How to change a Windows 10 user account type and why

Windows 10 offers two main account types for users, including Administrator and Standard User, each one offering a different set of privileges to use a device. The Administrator type allows complete control, which means that users can change settings globally, install apps, run elevated tasks, and do pretty much anything else.

On the other hand, the Standard User account type is more restrictive. Users with this type of account can work with apps, but they're not allowed to install new applications. They can change settings, but only settings that won't affect other accounts. If an app requires elevation, they'll need administrative credentials to complete the task.

Although it's often recommended to use an account with standard privileges as it offers a more secure environment, sometimes depending on the situation, it may be necessary to change the account type from Standard User to Administrator (or in reverse, from Administrator to Standard User), and Windows 10 includes multiple ways to make this a straightforward process.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through virtually every method that you can use to change the account type on your device.

• How to change user account type using Settings
• How to change user account type using Control Panel
• How to change user account type using User Accounts
• How to change user account type using Command Prompt
• How to change user account type using PowerShell

Quick tip: If you're looking to make your main account standard, it's best to create a new administrator account first, and then use the new account to change your old account to standard and make administrative changes.

How to change user account type using Settings

To change the account type with the Settings app on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click on Family & other users.
4. Select a user account.

5. Click the Change account type button.

   

6. Select the Administrator or Standard User account type depending on your requirements.

   

7. Click the OK button.

Once you complete the steps, restart your computer to start using the account with the new membership level.

How to change user account type using Control Panel

To change an account type using Control Panel, use these steps:

1. Open Control Panel.

2. Click the Change account type option.

   

3. Select the account that you want to modify.

   

4. Click the Change the account type option.

   

5. Select either Standard or Administrator depending on your requirements.

   

6. Click the Change Account Type button.

After you complete the steps, the next time you sign in the account will be limited to the permissions allowed by the user group that you specified.

How to change user account type using User Accounts

To set an account to Standard user or Administrator type using the User Accounts (netplwiz) experience, use these steps:

1. Open Start.

2. Type the following command and press Enter:

   netplwiz

3. Select the account that you wish to change.

4. Click the Properties button.

   

5. Click the Group Membership tab.

6. Select the Standard user or Administrator account type depending on your requirements.

   

   Quick tip: You can also select the Other membership option, which allows you to choose different user groups, such as Power Users, Backup Operators, Remote Desktop Users, etc.

7. Click the Apply button.
8. Click the OK button.
9. Click the Apply button again.
10. Click the OK button again.

Once you complete the steps, restart your computer to apply the changes and start using the new account type.

How to change user account type using Command Prompt

To switch account types with Command Prompt, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.

3. Type the following command to change the account type to Standard User and press Enter:

   net localgroup Administrators "ACCOUNT-NAME" /delete

   

   In the command make sure to change the ACCOUNT-NAME for the actual name of the account that you want to change.

4. Type the following command to change the account type to Administrator and press Enter:

   net localgroup Administrators "ACCOUNT-NAME" /add

   

   In the command make sure to change the ACCOUNT-NAME for the actual name of the account that you want to change.

   Quick info: Users with administrator accounts are part of both, the "Administrators" and "Users" groups. As a result, to make a user standard, you only need to remove the user from the "Administrators" group.

5. Type the following command view the account type and press Enter:

   net user ACCOUNT-NAME

   

After you complete the steps, the next time the user signs in to the computer, the account will load with new membership level that you specified.

How to change user account type using PowerShell

To change a Windows 10 account type with PowerShell, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for PowerShell, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.

3. Type the following command to change the account type to Standard User and press Enter:

   Remove-LocalGroupMember -Group "Administrators" -Member "ACCOUNT-NAME"

   

   In the command make sure to change the ACCOUNT-NAME for the actual name of the account that you want to change.

4. Type the following command to change the account type to Administrator and press Enter:

   Add-LocalGroupMember -Group "Administrators" -Member "ACCOUNT-NAME"

   

   In the command make sure to change the ACCOUNT-NAME for the actual name of the account that you want to change.

Once you complete the steps, the account type will switch to the Administrator or Standard group depending on your configuration.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

• Windows 10 on Windows Central – All you need to know
• Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks
• Windows 10 forums on Windows Central

Mauro recommends all these affordable accessories

Hi, I'm Mauro Huculak, Windows Central's help and how-to guru. I wrote the post you're reading now, and I know the Windows OS inside and out. But I'm also a bit of a hardware geek. These are some of the affordable gadgets on my desk today.

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.