Windows 10: I bought a used computer but the old user account is still there.

I bought a used computer but the old user account is still there. I tried just factory resetting the computer but it said I needed more space to reset it. What can I do?

:)

 

Old user account with Microsoft account reappeared on the computer

Hi Graham,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



It is very unusual that the old profile has reappeared on the computer.



Ideally, the old profile will only reappear if System Restore has been performed on the computer. We would like to if you are aware of any changes made to the computer.



As you have mentioned that your Microsoft account is linked to your old profile, I would suggest you to convert the Microsoft account to a local account by following the steps mentioned below:

1. Login to the old account.
   
2. Press Windows Logo key + I, to open
   Settings.
   
3. Click on Accounts and select
   Your info from the left pane.
   
4. Click on Sign in with a local account instead.
   
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
   

After converting the account to a local account, if you wish to delete the account, refer the steps mentioned below:

1. Login to the newly created account.
   
2. Press Windows Logo key + R, to open
   Run dialog box.
   
3. Type control and click on
   OK.
   
4. Select Large icons from the drop down for
   View by.
   
5. Now, click on User Accounts.
   
6. Click on Manage another account and select the user account that you want to remove.
   
7. Click on Delete the account and select
   Keep Files (if you want to keep the files of the user account) else select Delete
   to remove the account.
   

After deleting the old user account, to convert the new user account to a Microsoft account, go to
Settings (Windows Logo key + I) >> Accounts >>
Your info >> click on Sign in with a Microsoft account and follow the on-screen instructions.



I hope the information provided by me is helpful for you.



Let us know if you need any further assistance, we will be glad to help you further.



Regards,

Nikhar Khare

Microsoft Community - Moderator

 

Settings can't be opened using the built-in administrator account


Hello,
Unfortunately I have the same issue as Dabz from upgrading win7 to win10.
I've tried opening settings using all the suggested methods and it will not load using my account with Administrator access nor the built-in Administrator profile. I also tried other methods not listed such as using Run. Control panel is just a stepping stone to add users in Settings.
I'm also having explorer.exe issues, which I believe is preventing Settings from loading.
Using cmd (Admin) I successfully created a new user profile [and granted admin access also using cmd (Admin)], however win10 will not allow this account to log on. win10 does not list this new user within control panel but it does in the start menu. win10 will not allow to log in or switch to the new account via the start menu either.
I can access settings in Safe Mode but this will not allow me to create a new account.
Any help/suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Cheers

 

Changing Administrator in User Account

Hi Bryan,



In order for us to assist you on how to delete your Administrator Account from your computer. Kindly follow these steps:

• Go to Start.
• Look for Control Panel.
• Select User Accounts.
• Then look for Manage another user's account.
• Select your old account and then delete it.

Let us know how it goes.