Windows 7 Forums Search

Go Back Windows 7 Forums > Windows 7 help and support > Tutorials » Built-in Administrator Account - Enable or Disable

Welcome to Windows 7 Forums. Our forum is dedicated to helping you find solutions with any problems, errors or issues you are experiencing with Windows 7. The Windows 7 forum also covers news and updates and has an extensive Windows 7 tutorial section that covers a wide range of tips and tricks.

Windows 7 - Built-in Administrator Account - Enable or Disable



Built-in Administrator Account - Enable or Disable

How to Enable or Disable the Windows 7 Built-in Administrator Account
Published by Brink
11-14-2008
Default Built-in Administrator Account - Enable or Disable

How to Enable or Disable the Windows 7 Built-in Administrator Account

information   Information
The built-in Administrator account is an account that has full access and permission on the computer. This will show you how to enable or disable the built-in Administrator account in Windows 7.
Note   Note
By default, the built-in administrator account is named Administrator, and is disabled.
warning   Warning
If you enable the built-in Administrator account, it is recommended to create a password for it to help keep it secured.





Option One

Through Local Users and Groups

NOTE: This option will only be available in the Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate, and Enterprise editions.
1. Open the Local Users and Groups manager.

2. In the left pane, click on the Users folder. (See screenshot below step 3)

3. In the middle pane, right click on Administrator and click on Properties. (See screenshot below)
Built-in Administrator Account - Enable or Disable-local_users_and_group.jpg
4. To Enable the Buit-in Administrator Account -
A) Uncheck the Account is disabled box. (See screenshot below step 6)

B) Go to step 6.
5. To Disable the Buit-in Administrator Account -
A) Check the Account is disabled box. (See screenshot below step 6)
6. Click on OK. (See screenshot below)
Built-in Administrator Account - Enable or Disable-properties.jpg
7. Close the Local Users and Groups window. (See screenshot below step 3)

8. Log off, and you will now see the built-in Administrator account log on icon added (enabled) or removed (disabled) from the log on screen. (See screeenshot below)
NOTE: Click on the Administrator icon to log on to the built-in Administrator account.
Built-in Administrator Account - Enable or Disable-log-.jpg




Option Two

Through a Elevated Command Prompt

NOTE: This option can be used in all editions of Windows 7.
1. Open a elevated command prompt.

2. To Enable the Hidden Built-In Administrator Account -
A) In the elevated command prompt, type
net user administrator /active:yes and press Enter. (See screenshot below)
Built-in Administrator Account - Enable or Disable-command_enable.jpg
B) Go to step 4.
3. To Disable the Hidden Built-In Administrator Account -
A) In the elevated command prompt, type
net user administrator /active:no and press Enter. (See screenshot below)

Built-in Administrator Account - Enable or Disable-command_disable.jpg
4. Close the elevated command prompt.

5. Log off, and you will now see the built-in Administrator account log on icon added (enabled) or removed (disabled) from the log on screen. (See screeenshot below)
NOTE: Click on the Administrator icon to log on to the built-in Administrator account.
Click image for larger version

Name:	Log-on.jpg
Views:	5394
Size:	148.3 KB
ID:	563



Option Three

Through Local Security Policy

NOTE: This option will only be available in the Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate, and Enterprise editions.
1. Open the Local Security Policy editor.

