Applies to Windows 7

How do I log on as an administrator?

An administrator is someone who can make changes on a computer that will affect other users of the computer. Administrators can change security settings, install software and hardware, access all files on the computer, and make changes to other user accounts. To log on as an administrator, you need to have a user account on the computer with an Administrator account type. If you are not sure if the account that you have on the computer is an administrator account, you can check the account type after you have logged on by doing the following:

The steps that you should follow will vary, depending on whether your computer is on a domain or a workgroup. To find out, see "To check if your computer is on a workgroup or domain" in What is the difference between a domain, a workgroup, and a homegroup?

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My computer is on a domain

  1. Type the user name and password for your account in the Welcome screen.

    Picture of the Welcome screenThe Welcome screen
  2. Open User Accounts by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking User Accounts, clicking User Accounts, and then clicking Manage User Accounts. Administrator permission required If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

    Your user name is highlighted and your account type is shown in the Group column.

    Picture of the currently logged on user in the Manage User Accounts Control PanelCurrently logged on user and user's account type

My computer is in a workgroup

  1. Type the user name and password for your account in the Welcome screen.

    Picture of the Welcome screenThe Welcome screen
  2. Open User Accounts by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking User Accounts and Family Safety, clicking User Accounts, and then clicking Manage another account. Administrator permission required If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

    Your account type is displayed below your user name.

    Picture of the currently logged on user in the User Accounts Control PanelCurrently logged on user and user's account type

    If your account type is Administrator, then you are currently logged on as an administrator.

If your account type is not Administrator, then you cannot log on as an administrator unless you know the user name password for another account on the computer that is an administrator. If you are not an administrator, you can ask an administrator to change your account type. For more information, see Change a user's account type.