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Windows 11 Administrator Account Locked Out: 9 Proven Fixes
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Published onOctober 2, 2024
published onOctober 2, 2024
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Is your Windows 11 administrator account locked out? Try these proven fixes for a quick resolution.
This can happen for various reasons, such as:
You’ll need trusted solutions that don’t waste your time or put your files at risk. To address this, I’ve tested different approaches to recover an admin account in Windows 11. Here are the methods that worked for me.
How To Fix Windows 11 Administrator Account Locked Out
Follow the steps in the order they appear in:
Use Microsoft Account to Reset Password
This method has a higher success rate than others. However, the only downside is you must be connected to the internet and should know the work or personal Microsoft Account credentials before attempting. Keep your account information handy and try these steps:
If you don’t wish to continue after the8th stepwith resetting your PIN and syncing yourMicrosoft Accountfrom scratch, there’s a workaround you can try.
ClosetheAre you sure?dialog box.
Windows 11 should show your user account’s avatar or initials briefly and automatically take you to the Desktop, bypassing the sign-in screen.
The above approach will only work if the underlying user account files in the Windows 11 PC aren’t corrupted.
Use Another Administrator Account
Restart the PC to log in using your own admin account.
Use a Password Reset Disk
If you’ve got a password reset disk, here’s how you can put it to use when the Windows 11 administrator account is locked out:
If you haven’t got aWindows password reset disk, here’s how you can create one for future use:
Activate Built-in Admin Account Using CMD
You can use a standard or admin account to enable thefactory-configured administrator accountthat usually isn’t visible to a basic user. Here’s how:
Restart the PC. When it reaches the log-in screen, you should see a second user account asAdministrator. Click on that and sign in.
Enable Hidden Administrator Account Using PowerShell
Windows PowerShell gives you more access to personalize the built-in admin account, like setting a custom password. You must first use an alternative administrator account to log in and perform these steps:
Using the Local Security Policy Tool
TheLocal Security Policyinterface allows Windows 11 to controlaccount lockout duration,threshold, andthe lockout counter. So, use another admin account to access the PC and make the following changes in this security tool:
Use Command Prompt via Recovery Mode
When you can’t log in with any alternative admin account, you must enable the hidden admin or fix the existing one with a CMD interface in WinRE. Here’s how:
Restartthe PC and sign in using the admin profile.
Contact Microsoft Support
If none of the above worked, visit theMicrosoft Windows Troubleshoot & repairportal and go to theNeed more help? form.
Type in the issue and hitEnterto create a ticket and contact a chat, phone, or email support specialist.
Reset Windows 11 (Without Losing Data)
If you’ve got enough time, you can also attempt a Windows 11 PC Reset by following these instructions:
Summary
So, now you know what to do when your Windows 11 administrator account is locked out. Which method has worked for you? If there’s anything I missed, feel free to comment below.
You can also learnhow to change the administrator account in Windows 11,force unlock Windows 11, orenable or disable super administrator.
More about the topics:administrator account,Windows 11
Selma Citakovic
Content Editor
Selma is a tech fan and editor at Windows Report. She is also an experienced writer with a focus on cybersecurity, troubleshooting hardware and operating systems, gaming, and all things Windows.
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Selma Citakovic
Content Editor
Selma is a tech fan and editor at Windows Report. She is also an experienced writer with a focus on cybersecurity and all things Windows related.
