login as administrator

When installing Windows 10 a couple months ago, I don't recall being asked about being an administrator (I use a laptop for my exclusive personal use). I occasionally I get an error message saying I have to have "administrator privileges", including a password, when I try to make some change - e.g. the settings in some internet or other program. How do I become te administrator of my own computer or, if I already am but don't know it, how do I find my credentials?

When you set up Windows 10 for the first time and are asked to create an account it is always an administrator account that's created.

Even an administrator gets told 'you need administrator privileges to do this' for certain actions - this is by design. An administrator is running apps with just standard user privileges by default. This gives you the chance to cancel any action malware may be trying to sneak past you.

If you are signed in an administrator you can just click 'continue' to complete the action. If you have signed in with a standard user account you will be offered the chance to type the password to an administrator account to continue.

How many accounts do you have? Have you set up another one since you installed Windows 10 or changed the account type of the one you have? This Tutorial shows how to see what accounts you have and what type they are.
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2...dows-10-a.html

Dear Bree,

Thanks sooo much andhearty congrats. You answer was more than thorough yet succinct and totally easy to follow. You deserve top kudos.

Frank

@casale, thanks for your kind words. Glad to have helped.