Knowledgebase
Knowledgebase
Internet Explorer can't be opened using the Built-in Administrator account
Posted by Will Kruss on 20 June 2017 09:09 AM

If modern UI apps can't be opened using administrator account in windows 2012 R2 internet explorer, follow the article.

When you install a Windows 2012 R2 server, if you login as Administrator and try to run any Modern UI Apps (such as Internet Explorer) you’ll get this error message: “This app can’t be opened using the Built-in Administrator account please sign in with a different account and try again.” or “This app can’t be activated by the Built-in Administrator”.

modern app can't be opened with built-in administrator account

You can either create a new user account in the Control Panel and then login as that user.

Or alternatively modify Windows security policy:

  1. Press the Windows key + R to bring up the Run box, and then type secpol.msc. Press Enter.
  2. On the Local Security Policy window, navigate to Security Settings –> Local Policies –> Security Options.

    local-security-policy

  3. On the right panel, double-click on the option “User Account Control: Admin Approval mode for the Built-in Administrators Account” and enable it.

    admin-approval-mode

  4. Click on Apply and exit Local Security Policy.
  5. Press the Windows key + R to bring up the Run box, and then type regedit. Press Enter.
  6. On the Registry Editor window, navigate toHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System\UIPI. On the right side, double-click on default and change the value to “0×00000001(1)”. Click OK.

    system-UIPI

  7. Restart your computer. Now you should be able to run Modern UI Apps using the Built-in Administrator account.
  8. You will also need to enable downloads in Internet Explorer if you wish to download anything, please see: https://www.vpsblocks.com.au/support/Knowledgebase/Article/View/210/0/enable-downloads-in-windows-2012-r2
(126 vote(s))
Helpful
Not helpful