How to Tell If You're an Administrator - Office of Information Technology (2024)

You must have administrative rights to install software or perform certain other functions. To find out if you are an administrator on your specific computer, select one of the links below:

• MicrosoftWindows 10
• Microsoft Windows Server 2003
• Mac OS X

If you experience any problems while performing these steps, please contactNC State-helpdeskFor assistance.

MicrosoftWindows 10

1. Click on the Start button.
2. to electControl panel.
3. In Control Panel, clickUser accountsclutch.
4. In the User Accounts window, clickUser accountsclutch.
   • On the right side ofUser accountsthe window shows your account name, account icon and a description.
   • If the word "Administrator" appears in your account description, you are an administrator.
   • If the words "Standard User" are there, you are not an administrator and must log in as a different user.

Microsoft Windows Server 2003

1. Click on the Start button.
2. to electControl panel.
3. I thinkControl panelwindow, double clickUser accountsicon.
4. In the lower half of theUser accountswindow, downstairsor select an account to editheader, you need to find your user account.
5. If the words "Computer Administrator" appear in your account description, you are an administrator.
   If the words "Limited User" are present, you are not an administrator and must log in as a different user.

Mac OS X

1. openApple menu.
2. to electSystem preferences.
3. In the System Preferences window, clickUsers and groupsicon.
4. On the left side of the window that opens, find your account name in the list.
   • Like the wordadministratoris directly below your account name, then you are an administrator on this machine.
   • Like the wordStandardIf there is, you are not an administrator and your account cannot be used to install software or make administrative changes.