Answer 1

To change admin access on a newly set up Windows 11 PC, you typically need to create or enable an administrator account. If you are the only user and do not have an admin account, you can try the following steps:

1. Boot into Safe Mode: Restart your PC and enter Safe Mode. This can sometimes allow you to access the built-in Administrator account.
2. Use the Built-in Administrator Account: If the built-in Administrator account is enabled, you can log in using that account. This account is often hidden and does not require a password.
3. Create a New Admin Account: If you can access any admin account, you can create a new administrator account through the Control Panel or Settings. Navigate to Accounts > Family & other users, and then select Add someone else to this PC. Follow the prompts to create a new account and set it as an administrator.
4. Reset the PC: If you cannot access any admin account, you may need to reset your PC. This will allow you to set up a new user account with admin privileges during the setup process.

Please note that bypassing admin controls without proper authorization may violate terms of service or be against the law. It's always best to follow proper procedures for account management.

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References:

• Enable and disable the built-in administrator account

Answer 2

Hello Youngs,

Thank you for posting question on Microsoft Windows Forum.

Based on the issue description. It seems to be of that you have a "Standard User" account instead of an "Administrator" account. This might happen on new PCs if the initial setup was skipped or handled by a third party. Because you are a standard user, you do not have the permission to "approve" your own actions, and if no other admin account exists, you are effectively locked out of system changes.

The suggestion here is to try enabling the hidden "Administrator" Account.

• Hold the Shift key and click Restart from the power menu on your login screen. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Press 4 or F4 for Safe Mode.
• 
• If your PC has no other admins, a generic account named Administrator might appear on the login screen. Click it (it usually has no password). Once logged in, go to Settings > Accounts > Other Users, click your main account, and change its "Account Type" to Administrator
• Once you have administrative rights, you can try to activate Windows.

If your PC is a brand new. You can use Windows Recovery to Reset the PC.

• At the sign-in screen click the Power button, hold Shift, then click Restart. In the Troubleshoot/Advanced Options menu choose Troubleshoot → Reset this PC. Choose Remove everything (or keep files if you prefer) and then Local reinstall. Follow prompts. The reset will reinstall Windows and let you create a new admin account.

Hope the above information is helpful! If it is. Free feel to hit "Accepted" for benefitting others in community having the same issue too.