unable to add second admin account

Windows 10 Home ver 1703.

It used to be the case that we could add a second admin account, and delete the original. This was handy as a way to clear info of a previous user, whether they sold the computer, they died, or sometimes to clear up a clogged up machine.


From browsing the net, blogs and this forum it sounds that Microsoft in their wisdom have made this very difficult if as in this case where the original user has died. I have her sign on details, and can open and get into it fine.

When I try to create a second admin user as a non family member, I am asked for info that is not relevant or not available, eg email address, phone etc. So that doesn't work. If I try to add a family member - I get "something went wrong". All I need to do is create a new admin user which does NOT need a Microsoft sign in, and delete the original account.

These sort of ill-thought through concepts (as in the case of updates) is not endearing long standing users of Windows = perhaps MS don't care?

Help please

Thank you Brink for responding so quickly - yes that is the bottom line if another solution is not available.

The hassle of taking the route you suggest, is that we have to reload all the programs and apps etc, which if MS have thought this through shouldn't be necessary.

It may well be we have no choice - another reason why so many are avoiding Win 10 - several I know have reverted to Win7 because of issues re system corruption after a Windows Update.

This system started as Win 8 so we may revert as many feel more comfortable with 7.1 - certainly the person who is inheriting this laptop.

Hey-ho!

Bottom Line with your advice I have achieved the required end result - thanks so much.

I had been down this path before, a couple of things threw me, (i) the term local account which I am increasingly understanding as a non-Microsoft a/c, and (ii) asking me for the original Microsoft A/c holders password at every step of the way. I bit the bullet, set up the new a/c, no choice as to standard or admin until one reboots and signs in on the new a/c, then you can change it to admin. Held my breath and deleted the original a/c, as the backstop was to re-install. So far so good.

Thank you again, you're a star!