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Trying to reset to factory - but, not being recognized as the Admin on my account.

Cece Gaines 0 Reputation points
2025-10-24T19:20:31.22+00:00

I have recently - within the last two weeks, purchased a new Dell Laptop and have issues with the Microsoft Windows setup. I am the global admin on the computer, yet it does not recognize that. I cannot download apps, etc, as it says I do not have the permissions.

I have spent hours on the phone with Dell, they finally said this is a Microsoft issue - yet, I cannot find a number to call to get direct support. I am directed to an aka website to enter a ticket number... but, I can't get any further than that!

Any suggesttions? Dell suggested a reset - but again, as I cannot download the link, I am stuck in the water?

Windows for business | Windows 365 Business
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  1. Joseph Tran 3,040 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-10-24T19:52:59.1133333+00:00

    Hi, There

    As I known, it looks like Windows didn’t properly recognize your admin account, so even as a global admin, you can’t install apps. Here’s a quick fix:

    • Check account type: Press Windows + R, type control userpasswords2, hit Enter, make sure your account says Administrator.
    • Enable built-in Admin: Open Terminal (Admin) and run:
    net user administrator /active:yes

    Log in as Administrator to regain full permissions.

    • Fix your account: Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users, select your account, and set it to Administrator.
    • Offline Reset if needed: Restart with Shift + Restart > Troubleshoot > Reset this PC. Choose to keep files or remove everything, Windows uses the recovery partition, no download needed.
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