Can't Change/Create/View Windows 10 Admin

IForgotScott · 09 Mar 2021

I just got a new Acer computer and can't install some software as it requires an admin account. I've tried every option I can find on Google to create an admin account. Nothing works and I'm just about ready to return this thing.

I've tried rebooting with the hidden admin account. Nothing is getting me to a screen where I can create an admin account. Been building Windows computers on and off for 20 years and never had this problem. This is what I get for buying a pre-assembled computer.

Any ideas how to create an admin user?

Jacee · 09 Mar 2021

Have you tried this tutorial? Change Account Type in Windows 10

BubbaW · 09 Mar 2021

By following the below Ten Forums tutorial, you should be able to create a Local Account with Admin privilege's !

Add Local Account or Microsoft Account in Windows 10 | Tutorials (tenforums.com)

IForgotScott · 09 Mar 2021

Thanks. Unfortunately, that does not work. Step #2 on this page... Add Local Account or Microsoft Account in Windows 10

... does not work. There is no option to select Family & other users on that screen. All of the other links are there but not that one.

spunk · 10 Mar 2021

You have to be logged in as an Administrator to create or change an account to an Administrator.
Press the Windows key+X and choose Powershell (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin)
Type in the command C:\>net user John /add and press Enter to add an account. If you get an Error 5 Access Denied. You are not logged into an Administrator account. Scroll down to th bottom of this link to make it an Admn. Add new user account from command line (CMD)

Try3 · 10 Mar 2021

IForgotScott said:

I just got a new Acer computer and can't install some software as it requires an admin account.

The account you created during the first boot is an Admin account.
If something has happened to corrupt that account already then I suggest you use whatever procedure Acer have to restore the computer to its factory state.

If that account is not Admin even upon restoration then contact Acer support as the situation should never arise.

Denis

BubbaW · 10 Mar 2021

IForgotScott said:

Thanks. Unfortunately, that does not work.
... does not work. There is no option to select Family & other users on that screen. All of the other links are there but not that one.

Perhaps I am misunderstanding. Are you saying 1. Click on in red circle below is not there and 2. Click on circled below are not there ?

+ Add someone else to this PC under Other users on the right side.

Try3 · 10 Mar 2021

IForgotScott said:

Thanks. Unfortunately, that does not work. Step #2 on this page... Add Local Account or Microsoft Account in Windows 10
... does not work. There is no option to select Family & other users on that screen. All of the other links are there but not that one.

That is correct. Only an Admin user sees that missing entry.

That's why you need to use the procedure I posted or, although I think it is inappropriate for a new computer to have to do any of this messing about, enable the BuiltIn Admin account to do the job using this procedure -
Fix UAC prompt has greyed out or missing Yes button - TenForumsTutorials

Denis

IForgotScott · 10 Mar 2021

The problem was because the login was through a stupid Microsoft Online account. I reinstalled the OS and opted for a local account only. Funny how that option wasnt even given to me on the original install. Seems kind of sleezy by either Acer or MS. Anyhow, I'm back up and running. Thanks to everyone who replied.

Try3 · 10 Mar 2021

IForgotScott said:

The problem was because the login was through a stupid Microsoft Online account. I reinstalled the OS and opted for a local account only. Funny how that option wasnt even given to me on the original install. Seems kind of sleezy by either Acer or MS. Anyhow, I'm back up and running. Thanks to everyone who replied.

The local account option during installation has varied over time. The last I heard, the option is only available if you install whilst disconnected from the internet.
[disconnected can be a useful installation precaution for other reasons as well - get the installation done then worry about updates afterwards].

Denis