2. In the left pane, expand Local Policies, and click on Security Options. (See screenshot below)
Built-in Administrator Account - Enable or Disable-secpol-1.jpg
3. In the right pane, right click on Accounts: Administrator account status and click on Properties. (See screenshot above)

4. To Enable the Hidden Built-In Administrator Account -
A) Select (dot) Enabled. (See screenshot below step 6)

B) Go to step 6.
5. To Disable the Hidden Built-In Administrator Account -
A) Select (dot) Disabled. (See screenshot below step 6)
6. Click on OK. (See screenshot below)
Built-in Administrator Account - Enable or Disable-secpol-2.jpg
7. Close the Local Security Policy window. (See screenshot below step 2)

8. Log off, and you will now see the built-in Administrator account log on icon added (enabled) or removed (disabled) from the log on screen. (See screeenshot below)
NOTE: Click on the Administrator icon to log on to the built-in Administrator account.
Click image for larger version

Name:	Log-on.jpg
Views:	5394
Size:	148.3 KB
ID:	563
That's it,
Shawn



Published by
Brink's Avatar
Administrator

Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Texas
Posts: 17,035
Brink has a reputation beyond reputeBrink has a reputation beyond reputeBrink has a reputation beyond reputeBrink has a reputation beyond repute
Brink has a reputation beyond reputeBrink has a reputation beyond reputeBrink has a reputation beyond reputeBrink has a reputation beyond reputeBrink has a reputation beyond reputeBrink has a reputation beyond reputeBrink has a reputation beyond reputeBrink has a reputation beyond repute

Tutorial Tools
01-14-2009   #1
uwe


windows 7 - 32
 
 


this information has been very helpful - thank you!

My System SpecsSystem Spec
01-14-2009   #2
davehc


Vista and now 7 in 32 and 64 bit.
Denmark
 
 


Fwiw. You do not need the "yes" to enable, but do need "no" to disable.

You can also, instead of lusrmgr.msc , type Control userpasswords2 , but it comes to the same window, and is more keystrokes
My System SpecsSystem Spec
01-14-2009   #3
Brink


Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1 beta
Texas
 
 


Thank you for the addition Dave. It has been added.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
.
01-14-2009   #4
Brink


Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1 beta
Texas
 
 


Quote   Quote: Originally Posted by uwe View Post
this information has been very helpful - thank you!
You're welcome uwe.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
01-16-2009   #5
vaultboy


Windows 7
 
 


Option two doesn't work:]

cmd -> run as administrator
net user administrator /active:yes

"System error 5 has occurred. Access is denied"
My System SpecsSystem Spec
01-16-2009   #6
Brink


Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1 beta
Texas
 
 


Hello Vaultboy, and welcome to Seven Forums.

It works, but you must open a elevated command prompt instead as in step 1.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
02-20-2009   #7
robcardiv


Well its not POS Vista lol : )
 
 


Quote   Quote: Originally Posted by vaultboy View Post
Option two doesn't work:]

cmd -> run as administrator
net user administrator /active:yes

"System error 5 has occurred. Access is denied"

When I run CMD and type

NET USER ADMINISTRATOR /ACTIVE:YES

I get the same error message.


"System error 5 has occurred. Access is denied"[/quote]
My System SpecsSystem Spec
02-20-2009   #8
darkassain


Windows 7 Ult x64(x2), HomePrem x32(x4), Server 08 (+VM), 08 R2 (VM) , SuSe 11.2 (VM), XP 32 (VM)
In a ∞ Portal
 
 


Quote   Quote: Originally Posted by robcardiv View Post
When I run CMD and type

NET USER ADMINISTRATOR /ACTIVE:YES

I get the same error message.


"System error 5 has occurred. Access is denied"
try to get a elevated command prompt first before attempting this route
My System SpecsSystem Spec
03-05-2009   #9
swarfega


Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
Cambridge, UK
 
 


"NOTE: You could also type Control userpasswords2 instead if you like since it takes you to the same window under step 4." I think the wording needs clarification. Its not good grammar.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
Comment

Tutorial Tools



Similar Threads for: Built-in Administrator Account - Enable or Disable
Windows 7 Tutorial Category
Rename built in administrator account? Customization
Cannot enable Administrator on W7 HP 64- General Discussion
Solved Administrator account isn't a 'real' administrator :( General Discussion
Built-in Administrator Account - Change Name Tutorials
Can't delete files even in built-in Administrator General Discussion


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:06 AM.



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

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28