The window panel is the core of the computer that allows users to control hardware and software and manage system settings. As it is accessible to all, anyone can manage, modify, and change the system settings. To avoid this, you must change it to administrative privileges.

In this blog, we look at and explore various methods to open control panel as admin to manage efficiently. But first let’s explore the difference between a normal control panel privilege and an administrative privilege.

Difference between Normal Control Panel and Administrative Privileges

The window panel is the core of the computer that allows users to control hardware and software and manage system settings. As it is accessible to all, anyone can manage, modify, and change the system settings. To avoid this, you must change it to administrative privileges.

In this blog, we look at and explore various methods to open control panel as admin to manage efficiently. But first let’s explore the difference between a normal control panel privilege and an administrative privilege.

Here in the given table, are the differences between a normal control panel privilege and administrative privilege.

Normal Control PanelAdministrative Privileges
Users can control basic system settingsUsers gain full access to the system
Changes in whole system is not allowedFull system change is allowed
Not able to modify key featuresCan modify some feature but not all
Not accessible to advanced toolsFull access and control on advanced tools

Methods to Open Control Panel as Admin

Method 1- Use control panel as elevated mode using shortcut

The control panel does not have any shortcuts already. So, you have to create a shortcut for the control panel first. This helps the control panel run in elevated mode. Here are the steps:

  1. Right click on the desktop.
  2. Select New, and then Shortcut.
  3. A field name, “Type the location of the item,” will occur. Paste the given location into it.

%windir%\System32\control.exe

  1. Choose Next.
  2. In the field “Type a name for this shortcut,” write “Control Panel.”
  3. Click on Finish.

Method 2- Use control panel as elevated mode using run

This is the second method of how to run control panel as admin. Here are the steps for it:

  1. Open Run by clicking Win+R
  2. Type “Control” and click Ctrl+Shift+Enter together.
  3. A UAC prompt will show up.
  4. Tap “Yes”; the control panel will launch in Elevated Mode.

Method 3- Create New Task to run Control Panel with Admin Privileges using the Task Manager

The third method to take elevated privilege of control panel and how to run control panel as admin. Here is how it works:

  • Right click on Task Bar.
  • Choose the Task Manager.
  • Tap on Run New Task.

Type “control” in task Dialog and enable the checkbox saying “Create this task with administrative privileges

  • Click

Also know: How to Fix Nvidia Control Panel Not Opening in Windows

Ways to Change User Account to Administrator

1. Open control panel as admin using Setting app

It is the straightforward way to change control panel basic privileges to administrative privileges by changing the account. To achieve this, follow the steps given below:

  • Click Win+I to open Settings.
  • Select “Account” from the left-side option bar.
  • Click on Family and Other Users.
  • You see the standard account below the Other User or Your Family options. Select the dropdown icon under the standard account.
  • Tap Change Account Type.
  • Click “Yes” and give permission to make changes to Setting apps.
  • In Change Account Type, open the dropdown and choose Administrator from Standard User.
  • Press OK to save changes.
  • When saved, you can easily switch your user account by clicking on the shortcut keys: Ctrl+ Alt+ Delete.

2. Run control panel as admin using Control panel

  • Tap on the Start button.
  • Type “Control Panel” in the search bar of the Window and press Enter.
  • From the Control Panel, select User Accounts.
  • Choose Manage Another Account.
  • Click Yes from the prompt.
  • Double-click the user account that you want to choose.
  • Select the Change Account Type.
  • At last, choose Administrator and tap on Change Account Type to confirm.

3. Open control panel as admin using Computer Management

  • Tap on the Start button.
  • Type “Computer Management” in the window search and Enter.
  • In computer management, select Local Users and Groups from the left-side column.
  • Select Users.
  • Select and double-click the administrative account you want to set up from the middle options.
  • After clicking, a window pops up; choose the “Member of” section.
  • Tap on the Add tab from the pop-up window.
  • Type Administrator in the field “Enter the object names to select” and hit OK.
  • Select Administrator from the pop-up window of “Members of” and click OK.

4. Open control panel as admin using Netplwiz command

  • Open the Run dialog box by clicking the Win+R button together.
  • Type netplwiz and press Ctrl+Shift+Enter to launch it.

  • It shows a User Account Control prompt.
  • Tap Yes.
  • From User Account tab, select the account you want to change as administrator and then click on Properties.
  • Select the tab Group Membership on the pop-up window.
  • Tap Administrator and click OK to confirm.

5. Open control panel as admin using PowerShell

  1. Click on the Start button and type window powershell.
  2. Press Run as Administrator.
  1. A User Account Control prompt shows up. Tap Yes.
  2. Enter the given command in windows PowerShell:

Add-LocalGroupMember -Group “Administrators” -Member “username

  1. Press Enter.
  2. After pressing Enter, it looks like this.

6. Open control panel as admin with Command Prompt

  1. Open command prompt by clicking the Start button.
  2. Type “cmd” in the window search bar.
  3. Select the Run as Administrator.
  4. If the option Run as administrator is now showing, follow step 1 again after cancelling all operations.
  5. For the command prompt, type given command:

net localgroup administrators “UserAccountName” /add

  1. Then press Enter.
  2. When you hit enter, it looks like this:

Enable or Disable Administrator Account

Admin accounts are generally hidden in both Windows 10 and Windows 11. It can be enabled at any time by the command prompt. When you enable it, you get access to log in to the administrative account and make changes through security. Here are the steps on how to get it done:

Enabling Administrative Account

  1. In the windows search bar, type cmd or Command prompt in the field.
  2. Below the command prompt, tap Run as Administrator.
  3. Type the given prompt:

net user administrator /active:yes

  1. Tap Enter.
  2. Wait for confirmation and restart the computer.

Disabling Administrative Account

  1. In the windows search bar, type cmd or Command prompt in the field.
  2. Below the command prompt, tap Run as Administrator.
  3. Type the given prompt:

net user administrator /active:no

  1. Tap Enter.
  2. Wait for confirmation and restart the computer.

Also know: How to Download Intel HD Graphics Control Panel on Windows 11/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is it possible to delete the built-in administrative account?

Yes. It is possible to delete the built-in account of the administrator. It is done through Computer Management. Go to the Local Users and Groups section and click the account to disable under the General tab.

Q2. Can I change the username of the account?

Yes. You can change the username of the current account if you misspelled it by mistake.

Q3. Can I change the access of users temporarily?

It is possible to grant access temporarily. Once the user is done with their work, you can again set up that account as a standard user.

This blog has given all the information on how you can run control panel as admin on your own. Try all the methods after reading the steps carefully.

Dikshika Singh

Dikshika is a full-on tech enthusiast who loves engaging into the world of gadgets, tech and digital Innovations. She transforms complex tech talk into simple understanding. Whether it’s the latest trend or everyday tech hacks, she keeps it super engaging—making technology feel less intimidating and more exciting.

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