How to Change Account Type in Windows 11

What’s the Difference?

• Standard User – Good for everyday use. You can run apps and change your own settings but can’t make big changes that affect other users. If you try something that needs admin permission, Windows will ask for an administrator’s password.
• Administrator – Has full control of the PC. Administrators can install software, change settings for all users, and approve permission requests.

Understanding the difference between a Standard User and an Administrator account in Windows 11 is key to managing your PC safely. A Standard User can run apps and change their own settings, but needs an admin’s password for bigger changes. An Administrator has full control, letting them install software and change settings for everyone.

How to Change Account Type

Option 1Change Account Type Using Settings

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Click Accounts on the left side, then select Other users on the right.
3. Find the user account you want to change, click on it to expand, then click Change account type.
4. Choose Standard User or Administrator from the dropdown menu, then click OK.
5. Close Settings when you’re done.

You can easily change an account type in Windows 11 using ⚙️ the Settings app, which is the most straightforward method for most users. First, open Settings by pressing the Windows key and ‘I’ together. Then, navigate to Accounts, select ‘Other users’, find the account you want to adjust, and choose ‘Change account type’ to pick between Standard User or Administrator.

Option 2Change Account Type Using 🎛️ Control Panel

Option 3Change Account Type Using netplwiz (User Accounts Window)

1. Press Win + R, type netplwiz, and press Enter to open the User Accounts window.
2. If available, make sure the box Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer is checked.
3. Select the user account you want to change, then click Properties.
4. Go to the Group Membership tab.
5. Select either Standard User or Administrator, then click OK.
6. Click OK again to close the User Accounts window.

For those comfortable with a few more steps, you can change an account type in Windows 11 using the ‘netplwiz’ tool, also known as the User Accounts window. Press Windows key + R, type ‘netplwiz’, and hit Enter. Select the user, click ‘Properties’, go to the ‘Group Membership’ tab, and then choose either ‘Standard User’ or ‘Administrator’ before confirming your choice.

Option 4Change Account Type Using Command Prompt or PowerShell

If you’re familiar with command lines, you can change an account type in Windows 11 using Command Prompt or PowerShell for precise control. This method involves opening Windows Terminal as an administrator and using specific commands to add or remove users from the ‘administrators’ or ‘users’ groups. It’s a powerful way to manage account privileges directly.

1. Right-click the ⊞ Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
2. To see which users are in each group, type these commands and press Enter after each:
   

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   net localgroup users
   net localgroup administrators

3. To make someone a Standard User, type:
   

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   net localgroup users "UserName" /add

   
   

   Replace UserName with the actual user name (for example, “Brink2”).
   

4. To make someone an Administrator, type:
   

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   net localgroup administrators "UserName" /add

5. To remove a user from a group (for example, if you want to remove admin rights), type:
   

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   net localgroup administrators "UserName" /delete
   net localgroup users "UserName" /delete
   net localgroup guests "UserName" /delete

6. Close the terminal when done.

Summary

• Standard User accounts are for regular PC use without full control.
• Administrator accounts have full control and can change system settings.
• You can change account types in many ways: Settings, 🎛️ Control Panel, netplwiz, or Command Prompt.
• You must be signed in as an administrator to make these changes.
• Always keep at least one administrator account active on your PC.
• Managing accounts carefully helps keep your PC safe and running smoothly.

In summary, Standard User accounts in Windows 11 are best for everyday tasks, while Administrator accounts offer full control over your PC. You can change account types using Settings, netplwiz, or Command Prompt, but remember you must be signed in as an administrator to make these changes. Always keep at least one administrator account active to manage your system effectively.