Seeing the confusing NET HELPMSG 2221 error on Windows 10 or 11 PC? This error indicates your account is no longer set as administrator, causing access issues.
Not to worry – you can regain admin privileges and resolve this Windows errors with a few simple steps.

In this guide, I’ll cover:
- What causes the NET HELPMSG 2221 error
- Regaining administrator rights via the registry
- Using Control Panel to reenable admin
- Performing a system restore to undo changes
Follow these methods to get your full admin capabilities back and fix NET HELPMSG 2221 for good.
What Triggers the NET HELPMSG 2221 Error on Windows 10 or 11 PC?
The NET HELPMSG 2221 error typically appears if your account loses administrator privileges on your Windows 10/11 PC.
Some common triggers include:
- Your account was switched from a standard to a limited user
- Administrator roles were removed from your account
- A new user was created and set as the admin
- Your account was accidentally deleted
How to Fix NET HELPMSG 2221 Administrator Account Roles Issue on Windows Computer
Losing admin rights blocks access to certain apps, features, and settings – generating NET HELPMSG 2221. Let’s look at how to restore admin powers.
1: Use Control Panel User Accounts
Alternatively, Control Panel lets you reassign admin roles:
- Press Win and open Control Panel
- Go to User Accounts > Manage Another Account
- Select your account and choose Change Account Type
- Switch account type to Administrator
- Click Change Account Type to confirm
- Restart your PC
Control Panel provides an easy way to add back administrator permissions.
2: Regain Admin Rights Via Registry
You can re-add administrator permissions to your account by editing the registry:
- Press Win + I to open Settings and select Recovery > Restart to Advanced startup
- Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt
- Type “regedit” and press Enter to open the Registry Editor
- Navigate to “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\REM_SAM\Domains\Account\Users\000001F4”
- Change the 11 value to 10 to enable admin rights
- Close Registry Editor and restart your PC
This instantly re-elevates your account to admin status, resolving NET HELPMSG 2221.
3: Perform a System Restore

If other changes caused the issue, roll back your system:
- Open Command Prompt as Admin
- Type “rstrui” to open System Restore
- Choose a restore point from before the issue occurred
- Click Next, then Finish to restore your system
- Restart your PC afterwards
System Restore resets your computer to undo recent changes leading to NET HELPMSG 2221.