Should i enable the hidden administrator account?

**Cerawy** · 12 Jan 2019

Brink said:

Almost the same, but still has more access rights.
It would still depend on the owner and access permissions of the folders even for the built-in Admin, but usually it can access most.

Okay. I like having as many rights for my computer as possible, so i think im going to go for it.

mrgeek said:

Yes, it is but what you're missing is what 'Bree' pointed out ... that viruses, malware and ransomware can install themselves, without Your permission, by bypass the UAC or Smartscreen warnings. That's one purpose of the hidden Admin, to give anybody or anything, including bad guys, full rights to do anything to the computer. If that doesn't matter to you, then go for it.

The last time i had a virus was 4 years ago. It basically screwed all my files on my computer. But since i got my files backed up on a separate usb memory stick, it shouldnt be a problem i guess?

I should probably also point out, that i was using a standard user account when it happened, so it wasnt much of a help.

**CountMike** · 4 Weeks Ago

Cerawy said:

But since i got my files backed up on a separate usb memory stick, it shouldnt be a problem i guess?

Only if that backup drive is not connected at the time of trouble or is write protected.

**Cerawy** · 4 Weeks Ago

Its not. Its a separate usb memory stick.

P.S it seems that logging into the hidden administrator account changes my settings completely. Can i get all my settings back without having to do it manually?

**LMiller7** · 4 Weeks Ago

Even when NT was first released more than 25 years ago Microsoft did not recommend using an admin level account for regular use. That was to be reserved for occasions when it was needed. Security then was much less of a concern then now. Now in 2019 the problem with malicious software in all it's forms is far more serious. Running with a standard non elevated admin account does not ensure safety but it does give a added level of security.

Having the Administrator account enabled is a security risk, using for general use is worse. I would consider the risk as unacceptable except for very unusual situations, such as on a system that has no Internet access.

Yes, using a non elevated account is at times inconvenient. But dealing with a serious malware infection is also an inconvenience.

**Cerawy** · 4 Weeks Ago

LMiller7 said:

Yes, using a non elevated account is at times inconvenient. But dealing with a serious malware infection is also an inconvenience.

Its not more inconvenient than having your most important files backed up on a separate usb memory stick, or using a program to backup your computer. Also, if you use windows defender with a good antispyware program, you should be safe as long as you are browsing safely. Just my 2 cents.

**DriftyDonn** · 3 Weeks Ago

I recently tried to use Steve Gibsons (OLD) util Universal plug & play disable/enable. Was messaged that administrator had to be logged in to use the program and to log off and back on as Admin. Is this program so old it isn't really useable in win10? Would I 'need' to make a new account?

**Cerawy** · 3 Weeks Ago

Is there an easy way to transfer all your settings to the hidden administrator account? If not, im just going to start changing all the settings manually.

**LMiller7** · 3 Weeks Ago

Enabling the Administrator account for use when necessary and using it for general use is another thing entirely

Windows 10 was not designed for general use with the built in Administrator account. None of the modern Apps will work with it and there are other things as well that will not work. This is by design and not a bug. Future updates may bring further restrictions.

**lx07** · 3 Weeks Ago

LMiller7 said:

None of the modern Apps will work with it.

This was true in Windows 8 and earlier versions of Windows 10. It seems that you can run modern apps now even without changing UAC settings in gpedit. I'm not sure when this changed.

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Not that I would recommend it either but running as Administrator isn't really much less secure than running as a user that is part of the administrators group (like 99% of people do) as it is trivial for malware to bypass UAC unless you run as standard user.

**Cerawy** · 3 Weeks Ago

Im getting an error message saying that windows has signed me into a temporary account if i try to sign in with the hidden administrator account. Any fix for this?

Should i enable the hidden administrator account?

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