Enable or Disable the Built-in Administrator Account in Windows 11 –

Method 1: Using Command Prompt

This method is applicable across all Windows 11 editions.

1. Press the Windows key + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin).
2. To configure the built-in administrator account:
   • Type net user Administrator /active:yes to enable the account.
   • Type net user Administrator /active:no to disable the account.
3. Hit Enter.
4. Once enabled, the built-in admin account will appear on the login screen.

⚠️ Important: If your system uses a different language, replace “Administrator” with the localized account name.

Method 2: Using PowerShell

This method is also applicable across all Windows 11 editions.

1. Press the Windows key and type PowerShell.
2. From the search results, right-click PowerShell and choose Run as administrator from the context menu.
3. To configure the built-in administrator account:
   • Type Enable-LocalUser -Name “Administrator” to enable the account.
   • Type Disable-LocalUser -Name “Administrator” to disable the account.
4. Hit Enter.

⚠️ Important: Be sure to run PowerShell with administrative privileges to execute these commands successfully.

Method 3: Using Local Users and Groups

This method only applies to Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.

1. To open the Local Users and Groups management console, press Windows key + R, type lusrmgr.msc, and hit Enter.
2. In the left pane, select Users.
3. Double-click Administrator from the list of accounts.
4. To enable the account, uncheck the box labeled Account is disabled.
5. To disable it, check that box.
6. Click Apply, then OK.
7. The changes take effect immediately.

Bonus Method: Using Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)

⚠️ Important: Editing the registry carries risk and should be your last resort. Be sure you understand the changes you’re making, and always have a backup available.

If you cannot log into any user account, you can enable the built-in admin account through the Windows Recovery Environment.

1. Restart your PC while holding the Shift key and select Restart from the Start menu.
2. Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt
3. In Command Prompt, type regedit to open the Registry Editor.
4. In the Registry Editor, select HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE and click File > Load Hive.
5. Browse to C:\Windows\System32\Config\SAM
6. Load the SAM file and name it TEMPHIVE.
7. Navigate to:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\TEMPHIVE\SAM\Domains\Accounts\Users\000001F4
8. Double-click on the F binary value.
9. Locate the value at offset 0x38 and change it from 11 to 10 to enable the account.
10. Unload the hive from the File menu and restart your system.