Windows 11 allows you to manage multiple user accounts with different permission levels, helping you control what each user can do on your PC. Whether you want to give someone administrator rights or restrict their access to sensitive files, Windows 11 provides various tools to manage user permissions efficiently. These permissions determine whether a user can install apps, modify system settings, or access certain folders.
Changing user permissions can be especially useful for shared computers, family PCs, or work environments. For instance, you may want to give administrative rights to a trusted user or limit a child’s account to standard access. In this guide, you’ll learn how to change user permissions in Windows 11 using multiple methods — including Settings, Control Panel, File Explorer, Command Prompt, PowerShell, and Local Users and Groups. Let’s dive in and explore all the ways to manage user permissions securely.
What Are User Permissions in Windows 11?
User permissions define what actions an account can perform on a Windows computer. Each account type has a specific level of control. The main categories include:
- Administrator – Has full control over the system. Can install software, change settings, and manage other accounts.
- Standard User – Can use most applications and make basic changes, but cannot modify system-wide settings or install software that affects other users.
- Guest or Limited User – Has minimal permissions and cannot make any significant changes or install software.
By assigning the right permission level, you can ensure your system stays secure while giving users enough access to perform their tasks.
Why Change User Permissions?
Here are a few common reasons you may want to modify user permissions:
- To grant admin access to a trusted user for software installation or troubleshooting.
- To restrict access for children or guests.
- To protect sensitive data by controlling who can open, edit, or delete files.
- To manage shared PCs effectively in an office or home environment.
- To fix access errors, like “You need administrator permission to make changes.”
By adjusting user permissions, you can create a balance between convenience and system security.
Method 1: Change User Permissions via Settings
The Settings app is the easiest way to change account types in Windows 11.
Open Settings
- Press Windows + I on your keyboard.
- Select Accounts from the left-hand panel.
Access Other Users
- Click Family & other users.
- You’ll see a list of accounts under “Other users.”
Select the Account
- Find the user whose permissions you want to change.
- Click the arrow icon next to the account name to expand details.
Change Account Type
- Click Change account type.
- A small window will appear.
Select New Permission Level
- Under Account type, choose between Administrator or Standard User.
- Click OK to confirm.
The change takes effect immediately after the user signs out and signs back in.
Note: You must be logged in as an administrator to change another user’s permissions.
Method 2: Change User Permissions Using Control Panel
While the Control Panel is somewhat hidden in Windows 11, it’s still a reliable tool for managing user accounts.
Open Control Panel
- Press Windows + R, type control, and press Enter.
Navigate to User Accounts
- Click User Accounts → Change account type.
Select a User
- Choose the account you want to modify.
Change the Account Type
- Click Change the account type.
- Choose Administrator or Standard User.
- Press Change Account Type to save.
This method works even if you prefer the traditional interface over the new Settings app.
Method 3: Change File or Folder Permissions
In addition to account-level permissions, you can control access to specific files or folders.
Locate the File or Folder
- Right-click the item and select Properties.
Go to the Security Tab
- Click on the Security tab in the Properties window.
Edit Permissions
- Click Edit, then select the user or group.
- Use the checkboxes under Allow or Deny to control permissions:
- Full Control
- Modify
- Read & Execute
- List Folder Contents
- Read
- Write
Apply Changes
- Click Apply → OK.
This method is useful when you want to restrict access to specific folders (e.g., financial documents, work files) without affecting overall user roles.
Method 4: Change User Permissions Using Local Users and Groups
The Local Users and Groups Management tool offers more advanced control.
Open Local Users and Groups
- Press Windows + R, type lusrmgr.msc, and hit Enter.
Select Users
- In the left pane, click Users.
- Double-click the user whose permissions you want to modify.
Change Group Membership
- Open the Member Of tab.
- Click Add to include the user in another group.
- Type Administrators to give admin rights, or Users to keep them standard.
- Click OK, then Apply.
Method 5: Change Permissions Using Command Prompt
The Command Prompt (CMD) provides a quick, text-based method to adjust permissions.
