The default Administrator account in Windows poses security risks and should be renamed. Here are 5 methods to change it.

** Why Renaming the Administrator Account is Necessary

The built-in Administrator account cannot be locked out regardless of failed login attempts, making it a prime target for brute-force attacks.

Security Risks

1. Local Group Policy Editor (Recommended)

Applies to: Windows Pro, Enterprise, Education (not available in Home edition)

1. Press Windows + R → Run gpedit.msc
2. Navigate to Computer Configuration → Windows Settings → Security Settings → Local Policies → Security Options
3. Double-click “Accounts: Rename administrator account”
4. Check “Define this policy setting” and enter new name
5. Click OK

2. Computer Management

Applies to: Windows Pro, Enterprise, Education

1. Press Windows + X → Select “Computer Management”
2. Go to Local Users and Groups → Users
3. Right-click Administrator account → Select “Rename”
4. Enter new name and press Enter

3. User Accounts Control Panel (netplwiz)

Applies to: All Windows editions

1. Press Windows + R → Run netplwiz
2. Select Administrator account → Click “Properties”
3. Enter new name in “User name” and “Full name” fields
4. Click Apply → OK
5. Sign out and sign back in

4. Command Prompt

Applies to: All Windows editions

1. Press Windows + X → Select “Windows PowerShell (Admin)”
2. Enter the following command:

wmic useraccount where name="Administrator" set name="NewAccountName"

Example:

wmic useraccount where name="Administrator" set name="SysAdmin"

5. Local Users and Groups (lusrmgr.msc)

Applies to: Windows Pro, Enterprise, Education

1. Press Windows + R → Run lusrmgr.msc
2. Click “Users” folder
3. Right-click Administrator account → Select “Rename”
4. Enter new name and press Enter

6. Verify Changes

• Check the new name on login screen
• Verify account name in Start menu (top right)
• Run whoami in Command Prompt

7. Compatibility Notes

Home edition users can only use methods 3 and 4.

The C:\Users\Administrator folder name remains unchanged after renaming. If changes don’t take effect immediately, restart your computer.

Tags: Windows security, Administrator account, account rename, Windows 10, Windows 11, Group Policy, netplwiz, Computer Management, Command Prompt, WMIC, user account management