This post features solutions to fix This device is locked by an Administrator error in Windows 11/10. This error usually occurs if the user account doesn’t have administrative permissions. However, it can also occur if you use a corrupted screen saver that is password protected. Fortunately, you can follow these suggestions to fix it.
Fix This device is locked by an Administrator error
To fix This device is locked by an Administrator error in Windows 11/10; try using the last login details to log into the device. If that doesn’t help, follow these suggestions:
- Use the login Information of the Last User
- Use Shutdown tool in the Microsoft Windows Resource Kit
- Enable Administrator Access for the User Account
- System Restore to a point before the problem started
- Repair Windows Installation
Let’s now see these in detail.
1] Use the login Information of the Last User
Before getting started with different troubleshooting methods, try logging in using the information of the last user. This has been known to help most users. Here’s how:
- Press CTRL + ALT + DEL to unlock the device.
- Now type the login details of the last user and click on Ok.
- Once the Unlock Computer dialog box closes, press CTRL+ALT+DELETE to log in.
2] Use Shutdown tool in the Microsoft Windows Resource Kit
The Shutdown tool in the Windows Resource Kit helps shut down a locked device. It displays the System Shutdown dialog on the locked computer but will fail to restart after the shutdown timer expires, making the Welcome to Windows screen appear.
Press CTRL + ALT + DEL before the screen saver activates and log in normally. However, if that doesn’t help, restart and log in before the screen saver program activates.
3] Enable Administrator Access for the User Account
Enabling administrator access for the user account can help fix the error message. Follow these steps to do so:
- Press and hold the Shift key on the Windows sign-in screen and restart your device.
- Select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.
- Here, type the following command and hit Enter.
net user administrator /active:yes
- Restart your device once done and see if your device gets unlocked.
4] System Restore to a point before the problem started
In case of an install failure or data corruption, System Restore can make your device to working condition without reinstalling the operating system. Doing so will repair the Windows environment by installing the files and settings saved in the restore point. Here’s how you can perform a System Restore. Note that this can be done only if you’ve created a System Restore Point earlier.
Since you cannot log in, you may need to access the Advanced Startup Options to do this.
5] Repair Windows Installation
If none of these methods were able to help you, repair the Windows OS using the Installation media. Here’s how you can do it:
- Download Windows ISO and create a Bootable USB or DVD drive
- Boot from the media and choose Repair your computer.
- Under Advanced Troubleshooting, select Advanced Options > Troubleshoot.
- Now click on Startup Repair and follow the instructions on-screen.
If nothing helps, contact your system administrator to get the issue resolved.
Read: Account verification system is having trouble
We hope this post helps you.
How do I fix administrator permissions in Windows 11?
To enable administrator permissions in Windows 11, press the Start button, search Command Prompt and open it as an admin. Now, type in the following command and hit Enter to grant administrator privileges.
net user “Administrator” /active:yes
How do I unlock a Windows 11 Account?
To unlock your Windows 11 account, type lusrmgr.msc in the Run dialog box and hit Enter. This will open the Local Users and Groups snap-in. Now expand the user’s folder and click the Account you want to unlock. Now, uncheck the Account is locked out to unlock the user account.
