Windows 10: Loss of administrator access

I have lost ALL administrator access after upgrade from Version 1803 to Version 1809 on December 29th.

This includes running Safe Mode Command Prompt.

If I type in "Net user administrator /active:yes" at the system32 prompt, I get a confirmation of action but when I reboot I still cannot see the Built-in Administrator account log-in.

I am running a HP EliteBook 8470p with only two other accounts, both Microsoft accounts, one set up as Administrator, and one set-up for Back-up, Power User and Remote User capabilities.

The Power User account used to show as "Unknown Account Type" but now both display as "Regular User"s, however both now show the Power User's permissions in the Computer Management (Local) - Local Users and Groups - Users tab.

Any ideas short of Format C: - reinstall Windows?

:)

 

net user administrator /active:no keeps saying access denied.

Hi Rebekah,

It's possible that you're not using an elevated command prompt, causing the Access Denied error. We suggest following these steps to properly disable the built-in administrator account:

• Right-click the Start button.
• Choose Command Prompt (Admin).
• Copy and paste net user Administrator /active:no and press
  Enter. If the command isn't successful, please post a screenshot so that we can study it further.

Let us know if you're able to hide the administrator account after following these steps.

 

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

 

Loss of administrative privileges

Hi Christine,

As a workaround, we suggest that you perform the troubleshooting steps given above after entering Windows Recovery Environment on Windows 10. Kindly follow the steps below on how to enable the Administrator account using Windows Recovery Environment:

• Press and hold the power button on your PC until it powers off. Press the power button on your PC to turn it on.
  
• A Windows logo screen or a Please wait screen will appear on the screen after repeating a force shutdown for three times.
• The system would enter advanced recovery interface. Click Advanced options to enter Windows Recovery Environment.
  
• In Windows Recovery Environment, click Troubleshoot
• Under Advance options, click Command Prompt.
• On the Command Prompt window, type in net user and press
  Enter. It will display the list of all user accounts on the system.
  
• To activate the inactive Administrator account, type in the command:
  net user administrator /active:yes and press Enter.
• Close the Command Prompt and exit out of the Windows Recovery Environment. Reboot your PC and try to log in.

Get back to us if you need further assistance.