Bought my friend's computer, trying to make myself admin

Siggi Trust · 25 Apr 2023

Hi everyone.
I bought my friend's computer and managed to log myself into my Microsoft account. I was struggling with creating an online account on my old machine and somehow managed to do it all.

Now my new computer shows an Administrator account and my account (with my User Name). Both accounts seem to be administrators. I only want my account to be there actually so I would love to remove this default Administrator account.

Now the problem is.....I put my old hard drive into a dock and opened it so I can move files from my old hard drive. I can move most of them it seems no problem but a lot of them stop saying I don't have administration rights to move them. It doesn't work on either account it seems. Neither moving it nor copying works.

There doesn't seem to be any option left to make my User account admin. Seems to be already the case.
So what is the problem?

I also have no idea how to make my account the "owner" of the files.

I was thinking about moving everything and just getting rid of my old drive when I'm done.

I also can't seem to change things such as my mouse cursor. I copied some mouse cursor folder into the Windows folder on my new computer and it doesn't show this under Themes.

I was wondering if there is a problem because my old hard drive contains a copy of Windows or like both my new SSD and my old drive are connected now. Is it some conflict issue?

Thanks in advance

Samuria · 25 Apr 2023

The files will beowned by the user on the other pc you need to take ownership of the folders Add Take Ownership to Context Menu in Windows 10

Malneb · 25 Apr 2023

oof copying and messing with system32/windows folder like its nothing

MisterEd · 25 Apr 2023

I would like to clarify some terminology here.

Every Windows installation comes preinstalled with a default user named Administrator. It is of type Administrator. It is by default hidden. When Windows is first set up the first user is also of type Administrator. The 2nd and subsequent users can be either type Administrator or type Standard User. For example:

Bought my friend's computer, trying to make myself admin-user-name.jpg

As long as you know your user is of type Administrator then you can safely delete your friend's Administrator account. An account of type Standard User can't do that.

Note the built-in Administrator account can't be deleted. It is there for your use if needed. It is hidden by default but can be shown if needed. However, it is not recommended that you use that special account for anything but as a backup for a regular account of type Administrator.

BTW, I normally only use local accounts. In the past I have played around and switched to a Microsoft account but always changed back to a local account. Microsoft wants people to use a Microsoft account but I have chosen to only use my Microsoft account when it is necessary.

NavyLCDR · 25 Apr 2023

Why are you messing with any of that? I would start with a clean install of Windows.

BTW, you cannot make yourself admin. The only user who can make another user an administrator has to already have administrator access.

Siggi Trust · 26 Apr 2023

thanks for the answers guys.

I already formatted the new SSD disk. The only things left is to move stuff from my old hard drive to either of the two drives on my new computer and also rename the User folder somehow (that still has my friend's name).

I need to check if I can change the ownership. I suppose that would work.

I will try to make a local account also.

mngerhold · 26 Apr 2023

Siggi Trust said:

...also rename the User folder somehow (that still has my friend's name).

I would advise against that. Renaming user folders is fraught with potential issues, to no benefit. Instead, just create a new account for yourself (make sure its an administrator). If necessary, copy any files from the previous user folder to your own. Then delete the 'previous' user account - the folder will get deleted automatically.

Paul Black · 26 Apr 2023

Hello @Siggi Trust,

I would definitely start with a Clean Install so you have a nice clean OS. You can then set it up to your exact liking. You NEVER know what is lurking in somebody elses computer !

NavyLCDR · 26 Apr 2023

I agree. Again I would suggest a clean install of Windows.

Try3 · 26 Apr 2023

Siggi Trust said:

Now my new computer shows an Administrator account and my account (with my User Name). Both accounts seem to be administrators. I only want my account to be there actually so I would love to remove this default Administrator account.

I assume you mean an Admin account that actually has the UserName Administrator. You cannot delete it.
You disable it instead - this is its default condition so your friend must have enabled it.
Enable or Disable Built-in Administrator account - TenForumsTutorials

Personally, I create a spare Admin user account for use in emergencies. Well, two spares as explained in my link.
my ditty - Create two spare local, password-protected Admin accounts [post #2] in Windows 10, 11 - TenForums

Best of luck,
Denis