In Windows, how do I create an administrator account?

Note: During installation, a default computer administrator account named "Administrator" is created. Although this is a computer administrator account, you will still need to create a new account as computer administrator and set an administrator password before creating other accounts. By default, the Administrator account is disabled in Windows 7 and Vista. In all likelihood, you would not need to enable it unless you need to take ownership of an account you no longer have access to, although it can also be useful for advanced troubleshooting through the command line. For instructions, see In Windows 7 or Vista, how do I enable the administrator account?

To create a new computer administrator account, follow the directions for the appropriate situation below:

• On a computer in the IU ADS domain
  • Windows 7 or Vista
  • Windows XP
• On a computer not in a domain
  • Windows 7 or Vista
  • Windows XP

On a computer in the IU ADS domain

Windows 7 or Vista

To create an administrator account on a Windows 7 or Vista computer in the Indiana University ADS domain:

1. From the Start menu, click Control Panel.

   Note: If this doesn't match what you see, refer to About navigation settings in Windows.

2. Double-click User Accounts, click Manage User Accounts, and then click Add... .
   
   
3. Enter a name and domain for the administrator account. Click Next > .
   
   
4. Select the radio button titled Other: , and from the drop-down menu, choose Administrators.
   
   
5. Click Finish, which will take you back to the User Accounts dialog box. Click OK.

Windows XP

To create an administrator account on a Windows XP computer in the IU ADS domain:

1. From the Start menu, click Settings, and then Control Panel.

   Note: If this doesn't match what you see, refer to About navigation settings in Windows.

2. Double-click User Accounts, and then click Add... .
   
   
3. Enter a name and domain for the administrator account. Click Next > .
   
   
4. Select the radio button titled Other: , and from the drop-down menu, choose Administrators.
   
   
5. Click Finish, which will take you back to the User Accounts dialog box. Click OK.

On a computer not in a domain

Windows 7 or Vista

To create an administrator account for a Windows 7 or Vista computer that is not a member of a domain:

1. From the Start menu, select Control Panel.
   
   
2. Double-click User Accounts, and then click Manage User Accounts.
   
   
3. Click Create new account. Enter a name for the account, and then click Next.
   
   
4. Click Computer administrator, and then click Create Account.

Windows XP

To create an administrator account on a Windows XP computer that is not a member of a domain:

1. From the Start menu, select Settings, and then Control Panel.
   
   
2. Double-click User Accounts.
   
   
3. Click Create new account. Enter a name for the account, and then click Next.
   
   
4. Click Computer administrator, and then click Create Account.

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