Windows lets you change the account type of any user to extend or restrict permissions. Here is how to do it on a windows 10 computer.
Windows 10 has two major user account types. i.e., Administrator account type and Standard account type. The first user account you create in Windows 10 is set to Administrator account type. Any subsequent accounts you make from the administrator account are set to Standard account type. As you can tell from the account type names themselves, an administrator account gives you vast privileges and permissions to manage and modify Windows.
For example, to access specific system files or install/uninstall certain software, you need administrator privileges. On the other hand, a Standard user account is limited in what it can do. As such, Windows restricts Standard users from making any significant changes to the operating system.
In general, most users never need to worry about changing user account type. However, there might be situations where you need to promote a trusted user to an administrator or restrict an administrator user. In those cases, you can change the user account type from standard to administrator or administrator to standard.
The good thing is, Windows makes it easy to switch account types. This simple how-to guide shows you the steps to change account type in Windows 10.
Important Note: To change the user account type, you need to be an administrator. Moreover, you should not be logged into the same user account for which you are trying to change the user account type.
Steps to change account type in Windows 10
Whether you want to change the account type from administrator to standard or standard or administrator, follow the steps below.
- Open the Settings app.
- Click “Accounts.”
- Select “Family & other users” on the sidebar.
- Click the “User account” on the main panel.
- Push the “Change account type” button.
- Select the “Account type” from the dropdown menu.
- Click “Ok.”
- Close the Settings app.
- Restart Windows 10.
First, open the Settings app with the “Windows Key + I” keyboard shortcut. In the Settings app, go to the “Accounts -> Family & other users” page. This is where you will see all the user accounts on your computer.
On the right panel, click on the “User account.” For example, I want to change the account type for the “WindowsLoop” user. So, I clicked on that user. Next, click on the “Change account type” button.
In the pop-up window, choose the account type from the dropdown menu. If you want the user to be a standard user, select “Standard User.” To make the user an administrator, assign “Administrator.”
After selecting the account type, click on the “Ok” button to save changes.
Finally, close the Settings app and restart Windows 10. After restarting, the account type change is applied to the target user account.
Troubleshooting
If you cannot see other user accounts or the change account type button, it is possible that either you don’t have administrative privileges or you are using the same user account that you are trying to change.
In those cases, make sure that you are using a user account with administrative privileges and not the same account as the one you are trying to change.
That is all. It is that simple to change account type in Windows 10.
I hope that helps.
If you are stuck or need some help, comment below, and I will try to help as much as possible.
Did you know that you can get full user account details in Windows 10?