To unlock a device administrator on a Windows computer, there are several possible solutions. If the computer displays an error message stating that it is locked and only an administrator can unlock it, pressing Ctrl + Alt + Del may bring up an option to unlock but can result in another error message.
One solution is to use the login information of the last user or use the Shutdown tool in the Microsoft Windows Resource Kit. Another option is to enable Administrator access through Command Prompt or perform a System Restore.
If these solutions don’t work, repairing the Windows installation using Installation media can also help. In Windows 11, you can enable administrator permissions by using the Command Prompt as admin and the command “net user ‘Administrator’ /active:yes.” To unlock a Windows 11 account, open the Run dialog box, type “lusrmgr.msc,” and press Enter.
This opens the Local Users and Groups snap-in. Expand the user folder, select the account to unlock, and uncheck the “Account is locked out” option.
If all else fails, you may need to contact a system administrator for further assistance.
Key Points:
- Press Ctrl + Alt + Del to unlock a device administrator on a Windows computer
- Use the login information of the last user or the Shutdown tool in the Microsoft Windows Resource Kit
- Enable Administrator access through Command Prompt or perform a System Restore
- Repair the Windows installation using Installation media if other solutions fail
- Use Command Prompt in Windows 11 and the command “net user ‘Administrator’ /active:yes” to enable administrator permissions
- Open the Run dialog box, type “lusrmgr.msc,” and uncheck the “Account is locked out” option in the Local Users and Groups snap-in
1. Introduction: Symptoms Of “This Device Is Locked By An Administrator” Error
Encountering the “This device is locked by an Administrator” error message can be a frustrating experience while trying to log on to a Windows computer, either locally or to a domain. This error typically occurs after restarting the computer, preventing users from gaining access to their accounts.
When attempting to log in, a message is displayed explicitly stating that the computer is locked, and only an administrator has the authority to unlock it.
Pressing the familiar Ctrl + Alt + Del key combination brings up the option to unlock the device, but this might result in another error message. The additional error message informs users that the computer is in use and locked, often mentioning the username of the individual who has logged on and off.
These symptoms indicate that a device administrator has applied certain security measures to restrict access to the system.
2. Solutions For Unlocking A Device Administrator In Windows 11/10
If you find yourself facing the “This device is locked by an Administrator” error, there are several solutions available to regain access to your Windows computer. These solutions include:
Each of these solutions has its nuances and may vary depending on the specific version of Windows you are using. It is worthwhile to explore each option and determine which one best suits your specific scenario.
3. Troubleshooting And Enabling Administrator Permissions In Windows 11
In cases where the administrator permissions need to be reestablished or troubleshooting is required, the following steps can be taken:
Startup Repair: Windows 11 provides a Startup Repair option that can be accessed during boot. This automatic repair option attempts to resolve any issues that prevent the operating system from starting properly.
It is advised to select this option if the device administrator unlocking methods mentioned earlier do not yield satisfactory results.
Contacting a System Administrator: If the aforementioned solutions prove to be unsuccessful, it may be necessary to reach out to a system administrator or IT professional for further assistance. They can apply their expertise to assess and resolve any complex issues that may be causing the device administrator lock.
Using Command Prompt: To enable administrator permissions in Windows 11, perform the following steps:
Executing this command activates the Administrator account, granting it full control and unlocking the device administrator lock.
Unlocking a Windows 11 Account: In order to unlock a Windows 11 account, follow these steps:
By following these steps, the previously locked account will be unlocked, allowing you to regain access to the Windows 11 system.
Resolving the “This device is locked by an Administrator” error can be a challenging task, particularly when essential access to a computer is restricted. By implementing the solutions and instructions provided in this article, users can overcome these restrictions, regain control over their devices, and continue working seamlessly.
