How to Add an Administrator on a Mac

By default, all new user accounts created in the Apple Mac OS X operating system are given standard access rights, meaning that they cannot install or delete applications or run system updates. Every computer is required to have one account designated as an administrator to have access to those tasks, but Macs allow for multiple administrator accounts to be created.

Things You'll Need

• Mac running OS X 10.5 or later

Instructions

1. Log on to your computer with an account that currently has administrator privileges.

2. Open "System Preferences" by clicking on the dock icon.

3. Click on the "Accounts" control panel icon under the "System" category heading.

4. Click the lock in the lower-left corner of the control panel window and enter your username and password.

5. Click on the "Plus" sign in the lower-left corner of the window.

6. Choose "Administrator" from the drop-down list at the top of the new window. Then enter a name, short name and password for the new account.

7. Click "Create Account" to add the new administrator account to the computer.