Run Command Prompt as Administrator
- Press Windows + S, type “cmd,” right-click it, and choose Run as administrator.
View All Users net user This lists all user accounts on your PC.
Change a User’s Group
To make a user an administrator: net localgroup administrators username /add To revert them to a standard user: net localgroup administrators username /delete
Confirm Changes net localgroup administrators This displays all users with admin rights.
Method 6: Change Permissions via PowerShell
PowerShell offers similar functionality but with more scripting flexibility.
Open PowerShell as Administrator
- Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
List All Users Get-LocalUser
Add User to Administrators Group Add-LocalGroupMember -Group "Administrators" -Member "username"
Remove User from Administrators Group Remove-LocalGroupMember -Group "Administrators" -Member "username"
PowerShell is particularly useful for system administrators managing multiple PCs or networks.
Method 7: Manage Permissions Using Computer Management Console
The Computer Management utility combines several tools into one dashboard.
Steps
Open Computer Management
- Right-click This PC on the desktop or File Explorer.
- Choose Manage.
Expand Local Users and Groups
- Go to System Tools → Local Users and Groups → Users.
Edit User Properties
- Right-click the user → Properties → Member Of tab.
- Click Add → type Administrators or Users → OK.
Save and Exit
- Click Apply, then OK.
How to Change User Permissions for Shared Folders
If you share folders over a network, you can control who has access.
Right-Click the Folder → Properties
- Go to the Sharing tab → click Advanced Sharing.
Enable Sharing
- Check Share this folder.
- Click Permissions.
Set Permissions
- Add or remove users or groups.
- Choose Read, Change, or Full Control.
Click Apply → OK.
This is ideal for small networks or offices where certain users need limited access to shared data.
How to Check Current User Permissions
If you’re unsure what permissions a user currently has:
- Open Settings → Accounts → Your Info.
- Under your profile name, check the role — it’ll say Administrator or Standard User.
- For folder permissions, right-click a file/folder → Properties → Security → Advanced.
This helps verify that permission changes have taken effect.
Troubleshooting User Permission Issues
Sometimes, even after changing permissions, you might encounter errors like:
- “Access Denied.”
- “You need permission from TrustedInstaller.”
- “This file is open in another program.”
Here’s how to fix these:
1. Take Ownership of Files
- Right-click the file/folder → Properties → Security → Advanced.
- Click Change next to the Owner.
- Type your username → Check Names → OK.
- Check Replace owner on subcontainers and objects → Apply.
2. Disable Inheritance
Some folders inherit permissions from their parent directory. Click Disable inheritance in the Advanced Security Settings window to set custom permissions.
3. Use Administrator Account
Ensure you’re logged in with an administrator account before making system-level permission changes.
Conclusion
Changing user permissions in Windows 11 is essential for maintaining control and security over your computer. Whether you’re managing a family PC or an office workstation, assigning appropriate permissions ensures each user has just the right amount of access they need.
Windows 11 gives you multiple ways to manage permissions — through Settings, Control Panel, File Explorer, Command Prompt, PowerShell, or advanced tools like Local Users and Groups. By understanding these methods, you can easily grant, restrict, or remove administrative privileges whenever needed.
Always remember: with great power comes great responsibility. Administrator rights can modify critical system settings, so grant them only when necessary. By balancing access and restriction, you’ll keep your Windows 11 computer both efficient and secure.
FAQs
1. What’s the difference between Administrator and Standard User in Windows 11?
An Administrator can install software, manage settings, and control other accounts. A Standard User can use apps and basic features but cannot make system-level changes.
2. Can I change another user’s permissions without being an administrator?
No. Only accounts with administrative privileges can modify the permissions of other users.
3. How can I check who has administrator rights on my PC?
Open Command Prompt and type:
net localgroup administrators
It will show all users who have administrator privileges on your computer.
4. Is it safe to make every user an administrator?
Not recommended. Doing so can expose your system to risks like accidental deletion of files, malware installation, or system misconfiguration. Limit admin access to trusted users only.
