How to Unlock Computer Locked by Administrator🔥

Updated by

Shelly 

Updated on Mar 01, 2026

Several users have reported that their PCs are being locked by an administrator, preventing access to files, settings, or the desktop. If you're facing a similar issue as follows, please don't panic because there are reliable ways to regain access.

This guide from EaseUS Software explains how to quickly and safely unlock a computer locked by an administrator.

Why Does This Computer Is Locked by the Administrator Appear

This issue commonly happens on Windows 11 and Windows 10. Here are some causes behind this issue. Please check them out below.

Before proceeding, you're supposed to confirm the following items:

• Is this your personal computer? Is it managed by a company or a school's IT department? If it is a work or school device, you may need to contact your administrator. 

3 Ways to Unlock Computers Locked by Administrators

The following content depicts how to unlock computer locked by adminstrator? There are three solutions for your reference. 

Way 1. Use EaseUS Partition Master🔥

How to unlock computer locked by administrators? With the right Windows password recovery tool, you can quickly regain access without losing your data. For example, EaseUS Partition Master includes a built-in Password Reset feature that allows you to unlock a Windows PC by removing or resetting login passwords and PINs.

This solution works even if you are completely locked out of your system. Before starting the password reset process, you'd better ensure you have a blank USB drive available to create a bootable disk.

Step 1. Insert the target USB disk into the computer, download and run EaseUS Partition Master, and click "Toolkit" > "Password Reset."

Step 2. A small window will pop up. After reading it carefully, click "Create".

Step 3. Select the correct USB flash drive or external mobile hard disk and click "Create" again. Wait patiently. After the password reset USB flash drive is created, click "Finish."

Step 4. Remove the password reset USB, insert it into the locked PC, and restart. You will be asked to change the boot drive to boot the PC from USB. Once completed, the system will automatically boot from USB.

Step 5. After restarting, find EaseUS Partition Master again and go to "Password Reset." All accounts on the PC will be displayed in the interface; click on the target account and check "Reset & Unlock."

Step 6. When you receive this prompt, click "Confirm" to continue. Your password will be erased.

Way 2. Restart your PC and try Safe Mode

Using Safe Mode is an effective way to unlock a computer locked by an administrator. This built-in Windows diagnostic feature allows you to bypass user-level restrictions, enable the hidden Administrator account, and reset or recover a forgotten password.

When you start Windows in Safe Mode, the system loads only essential drivers and core services. By minimizing background processes and disabling third-party software, Safe Mode can help you bypass startup errors, software conflicts, or security restrictions that prevent normal login access.

Step 1. Power on your PC and forcefully interrupt the boot process 3 times by holding down the power button as Windows begins to load.

Step 2. On the Automatic Repair screen, choose Advanced options. 

Step 3. Follow the on-screen instructions to select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair > Windows 10 or Windows 11. 

Step 4. Select your Windows account, enter the password if prompted, and let Windows automatically diagnose and repair startup issues.

Way 3. Reset the account password using CMD

If your computer displays the message "This computer is locked by the administrator", one effective built-in solution is to enable Windows' hidden Administrator account using CMD.

Windows operating systems such as Windows 11 and Windows 10 include a disabled, built-in Administrator account by default. This account has full system privileges and can be activated in recovery mode, even if your primary admin profile is locked, disabled, or inaccessible.

Step 1. Type cmd in the search bar > select Run as administrator to open the Command Prompt window.

Step 2. Once the Command Prompt opens, ensure you are logged in with administrative privileges. If you are unsure, run the following command to enable the hidden admin account.

• net user Administrator /active: yes 

Step 3. Restart your computer. If successful, please log in to the newly enabled Administrator account and reset your locked profile password.

How to Prevent This Computer Is Locked by the Administrator

After fixing the issue, it's important to take preventive steps to avoid getting locked out again. Whether you're using Windows 11 or Windows 10, the following best practices can help keep your computer accessible and secure.

• Create a secondary administrator account: Without a doubt, only one admin account can increase the risk of total lockout. A backup admin account ensures you can regain access if your primary account is disabled or locked. Here are the steps. Go to Settings > select Accounts > Family & other users > Add a new user > Assign Administrator privileges.
• Set up a password reset risk: If you use a local account, please create a password reset disk. Here are the steps. Please insert a USB drive > search for Create a password reset disk in Windows > follow the setup wizard to continue.
• Use a Microsoft account with recovery options: Link your device to a Microsoft account, then add a recovery email, a phone number, and enable multi-factor authentication. If your account gets locked, you can recover it online instead of losing access to your PC.
• Enable Windows Hello (PIN or Biometrics): Using Windows Hello adds convenience and reduces password errors, as fewer failed login attempts mean a lower chance of account lockout. You can set up a PIN, enable fingerprint or face recognition.
• Keep Windows updated: System glitches or corrupted updates can sometimes cause login errors. Regular updates help prevent registry corruption, login screen bugs, and security vulnerabilities. 
• Regularly back up important data: Even if your account becomes locked, cloud, external, or System Image backups can ensure your files remain safe.

Conclusion

How to unlock computer locked by administrators? If you encounter the message This computer is locked by the administrator, don't panic. In most cases, the issue can be resolved without reinstalling Windows or losing your personal files. 

If you want an easy and efficient way, EaseUS Partition Master is a reliable password reset tool. If you prefer free solutions, you can start with the built-in Windows features. By following the steps outlined above and taking preventive measures, you can resolve the issue quickly and avoid future administrator lockouts.

FAQs

Additionally, this section provides several useful tips on this topic. If you're interested, please check them out for practical guidance.

1. Why does my computer say This computer is locked by the administrator?

This message usually appears after multiple failed login attempts, a disabled administrator account, a locked Microsoft account, or security restrictions set by system policies. It may also occur on work or school devices managed by an IT department.

2. Can I unlock a Windows computer without the administrator password?

Yes, you can. If you have access to the Windows Recovery Environment, you can enable the built-in Administrator account or reset the password. However, if BitLocker encryption is enabled, you may need the recovery key to proceed.

3. Why is my administrator account disabled?

The administrator account can be disabled due to security policies, too many incorrect password attempts, system errors, or manual changes in account settings. In some cases, Windows updates or corrupted user profiles may also trigger account lock issues.