Will deleting administrator user also delete accounts created with it?

I have a single administrator account. I've created local users with it. The local accounts function perfectly.
However, the administrator account has become progressively less stable. I'd like to delete it and replace it with a fresh account. How can I do this without losing the local accounts?

Don't confuse the Administrator account [usually hidden] with an account with Administrative Rights. The hidden account shouldn't be deleted, probably can't be.

Most likely the main account's Profile has become corrupt. I've seen such cases, and in Control Panel while logged into that account, have created a new one with Administrative Rights, rebooted and logged into the new account then deleted the original saving the documents. Usually did not affect the second account but never did it with more than that.

You must NEVER delete the only administrator account, else you'll not be able to manage your PC or make new accounts.

You can delete an administrator without affecting any other accounts - but make sure you have another administrator first! You can make any (or all) of the accounts you created an administrator.
Change Account Type in Windows 10


The built-in Administrator cannot be deleted, but you shouldn't be using that as your main account anyway.

I was just thinking about this the other day. My question is along the same lines as I have a PC that had/has an old Admin user on it, but they got a new computer, so I gave the old one to another family member who also has Admin rights. If I delete the original Admin user will all their files/folders/programs be deleted also, and then the PC will be left with just the fresh new Admin user? I know I can try it to find out, but I was just wondering before hand.

Yes, logging into the user desired to keep that has Administrative rights will allow that user deleting any others and will give a choice to keep or delete those users' files.

Berton said:

Yes, logging into the user desired to keep that has Administrative rights will allow that user deleting any others and will give a choice to keep or delete those users' files.

Thank you!

You're welcome.

I always create a second reserve admin account on my PCs so it is ready to use should I have problems with my main admin account.

Nordel said:

I have a single administrator account... I'd like to delete and replace... How can I do this without losing the local accounts I created?

Thanks to all who replied.

I used Berton's and Bree's replies in particular and changed one of my regular accounts to administrator level. My wobbly administrator account may or may not continue.

The takeaway for me: in administrator security, solo is a no-no.

Mark this thread as closed!

Good, you got it working.