Updated 04/10/2025
⚠️ Important: This guide assumes you have some basic computer repair skills. Use responsibly.
Location: Roseville, CA
Time to Complete: 30 minutes or less
Difficulty Level: Medium
Tools Needed: A Windows Install Disk that matches the OS on the computer
Why This Works
There is a “feature” in most later versions of Windows that allows someone with physical access to:
- Change passwords
- Create new users
- Elevate users to administrators
As a managed IT support business, we use this hack often for clients in a pinch.
Step 1 – Replace Utilman.exe with CMD.exe
- Boot from the Windows install CD or USB (matching the OS).
- Click:
- Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Command Prompt
- Run this command:
- copy c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe c:\
- You should see: 1 file(s) copied.
- Then run:
- copy c:\windows\system32\cmd.exe c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe
- Respond Y to overwrite. Confirm when it says the file is copied.
- Reboot the computer normally.
Step 2 – Use the Command Prompt to Modify Users
💡 For Windows 11, boot into “Safe Mode with Networking” to use these commands.
- At the Windows logon screen, click the Ease of Access icon (bottom-left).
- This opens a Command Prompt with Administrator privileges.
- Use these commands:
🔍 Get List of Users:
net user
🔑 Change Password:
net user myuser newpassword
➕ Create a New User:
net user myuser newpassword /add
🛡️ Make User an Admin:
net localgroup administrators myuser /add
Double-check your work by logging into the updated/new account.
Step 3 – Restore the Original Utilman.exe
- Boot into the Windows install disk again.
- Go to:
- Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Command Prompt
- Run this command:
- copy c:\utilman.exe c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe
- Confirm overwrite with Yes
- Reboot. You’re done!
Need help or don’t want to do it yourself?
📍 We’re Vision Quest, a managed IT support business based in Roseville, CA.
Let us take the stress off your plate.
➡️ Contact Us
