Built-in Administrator Account - Enable or Disable

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

   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

By default, the built-in administrator account is named Administrator, and is disabled.

   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)

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)

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.

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)

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)

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.

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)

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)

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

 .