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Activate the hidden administrator account in Windows

Created on  | Last modified on 

Summary

How to activate the built-in administrator account in Windows to complete tasks like installing Sage products.

Description

Windows 10 and Windows 11 include a built-in administrator account that’s disabled by default.

You can activate it temporarily to install Sage products or troubleshoot permission issues. Deactivate the account when you finish to reduce the security risk.

Resolution

  1. Select Start, type cmd.
  2. Right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
  3. Type net user administrator /active:yes then press Enter.
  4. Close Command Prompt.
    You've now activated the administrator account.
  5. Sign out and log in using the administrator account.
  6. Retry the task you couldn't complete before.

Deactivate the administrator account

NOTE:

Only deactivate the account if there are other accounts active on your machine, otherwise this can lock you out of Windows.

  1. Log in using your usual user account.
  2. Select Start, type cmd.
  3. Right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
  4. Type net user administrator /active:no and then press Enter.
  5. Close Command Prompt.

You've now deactivated the administrator account.

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