Windows Default Built-In Administrator

Windows Default Administrator account

We have following 4 types of accounts in windows pc.

1. Standard user
2. Administrator User
3. Guest User
4. Build-In Administrator

First three accounts we know and see it regular. Guest account is the one with very limited privileges for a guest session, usually we disable it.

Default Administrator account is the built-in administrator account with very elevated privileges (i.e. Super User).  Usually and by default this is account is disabled and hidden.

 

Difference between Built in Administrator and Administrator User

Administrator user – Is an un-elevated administrator account. This is controlled by UAC (User account control) by default. Though this account has complete access, any changes that require elevated admin rights will be prompted by UAC to do so.

Built-in Administrator – This is an elevated administrator account, will not be monitored by UAC. This is hidden by default. This account has a well-known SID.

To enable default administrator account

1. Go to start menu
2. Select Command Prompt
3. Right click and run as ‘Administrator’
4. Now command prompt will be opened
5. Type the following command

          Net user administrator /active:yes

Security Warning

It’s not advisable to enable the built-in Administrator account and use it for daily use. Since this account has a well know SID (Security Identifier) intrusion programs can make harm to the computer by using this account.  In case you have reasons to use this account use it with a very strong password.

Command to see the SID of users 

wmic useraccount get name,sid 

You will see the list of users in the system with SID of each of the users.

Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601] Copyright (c) 2009 Microsoft Corporation.  All rights reserved.   C:\windows\system32>wmic useraccount get name,sid Name            SID Administrator   S-1-5-21-1180699209-877415012-3182924384-500 Guest           S-1-5-21-1180699209-877415012-3182924384-501 HomeGroupUser$  S-1-5-21-1180699209-877415012-3182924384-1002