Windows 10: how do I bypass microsoft administrator account on used computer without losing anything?

I had to return my computer to a business partner. We are in a legal lawsuit. Since I used my Microsoft account, it made me the administrator of the computer. I was not permitted to alter the computer before returning it. Now the partner needs access but that would require my Microsoft password, which I refuse to give him. What options are there that would keep the computer files intact without sacrificing my login information and personal files. He claims he cannot access the .pst file or software files.

:)

 

Should my Microsoft Account have administrator privileges?

I just finished reinstalling Windows 10 (Creator version) and decided to have the installation process create a Microsoft Account instead of bypassing that step like I have on other laptops in the past and creating a local account later. After the install I went to Accounts in the settings and saw that the Microsoft Account was listed as an Administrator. I always thought the main user should only have standard privs for security purposes. Thoughts? Should I create a new admin account and try and change the MSA to a standard account?

 

Linking Microsoft Account to my Local Account Caused me to Lose Administrator Access

Hi,



Welcome and thank you for posting in Microsoft Community. We appreciate your interest in Windows 10.

I suggest you to refer to the below steps and check if it helps.

Step 1: Try to login to your temporary user account, enable built in administrator account and try to change the account settings.

• 
  Press Windows + X key together on your desktop screen.
  
• 
  Click on Command Prompt (admin) to open
  Command Prompt.
  
• 
  Type the following command and hit Enter:
  

• 
  net user administrator /active: yes
  (Check for the spaces)
  

4. Now log off from the current user and try to login to the administrator account that is enabled.

Note: Please follow the same steps and type net user administrator /active: no to disable admin account after the troubleshooting is done.



Step 2: Follow the below steps,

• 
  Type User Accounts in the Search box from the desktop and select
  Change the User Accounts.
  
• 
  Here you will be able to see all the user accounts on your computer.
  
• 
  Select the User account and see if it is a Standard user account or Administrator.
  
• 
  If it is standard user then, change it to Administrator.
  
• 
  Now, log out from the Built-in Administrator account and try to log-in with your Administrator account.
  

Hope it helps. Kindly update the status of this issue, we will be happy to help you.

 

Settings can't be opened using the built-in administrator account


Hello,
Unfortunately I have the same issue as Dabz from upgrading win7 to win10.
I've tried opening settings using all the suggested methods and it will not load using my account with Administrator access nor the built-in Administrator profile. I also tried other methods not listed such as using Run. Control panel is just a stepping stone to add users in Settings.
I'm also having explorer.exe issues, which I believe is preventing Settings from loading.
Using cmd (Admin) I successfully created a new user profile [and granted admin access also using cmd (Admin)], however win10 will not allow this account to log on. win10 does not list this new user within control panel but it does in the start menu. win10 will not allow to log in or switch to the new account via the start menu either.
I can access settings in Safe Mode but this will not allow me to create a new account.
Any help/suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Cheers