How to Fix “You Are Logged On as Standard User” Error in Device Manager on Windows 11

When you try to access Device Manager on Windows 11 and see the message “You are logged on as Standard User”, it means you don’t have the necessary permissions to make changes. This can be frustrating, especially if you need to update drivers or troubleshoot hardware.

This error occurs because certain actions in Device Manager require administrative privileges. Without these rights, Windows restricts your access to prevent accidental system changes.

Fixing this issue usually involves changing your user account type or running Device Manager with elevated permissions. These steps are simple and safe to perform.

In this article, we will guide you through easy and clear methods to resolve this error on Windows 11.

Quick Note Before You Begin

Ensure you have access to an administrator account on your PC. If you only have a standard user account, you will need help from someone with admin rights.
Make sure your Windows 11 system is up to date. Sometimes, updates fix permission-related bugs.
Keep in mind that changing user permissions affects system security. Only proceed if you understand the risks.

Step 1: Run Device Manager as Administrator

Sometimes, simply running Device Manager with administrative privileges solves the problem. Here’s how to do it:

Click the Start button or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
Type Device Manager in the search bar.
In the search results, right-click on Device Manager and select Run as administrator.
If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to allow.

This method works because running as administrator gives you full control over system settings, bypassing the standard user restrictions.

Step 2: Change Your User Account Type to Administrator

If you frequently need to manage devices, you might want to change your account type. Here’s how to switch from a Standard User to an Administrator account:

Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
Click on Accounts from the left sidebar.
Select Family & other users on the right pane.
Under Other users, find your account and click on it.
Click Change account type.
In the dropdown menu, select Administrator and click OK.
Sign out and sign back in for the changes to take effect.

This step grants your user account full administrative rights, allowing you to access Device Manager without permission errors.

Step 3: Enable the Built-in Administrator Account (Advanced)

If you don’t have access to an admin account, you can enable the hidden built-in Administrator account. This is an advanced method and should be used cautiously.

Press Windows + S, type cmd.
Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
```
net user administrator /active:yes
```
Close the Command Prompt and log out of your current account.
On the login screen, select the Administrator account.
Use this account to open Device Manager and make necessary changes.
Once done, for security reasons, disable the Administrator account by running:
```
net user administrator /active:no
```

This account has full privileges but should only be enabled temporarily to avoid security risks.

Alternative Method: Use Local Security Policy

If you’re comfortable with Windows settings, adjusting Local Security Policy can help fix permission issues. Note: This is available only on Windows 11 Pro and above.

Press Windows + R, type secpol.msc, and press Enter.
In the Local Security Policy window, navigate to Local Policies > Security Options.
Find the policy named User Account Control: Run all administrators in Admin Approval Mode.
Double-click it and set it to Disabled.
Click Apply and then OK.
Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Disabling this setting reduces User Account Control prompts, which might help with permission errors. However, this also lowers system security, so use it carefully.

FAQs

Why am I seeing “You are logged on as Standard User” in Device Manager?

This happens because Device Manager requires administrative rights to make system changes. Your current account lacks these privileges.

Can I fix this without administrator access?

No. To perform tasks that require elevated permissions, you must have admin rights or ask someone who does.

Is it safe to enable the built-in Administrator account?

It is safe only if you enable it temporarily and disable it once you finish. Leaving it enabled can pose a security risk.

Will changing my account to Administrator affect my files?

No. Changing account type does not delete your files or programs. It only changes your permission level.

What if running Device Manager as admin still doesn’t work?

There might be system corruption or policy restrictions. In that case, try running System File Checker or contact support.

When Nothing Works

If the above steps don’t resolve the issue, consider the following options:

Run the System File Checker (SFC) tool by opening Command Prompt as administrator and typing sfc /scannow. This checks and repairs corrupted system files.
Use Windows Troubleshooter for hardware and devices to detect problems automatically.
Contact Microsoft Support or visit the official Microsoft Support page for advanced help.
Backup your important files and consider a Windows reset or clean installation if the problem is severe.

Conclusion

The “You are logged on as Standard User” error in Device Manager on Windows 11 is a common permission issue. By running Device Manager as administrator or upgrading your account to an administrator type, you can quickly fix this problem.

For users without admin access, enabling the built-in Administrator account temporarily offers a workaround. Always be mindful of system security when changing permissions or disabling User Account Control.

Following these easy-to-understand steps will help you regain control over your device management tasks without unnecessary frustration.