How to Change User Account Type in Windows 11

Managing user permissions in Windows 11 ensures that users have the appropriate level of access to system files, settings, and installed applications. A Standard account prevents unauthorized system-level changes and malware execution, while an Administrator account provides full control over the operating system. You can easily switch an account between Standard and Administrator using several built-in Windows tools, including the Settings app, Control Panel, and the User Accounts utility.

Method 1: Using Windows 11 Settings

  1. Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Select Accounts from the left-hand sidebar.
  3. Click on Other users (or Family & other users depending on your setup).
  4. Locate the user account you want to modify and click on it to expand the options.
  5. Click the Change account type button next to Account options.
  6. In the pop-up window, click the dropdown menu under Account type.
  7. Select either Standard User or Administrator.
  8. Click OK to save the changes.

Method 2: Using the User Accounts Tool (Netplwiz)

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type netplwiz and press Enter.
  3. In the Users tab, click the account name you want to modify.
  4. Click the Properties button below the user list.
  5. Navigate to the Group Membership tab.
  6. Choose either Standard user or Administrator.
  7. Click Apply, then click OK to close the windows.

Method 3: Using the Control Panel

  1. Press Win + S, type Control Panel, and press Enter.
  2. Under the User Accounts category, click Change account type.
  3. Select the user account you want to change.
  4. Click Change the account type on the left menu.
  5. Select either Standard or Administrator.
  6. Click the Change Account Type button to confirm.

Method 4: Using Command Prompt

  1. Press Win + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
  2. To change a user to Administrator:
    Type the following command and press Enter (replace Username with the actual account name):
    net localgroup Administrators "Username" /add
  3. To change a user to Standard (remove from Administrators):
    Type the following command and press Enter:
    net localgroup Administrators "Username" /delete

Note: You must be signed in with an existing Administrator account to change permissions for any user on the system.