The NET HELPMSG 2221 error in Windows 10 and 11 indicates that your user account has lost its administrator privileges. This can happen due to various reasons, including accidental changes to user account settings or system updates. Let’s explore how to diagnose and fix this issue to restore your administrator rights.
Diagnosing the NET HELPMSG 2221 Error
Before attempting any fixes, it’s important to confirm that you’re dealing with the NET HELPMSG 2221 error. This error typically manifests when you try to perform actions that require administrator privileges, such as installing software or modifying system settings.
To check your current account status:
Step 1: Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
Step 2: Type cmd and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt as an administrator.
Step 3: If you see a “User Account Control” prompt, click “Yes” to proceed.
Step 4: In the Command Prompt, type net user %username% and press Enter.
Step 5: Look for the “Local Group Memberships” line in the output. If “Administrators” is not listed, your account has lost its admin rights.
Restoring Administrator Rights Through User Account Control Panel
The simplest method to regain your administrator rights is through the User Account Control Panel:
Step 1: Press Win + R, type control userpasswords2, and press Enter.
Step 2: In the User Accounts window, select your account.
Step 3: Click “Properties”, then the “Group Membership” tab.
Step 4: Select “Administrator” and click “Apply” then “OK”.
Step 5: Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
If you can’t access this method due to restricted permissions, try the following alternatives.
Using Safe Mode to Modify User Account Settings
Safe Mode allows you to access your computer with minimal drivers and services, which can be helpful when standard methods fail:
Step 1: Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before the Windows logo appears to enter Safe Mode.
Step 2: Once in Safe Mode, open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
Step 3: Type the following command and press Enter:
net localgroup administrators %username% /add
Step 4: Restart your computer normally.
This command adds your current user account to the administrators group.
Modifying Registry Settings to Restore Admin Rights
Caution: Editing the registry can be risky. Ensure you have a backup before proceeding.
Step 1: Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SAM\SAM\Domains\Account\Users\000001F4
Step 3: Look for a value named “F”, right-click it, and select “Modify”.
Step 4: In the “Value data” field, locate the 11th byte (it should be “11”).
Step 5: Change “11” to “10” and click “OK”.
Step 6: Restart your computer.
This change modifies your account’s group membership directly in the registry.
Using System Restore to Revert Recent Changes
If the above methods don’t work, you can try using System Restore to roll back your system to a point before you lost admin rights:
Step 1: Press Win + R, type rstrui, and press Enter.
Step 2: Follow the on-screen instructions to choose a restore point from before the issue occurred.
Step 3: Complete the restoration process and restart your computer.
System Restore can undo recent system changes without affecting your personal files.
After regaining your administrator rights, it’s crucial to review your system’s security settings and ensure that you have proper backups in place. Regularly creating restore points can help you quickly recover from similar issues in the future. If you continue to experience problems with user account permissions, consider seeking assistance from Microsoft Support or a qualified IT professional.
Remember, maintaining administrator rights is essential for managing your Windows system effectively. However, it’s equally important to use these privileges responsibly to ensure the security and stability of your computer.