• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

FixMe.IT Official Blog

Remote Support Tips, Windows How-To's, Product Tutorials

FixMe.IT FixMe.IT
World's #1 Rated Remote Support Software
Sign up
Official Company Blog
  • Product
  • Features
  • Pricing
  • How It Works

How to Enable Built-in Administrator Account on Windows 10

October 25, 2019 by Dan Kukarsky

Microsoft Windows features a hidden built-in administrator account that’s disabled by default. Although considered to be a vulnerability, the built-in administrator account might become a lifesaver in certain unpredictable situations. Here are three ways to enable it on Windows 10.

Option 1: Enable the built-in administrator account with Command Prompt

  1. Run Command Prompt as an administrator.
  2. In the Command Prompt, execute the following command: net user administrator /active:yes

To disable the built-in administrator account simply type net user administrator /active:no and hit Enter.


Looking for an easy solution to fix Windows issues remotely? FixMe.IT is the world’s #1 rated remote support app that allows to connect to any remote PC in 3 easy steps. Click here to see how it works.

Option 2: Enable the built-in administrator account via Computer Management

  1. Press Win+X and select Computer Management.
  2. Go to Local Users and Groups > Users.
  3. Right-click the Administrator account, then select Properties.
  4. Uncheck the Account is disabled box, click Apply, then OK.

To disable it, complete steps 1-3, then check the Account is disabled box and apply the changes.

Note that this option is available only on Windows 10 Pro. To enable the built-in administrator account on Windows 10 Home, use the Command Prompt method (Option #1).

Option 3: Enable the built-in administrator account from the Windows login screen

You might also find yourself in a situation where logging into Windows 10 is not possible and you have to enable the hidden administrator account directly at the login screen.

  1. Click the Power button at the bottom-right corner of the screen.
  2. Select Restart while holding the Shift key to run the Windows Recovery Environment.
  3. Go to Troubleshooting > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
  4. In the Command Prompt, execute the following command: net user administrator /active:yes

This method is going to be a lifesaver if you accidentally forget the password for your main administrator account. However, it will work only if you have previously enabled the built-in admin account or remember its password, since you’re going to need one in order to open the elevated Command Prompt.

Did you find this article helpful? See more Windows tips & tricks on our blog and join us on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn to get all the latest updates as they happen.

Learn More About FixMe.IT

Related Posts

  • 3 Easy Ways to Run Command Prompt as Administrator in Windows 10
  • How to Enable “Run as a Different User” Option in Windows 10
  • How to Enable Windows Auto Logon on a Remote Computer with FixMe.IT

Filed Under: Windows Tips & Tricks Tagged With: Hidden administrator account, Windows 10

Primary Sidebar

Most Popular

Switching from Office to Remote Work? Here’s How FixMe.IT Can Help

9 Essential Software Solutions for Remote Work & Collaboration

Chrome Remote Desktop Review: The Pros & Cons

The Easy Way to Upgrade to Windows 10 Remotely

5 Reasons Why FixMe.IT Is Your Alternative to LogMeIn Rescue

5 Tips to Organize Remote IT Support for Your Small Business

Follow Us

Recent Posts

  • How to Disable Bing Search in Windows 10 Start Menu February 2, 2021
  • Remote Desktop Keeps Freezing on Windows 10: How to Fix It January 8, 2021
  • Top 7 Free Remote Desktop Software in 2021 December 23, 2020
  • Best Remote Desktop Software for Windows 10 November 9, 2020
  • Access Your Work Computer from Home with FixMe.IT October 20, 2020
  • Embracing Remote Work & Remote Desktop Tools in 2020 September 24, 2020

Footer

Product

  • Features
  • Pricing
  • How It Works
  • Security

Resources

  • Demo Videos
  • White Papers
  • Support Center
  • Testimonials

Try It Free

Do you enjoy reading our posts? You might also like our remote desktop app. Give it a try, it's free for 15 days:

Try FixMe.IT Free

© 2021 · Techinline Ltd. · Built on the Genesis Framework