As an administrator, the local admin account on your Windows 10 computer holds significant importance. It is an account that holds complete control rights to your system, allowing you to install/uninstall software, access system files, modify system settings, and much more. A strong and unique local admin password provides an extra layer of security to your system, protecting it from unauthorized access.
However, there can be situations where you might need to change this password, such as forgetting the current one, suspecting unauthorized access, or simply updating it as a security measure. In this blog, we will discuss the different methods to change the local admin password on Windows 10.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
To change the local admin password on your Windows 10 computer, you will need the following:
- A user account with administrator rights
- Access to the Command Prompt or PowerShell
- The old and new password for the local admin account
What Should I Pay Attention to?
Before changing the password, please ensure that you have a strong and unique password in mind. Ensure that the new password complies with your system’s password policy, such as minimum length, complexity, and expiration. Also, note that changing the local admin password may require you to update it on other devices, such as file servers, printers, etc. Additionally, please ensure that you have taken a backup of your important files before making any changes.
Method 1: Change Local Admin Password Using Control Panel
1. Open the Control Panel by typing "Control Panel" in the search bar and selecting it from the search results.
2. Click on "User Accounts."
3. Click on "Manage another account."
4. Select the local admin account for which you want to change the password.
5. Click on "Change the password."
6. Enter the old and new passwords and re-enter the new password to confirm it.
7. Click on "Change password."
Pros
- Easy and straightforward method
- No technical knowledge required
Cons
- Works only if you remember the old password
- Not ideal for multiple computers or remote systems
Method 2: Change Local Admin Password Using Computer Management
1. Open Computer Management by typing "Computer Management" in the search bar and selecting it from the search results.
2. Click on "Local Users and Groups" and then click on "Users."
3. Right-click on the local admin account for which you want to change the password and select "Set Password."
4. Click on "Proceed" on the confirmation message.
5. Enter the new password and confirm it.
6. Click on "OK."
Pros
- Works even if you don’t remember the old password
- Can be used to change passwords for multiple computers
Cons
- Not ideal for remote systems
- Requires technical knowledge
Method 3: Change Local Admin Password Using Command Prompt
1. Open the Command Prompt by typing "cmd" in the search bar and selecting "Run as administrator."
2. Type "net user [username] *" and press Enter. Replace [username] with the name of the local admin account.
3. Enter the new password when prompted and press Enter.
4. Re-enter the new password to confirm it and press Enter.
Pros
- Can be used for remote systems using PowerShell or PsExec
- Works even if you don’t remember the old password
Cons
- Requires technical knowledge
- No confirmation message
Why Can’t I Change My Local Admin Password?
1. Forgotten Old Password – In this case, you can use Method 2 or Method 3 to change the password.
2. Password Policy – Your system’s password policy may prevent you from changing the local admin password. Ensure that your new password complies with your system’s password policy.
3. Corrupted Profile – A corrupted user profile can also prevent you from changing the password. Try creating a new local admin account and transferring the data and settings.
Fixes:
- Method 2 or Method 3 can be used if you have forgotten the old password.
- Ensure that your new password complies with your system’s password policy.
- Create a new local admin account and transfer the data and settings.
Suggestions
Changing the local admin password on a regular basis is a good security practice. Use a combination of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols to create a strong and unique password. Additionally, consider using password managers to securely store and autofill your passwords.
FAQs
Q. Can I change the local admin password for multiple computers?
A. Yes, Method 2 can be used to change passwords for multiple computers using the Active Directory.
Q. Can I change the local admin password from another computer?
A. Yes, Method 3 can be used to change passwords for remote systems using PowerShell or PsExec.
Q. What if I forget the new password?
A. You will need to reset the password again using one of the methods discussed in this blog.
Q. How often should I change the local admin password?
A. It is recommended to change the local admin password on a regular basis, such as every three months.
Q. Can I disable the local admin account?
A. It is not recommended to disable the local admin account as it can cause issues during troubleshooting or system recovery.
Conclusion
Changing the local admin password on your Windows 10 computer is a simple and necessary security measure. In this blog, we discussed three methods to change the local admin password, their pros and cons, and the reasons why you might not be able to change the password. Additionally, we provided some suggestions and FAQs to enhance your understanding. Ensure that you use a strong and unique password and follow good password management practices to protect your system from unauthorized access.