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Many times, we need to access various system files on our Windows 8 operating system, but unfortunately, we don’t have the rights to do so. This occurs because of the limited access rights that our user account possesses. In order to overcome this obstacle, we must set our user account as an administrator account. This blog post will explain how to set Administrator privileges on Windows 8.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Setting Up Administrator Privileges on Windows 8
By default, when we set up a user account on Windows 8, we are not given administrator privileges. This means that we don’t have the right to access certain system files and perform some critical system changes. In order to properly set up administrator privileges, we need to have a good understanding of the process. It may seem complicated at first, but once you understand the process; it’s a piece of cake.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before you proceed with the methods, there are a few things that you should prepare for:
- A user account with administrator privileges
- A backup of all important files to prevent any data loss
- An internet connection in case you need to download any software
- Patience and attention to detail
Method 1: Via User Accounts
This method is the simplest and most straightforward method to set up administrator privileges. Follow these steps:
1. Click on the Start menu and navigate to Control Panel.
2. Once in the Control Panel, find and click on the User Accounts option.
3. Select the "User Accounts" option and click on "Manage another account".
4. Choose the account you want to give administrator privileges and click on "Change the account type".
5. Select "Administrator" and click the "Change Account Type" button.
6. Restart your computer and your account should now have administrator privileges.
Pros:
- Simple and easy to follow steps
- No need for third-party software
Cons:
- You need to have an existing administrator account to carry out this method
- If you are not logged in as an administrator, you won’t be able to change the privileges
Method 2: Via Command Prompt
This method involves using the Command Prompt utility to carry out the task. Follow these steps:
1. Press the "Windows" key and type "cmd."
2. Right-click on the Command Prompt and select "Run as administrator."
3. Type "net user administrator /active:yes" and press Enter.
4. Restart your computer and a new account named "Administrator" should now be visible.
5. Login to the "Administrator" account, go to User Accounts in Control Panel, and change your user account’s type from Standard to Administrator.
6. You can now log back into your preferred user account, and it should have Administrator privileges.
Pros:
- The method can be used even if you don’t have an existing administrator account
- This method is fast and efficient
Cons:
- You need to be careful while using Command Prompt as a wrong command can damage your system
- If you don’t follow the steps exactly, you might run into problems
Method 3: Via Local Group Policy Editor
This method uses the Local Group Policy Editor, which is a built-in feature in Windows 8 Pro and Enterprise editions. Follow these steps:
1. Press "Windows + R" and type "gpedit.msc."
2. Once the Local Group Policy Editor opens, navigate to "Computer Configuration" > "Windows Settings" > "Security Settings" > "Local Policies" > "User Rights Assignment."
3. Find the policy "Allow log-on locally" and double-click it.
4. Click the "Add User or Group" button and type the user account you want to add as an administrator.
5. Click "OK" to save changes and close the policy settings window.
6. Restart your computer, and your user account should now have administrator privileges.
Pros:
- This method can be used on any edition of Windows 8
- The method does not involve the use of the Command Prompt
Cons:
- This method can only be applied to one user account at a time, and this may take a while if there are several user accounts that have to be set up
- Changes made via the Local Group Policy Editor can affect your system, so be careful when making changes
Why Can’t I Set Up Administrator Privileges on Windows 8?
There may be several reasons why you can’t set up administrator privileges on your Windows 8 computer. Here are some:
1. Limited access rights
A user account that only has standard access rights cannot make changes that require elevated privileges.
2. Malware or viruses
Malware or viruses can make changes to your system that disable or restrict administrator privileges to certain user accounts.
3. Corrupted system files
Corrupted system files can cause issues with your system, which may prevent you from setting up administrator privileges.
How to Fix?
Here are some fixes for the above-mentioned problems:
1. Limited access rights
You need to have an account with administrator privileges to perform tasks requiring elevated privileges. Follow the first two methods we have discussed in this blog post.
2. Malware or viruses
Perform a system scan using antivirus software and remove any malicious programs that are detected. We also recommend performing a second scan using another antivirus program.
3. Corrupted system files
You can use the System File Checker (SFC) tool to scan and repair corrupted system files. For this, open Command Prompt and type "sfc /scannow" and press Enter. Allow the system to perform the necessary repairs.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when setting up administrator privileges:
- Always have a backup of important files in case something goes wrong
- Ensure that your system is free of malware or viruses before making any changes to your system
- Always follow the steps carefully to avoid any mistakes
- If you are not comfortable making changes to your system, seek expert help
5 FAQs about Setting Up Administrator Privileges on Windows 8
Q1: What is an Administrator account?
A: An Administrator account is a user account that has full control of the system, including access to all system files.
Q2: How do I know if I have administrator privileges?
A: Go to Control Panel > User Accounts. If your account type is "Administrator," then you have administrator privileges.
Q3: Can I give administrator privileges to a standard user account?
A: Yes, follow the steps we have mentioned in this blog post to give administrator privileges to a standard user account.
Q4: What is the difference between a User account and an Administrator account?
A: A User account has limited control over the system, whereas an Administrator account has full control over the system.
Q5: Can I remove administrator privileges from my account?
A: Yes, you can follow the steps mentioned in Method 1 to change your account type to Standard.
In Conclusion
Setting up administrator privileges on Windows 8 can be a bit daunting at first, but with the help of the methods mentioned in this blog post, you can do it in no time. We hope that this blog post has helped you gain a better understanding of the process. Always remember to take the necessary precautions before making any changes to your system.