How to enable Administrator account on Windows 11

To enable hidden Administrator account on Windows 11, open Command Prompt (admin) and run the “net user “Administrator” /active:yes” command.
To enable the local admin account with PowerShell, open the console (admin) and run the “Get-LocalUser -Name “Administrator” | Enable-LocalUser” command.
To enable the Administrator account on Windows 11, open Computer Management and open the “Administrator Properties” page from the “Users” branch, and clear the “Account is disabled” option.

UPDATED 12/24/2025: On Windows 11, you can enable the built-in “Administrator” account in at least three ways, and in this guide, I’ll teach you how to complete this configuration. Although the Administrator account is disabled by default because it’s not required and can introduce security risks, advanced users and network administrators may sometimes need it to troubleshoot issues and manage system settings.

The local built-in account is similar to any other admin account, but it does not have User Account Control (UAC) enabled, which means it runs everything elevated (with administrator permissions).

Regardless of the reason, even if the Administrator account does not appear in Settings, Windows 11 offers at least three ways to enable it, including Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Computer Management.

In this guide, you will learn the steps to enable (or disable) the built-in Administrator account, whether you have Windows 11 Pro or Windows 11 Home.

Enable Administrator account on Windows 11 using Command Prompt
Enable Administrator account on Windows 11 using PowerShell
Enable Administrator account on Windows 11 using Computer Management
FAQs about the Administrator account on Windows 11

Enable Administrator account on Windows 11 using Command Prompt

To enable the local Administrator account with Command Prompt on Windows 11 Pro or Home, use these steps:

Open Start on Windows 11.
Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.
Type the following command to enable the Windows 11 Administrator account and press Enter:
```
net user "Administrator" /active:yes
```

Once you complete the steps, you can sign out of the current account and sign in with the Administrator account.

If you no longer need the local account, you can use the same instructions to disable it, but in step 3, make sure to use this command: net user "Administrator" /active:no.

You can also use the Command Prompt option to enable the hidden Administrator account from the Windows Recovery Environment or Safe Mode. If you forgot your local account password, you can regain access to your desktop using this Administrator account with these instructions.

Enable Administrator account on Windows 11 using PowerShell

To enable the Administrator account with PowerShell on Windows 11 Pro or Home, use these steps:

Open Start.
Search for PowerShell, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.
Type the following command to enable the built-in Administrator account and press Enter:
```
Get-LocalUser -Name "Administrator" | Enable-LocalUser
```

After you complete the steps, the default Administrator account will be enabled and available from the Sign-in screen.

When you no longer need the account, use the same instructions outlined above to disable it, but in step 3, make sure to use the Get-LocalUser -Name "Administrator" | Disable-LocalUser command.

Enable Administrator account on Windows 11 using Computer Management

To turn on the Administrator account with Computer Management on Windows 11 Pro (only), use these steps:

Open Start.
Search for Computer Management and click the top result to open the app.
Expand the Local Users and Groups branch.
Expand the Users branch.
Right-click the Administrator account and select the Properties option on the right.
Clear the “Account is disabled” option.
Click the Apply button.
Click the OK button.

Once you complete the steps, the built-in Administrator local account on Windows 11 will be available from the Sign-in screen.

If you want to disable the account, follow the instructions, but in step 6, select the “Account is disabled” option.

Computer Management view for Pro (left) and Home (right) / Image: Mauro Huculak

You can only use the “Computer Management” tool to enable the admin account on Windows 11 Pro because the “Local Users and Groups” branch is missing from the Home edition.

FAQs about the Administrator account on Windows 11

Here’s a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers about enabling the Admin account on Windows 11.

What is the built-in Administrator account on Windows 11?

The built-in Administrator account is a predefined local account with unrestricted system privileges. Unlike standard administrator accounts, it runs without User Account Control prompts, meaning every process launches with full administrative rights.

Why is the Administrator account disabled by default?

Microsoft disables the Administrator account by default to reduce security risks. Because the account bypasses UAC and has unrestricted access, malware or unintended actions can cause system-wide damage if the account is left enabled.

Is the built-in Administrator account different from a regular admin account?

Yes. Regular administrator accounts still use User Account Control to limit elevation. The built-in Administrator account runs everything elevated, which makes it powerful for troubleshooting but unsafe for daily use.

Can I enable the Administrator account on Windows 11 Home?

Yes. Windows 11 Home supports enabling the built-in Administrator account using Command Prompt or PowerShell. The Computer Management method is only available on Windows 11 Pro.

Why does the Administrator account not appear in Settings?

The built-in Administrator account is hidden by design. Even when enabled, it does not appear in the “Accounts” section of Settings, but it will appear on the sign-in screen after activation.

Which method is the best way to enable the Administrator account?

For most users, Command Prompt or PowerShell is the fastest and most reliable method. Computer Management is useful on Windows 11 Pro when you prefer a graphical interface.

Can I enable the Administrator account from Safe Mode or Windows Recovery Environment?

Yes. You can enable the Administrator account using Command Prompt from Safe Mode or the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). This is especially useful if you are locked out of your primary account or forgot your password.

Is it safe to use the Administrator account daily?

No. This account should only be used temporarily for troubleshooting, system recovery, or advanced configuration. Once finished, it should be disabled to restore normal security protections.

Can I set a password for the Administrator account?

Yes. You should always set a strong password after enabling the account. Leaving it without a password creates a serious security vulnerability, especially on shared or network-connected devices.

Does enabling the Administrator account affect Microsoft accounts?

No. The built-in Administrator account is a local account and does not interfere with Microsoft accounts or other user profiles on the system.

How do I disable the Administrator account again?

You can disable the account using the same method you used to enable it. With Command Prompt, use net user "Administrator" /active:no. With PowerShell, use Get-LocalUser -Name "Administrator" | Disable-LocalUser. In Computer Management, reselect the “Account is disabled” option.

Update December 24, 2025: This guide has been updated to ensure accuracy and reflect changes to the process.