Windows 10 problems after deleting the second admin account

Troubleshooting Windows 10 Post-Account Deletion Issues: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Managing user accounts in Windows 10 is a common task, especially for users who want to organize their workspace by creating multiple accounts with administrative privileges. However, unexpected issues can arise if accounts are deleted improperly or if the account management process impacts system permissions and functionality. This article explores typical problems experienced after deleting a second administrator account and provides professional, step-by-step solutions to restore normal system operations.

Understanding the Issue

Many users create additional user accounts with administrative rights to segregate work environments or for testing purposes. Once the secondary account has served its purpose, it is often deleted. However, this process can sometimes lead to unforeseen complications, such as:

• Inaccessibility of system folders like the Prefetch directory
• Inability to delete temporary files or perform certain operations
• Dysfunctionality of the primary administrator account, which appears to lose its elevated privileges

Such issues indicate that account deletion may have impacted system permissions or residual configurations, disrupting normal user operations.

Common Causes

• Improper removal of user accounts that are still linked to system permissions
• User profile corruption or permission anomalies resulting from account deletion
• Administrative privileges not correctly reassigned or revoked

Step-by-Step Solutions

1. Verify User Account and Permission Settings

2. Log into your primary administrator account.

3. Open the “Control Panel” > “User Accounts” > “Manage another account” to confirm the remaining accounts.

4. Ensure your main account still has administrative privileges.

5. Use Windows Built-in Troubleshooting Tools

6. Open “Settings” > “Update & Security” > “Troubleshoot.”

7. Run the “User Account” troubleshooter to detect and fix related issues.

8. Restart the system after troubleshooting completes.

9. Gain Ownership of System Folders

If you are unable to access or modify system directories such as Prefetch or Temp:

• Right-click the folder > “Properties.”
• Navigate to the “Security” tab > “Advanced.”
• Click “Change” next to the owner and type your user account name.

• Apply changes and grant yourself full control permissions.

• Repair System Files

Corrupted or missing system files may cause unexpected behavior:

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
• Run the System File Checker command:

sfc /scannow

• Wait for the process to complete and review the report.

• Create a New Administrator Account

If creating a new user