Create an OS X Admin Account

Creating an Admin Account

An admin account will allow you to do a lot of things to your main account that you would not be able to do otherwise. It is also helpful when your main account just won’t log in and all you need are some files from it.

To create a new admin account from another account, open system preferences from the Apple Menu. Once in the System Preferences, open the Accounts Pane. Hit the lock to make changes if it is not “unlocked” and then hit the Plus sign above it to create a new account. Be sure to check the “Allow user to administer this computer” check box. Fill in all the information and hit the “Create Account” button.

That’s it! You now have a separate administrator account that can save you a lot of time if you get into trouble with your original account. If you have forgotten your password and can't log in, check out that article.