By default in clean installation of Windows, Default Administrator account is disabled. These are simple steps that helps to enable that account, set a password and show on Welcome screen.

How To:

1. Run CMD or elevated CMD and execute the command to enable Administrator account and set a password respectively.

net user Administrator /active:yes

net user Administrator <Password>

2. Now run Registry Editor (regedit) and navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon

Create two keys named SpecialAccounts and UserList, now you will be at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\SpecialAccounts\UserList

3. Create a DWORD value and name it to Administrator and set it to 1

We can disable the account by executing the following command under elevated Command Prompt

net user Administrator /active:no

NOTE: Its recommended to avoid to use Default Administrator.

Applies To:

• Windows Server 2008 R2
• Windows Server 2008
• Windows 7 Ultimate
• Windows 7 Enterprise
• Windows 7 Professional
• Windows 7 Home Premium
• Windows 7 Home Basic
• Windows Vista Ultimate
• Windows Vista Enterprise
• Windows Vista Business
• Windows Vista Home Premium
• Windows Vista Home Basic
• Windows XP Professional
• Windows XP Tablet PC Edition
• Windows XP Home Edition