Windows 7 Forums


Windows 7: Can I delete the Administrator Account ?

26 Dec 2009  
yash

Windows XP
13 posts
 
 
Can I delete the Administrator Account ?

Hello friends,

When I installed Windows 7, I was asked to create a user account and I created one. Now in Control Panel-System and Security-Administrative tools-Computer Managements-Users and Groups, I see 3 accounts. Administrator, Guest and the account which I created during installation. Administrator and Guest account are disabled by default. Now, I want to ask that can I delete this Administrator (Built-in account for administering the computer/domain) account ? What is it for if win 7 already asks me to create an account at the time of installation ? I don't want to delete the Guest account. Will deleting the Administrator account cause any problems in future ?? What is its use ? Why Microsoft has kept this account built-in if it asks for making a new account at the time of installation ? Am I not the Administrator when I created the new account ?? Please help and clear my doubt....

My System SpecsSystem Spec

26 Dec 2009  
Dzomlija

Windows 7 Ultimate x64
1,322 posts
 
 

Quote   Quote: Originally Posted by yash View Post
Hello friends,

When I installed Windows 7, I was asked to create a user account and I created one. Now in Control Panel-System and Security-Administrative tools-Computer Managements-Users and Groups, I see 3 accounts. Administrator, Guest and the account which I created during installation. Administrator and Guest account are disabled by default. Now, I want to ask that can I delete this Administrator (Built-in account for administering the computer/domain) account ? What is it for if win 7 already asks me to create an account at the time of installation ? I don't want to delete the Guest account. Will deleting the Administrator account cause any problems in future ?? What is its use ? Why Microsoft has kept this account built-in if it asks for making a new account at the time of installation ? Am I not the Administrator when I created the new account ?? Please help and clear my doubt....
The "Administrator" account that you see should not be deleted, because if something goes wrong with your current account, you'll need it to be able to login to Administrator to make fixes.

Yes, your current account is an Administrator account, but with reduced privileges for security purposes.

It is strongly recommended that you not activate the hidden Administrator account and use it for everyday computing - that is the one primary reason why XP ws so vulnarable to hacks and security breaches - all Admin level accounts had maximum privileges. While not perfect, and does not work as a substitute for a good anti-virus program, I'd suggest going into Control Panel and setting the UAC level to the max so that you can get better notifications of when programs want elevation.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
26 Dec 2009  
gregrocker

Win7 x 6 PC's
36,546 posts
California, Florida, Boston
 
 

Built-in Administrator Account - Enable or Disable

The first thing I do after install is enable the built-in admin account, log off, log back in as Admin, delete my named admin account in User Accounts, then I am never again bothered for anything.

It isn't recommended except for those who know what they're doing, although I tested it on my newbie roommate's computer for the past year and he hasn't had any bad effects and likes it much better.

Last edited by gregrocker; 26 Dec 2009 at 05:24 AM..
My System SpecsSystem Spec
.


26 Dec 2009  
seekermeister

W7x64 Pro, SuSe 12.1/** W7 x64 Pro, XP MCE
6,804 posts
Indian Territory
 
 

Despite how unwise it may be, I do have and will keep the built-in administrator account active, but then I'm the only person with access to my computer, and if anything goes wrong, I have only myself to blame. The administrator account is more limited in privilege than the built in one, so personally I can't see why it couldn't be deleted, as long as the built-in administrator account remains. Of course, even though I have sole access to my computer, I still password protect all accounts, just in case.

If I were going to delete any account, it would be the "everyone" account, unless I was giving public access to my computer. For all regular users, I would have individual password protected accounts for each and every person authorized to use the computer.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
Reply

 Can I delete the Administrator Account ? problems?



Thread Tools



Similar help and support threads for: Can I delete the Administrator Account ?
Thread Forum
Solved Even the Administrator account can't delete this folder... General Discussion
Delete Account Function Missing I Cannot Delete Temporary User Account General Discussion
Renaming the administrator account back to Administrator General Discussion
Solved Default User Account (Administrator) acts like Standard Account General Discussion
I believe my administrator account may be corrupt...delete it? Network & Sharing


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:12 PM.



Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized,
sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation.
"Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
© Designer Media Ltd