How to I remove and/or reset an administrator password from a standard/local account?

Levon'te Scott 5 Reputation points
2024-01-15T19:07:06.3866667+00:00

I was given this laptop from my late relative who said I could keep it for myself. He already had an account created for me on the laptop with my own password. Everything was fine until I was unable to install certain applications/updates I needed without an administrator password; later on I found out it was because my account was a local account and not an administrator account. I tried researching ways I could remove or reset the password of the administrator account from my local account (I’ve tried changing the password, logging in and enabling the built-in administrator, deleting the administrator account, etc), unfortunately I was unable to since every attempt lead to my computer telling me that my access was denied. I need help because there are certain applications and updates I absolutely need for my computer that I’m unable to install without access.

Windows Server Management
Windows Server Management
Windows Server: A family of Microsoft server operating systems that support enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.Management: The act or process of organizing, handling, directing or controlling something.
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  1. Azar 21,230 Reputation points MVP
    2024-01-15T19:50:59.94+00:00

    Hey there
    Levon'te Scott To reset it, you can try booting into Safe Mode and change things through Command Prompt. Once you're in Safe Mode, log in using the built-in admin account (if it doesn't have a password, even better). Now, let's open Command Prompt with admin privileges. Right-click on the Start button and choose "Command Prompt (Admin)." Then, use this nifty command:

    net user administrator NewPassword

    Replace "NewPassword" with your desired password. Give it a shot, reboot your laptop, and then log in with the administrator account using the new password. Fingers crossed this does the trick . If this helps kindly accept the answer thanks much.

  2. Hania Lian 10,446 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2024-01-17T02:32:50.6966667+00:00

    Hello, Thank you for posting in Q&A forum. Please try below steps and see if it help:

    1. If you are using Microsoft Account and logged into Windows Client, please try resetting the Microsoft account password online via below link: https://account.live.com/password/reset
    2. Enable built-in Administrator account
    • Restart your computer and press F8 key repeatedly until you see the Advanced Boot Options menu.
    • Click "Safe Mode with Command Prompt."
    • In the Command Prompt window, type net user administrator /active:yes and press Enter.
    • Restart the computer and log in as the administrator.
    • Change your account to an administrator account.
    • Log in with your account and now you already have adminstrator permission.

    REF: https://video2.skills-academy.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/enable-and-disable-the-built-in-administrator-account?view=windows-11 3. If all else fails, please considering reinstalling operating system. Before that please remember backup all personal data for safety. Best Regards, Hania Lian

    If the Answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it

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