How to Change an Account to Administrator or User Mac and Windows

In this intrusion set I will outline the steps required to change an account from standard user to administration and vice versa on both Mac and Windows. Doing this can either restrict certain security privileges or allow an account to download and change settings as it pleases. For your devices security it's recommended that nonessential accounts be set to standard user.

Estimated time:

2 minutes on Mac

4 minutes on Windows

Disclaimer:

These instructions were done on macOS Monterey and windows 10 but the steps should remain the same regardless of the operating systems version.

Supplies

Mac laptop or desktop running Monterey

Windows laptop or desktop running Windows 10

Mac: Login to Device

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Login to your device on your primary account.

*****************Disclaimer*********************

It should be mentioned that the account that was used to set up the device is typically going to be the primary account and it cannot be changed to a standard user.

Mac: Navigate to System Preferences

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Click on the Apple logo in the top left corner of the screen and select system preferences.

Mac:Select Users and Groups

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Click on users and groups in system preferences.

Mac: Unlock Changes Settings

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Click the lock on the bottom left corner and enter your password to make changes.

Mac: Select Desired User

Click on the user you wish to change in the other users menu.

Mac: Select Preference

Check or uncheck "Allow user to administer this computer" to configure privileges.

You Did It!!!!!

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Congratulations you've configured your account privileges!!! As an admin you should be able to manage other accounts privileges and download apps which are both things a standard user can't do. If you're unable to do that you may have missed a step and should repeat the process. Remember to set any unnecessary accounts to standard user and always be mindful of your devices' security. Continue scrolling to learn how to change account privileges on Windows.

Windows: Login to Your Account

Login to your account.

Windows: Search for the Control Panel

Click on the search icon, type in "control panel" and click on it.

Windows: Find User Accounts

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Click on user accounts.

Windows: Find Manage Other Account

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Click on "manage other account"

Windows: Select User

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Click on the user that you would like to change.

Windows: Find Change Account Type

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Click on "change the account type"

Windows: Change Privileges

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Click standard or administrator then click "change account type"

You Did It!!!

Congratulations you've changed your account privileges!!! As an admin you should be able to change security settings, install apps, have access to all files, and manage other accounts which are all things a standard user can't do. If you're unable to do these things you may have missed a step and should repeat the process. Remember to set any unnecessary accounts to standard user and always be mindful of your devices' security.