Deleting a 2nd Admin User

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Deleting a 2nd Admin User

I set up my new M1 iMac with an admin user (I'll call it SetupAdmin). Then I migrated data to that iMac using a Time Machine backup of my old iMac, which added 2 more user accounts, I'll call OldAdmin and OldUser. Both SetupAdmin and OldAdmin have admin privileges, and I'd like to delete my SetupAdmin user account and its associated data. I would expect that I could just reboot and log in as OldAdmin, go to Users & Groups, select the SetupAdmin account and delete it.

My only hesitation is that this account was used when I 1st set up this iMac. Are there any issues I need to research/resolve before removing my SetupAdmin account?

iMac 24″, macOS 12.5

Posted on Aug 14, 2022 11:28 AM

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Answer 1

Aug 15, 2022 3:23 AM in response to Community User

FWIW, it is a very good idea to always have an extra admin account on your mac. It can be a real lifesaver in case you get into a problem with your main admin account. Creating an extra admin account is something that I strongly recommend. So you might as well keep the one you already have.

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Answer 2

Owl-53

Level 10

103,081 points

Aug 14, 2022 2:00 PM in response to Community User

I think the Very First / Original Account that was Setup when the computer was New is the Only Real Admin Account of this computer.

Attempting to remove it - am pretty sure will not work but stand to be corrected by Others - that is fine too.

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Answer 3

Barney-15E

Level 10

122,252 points

Aug 14, 2022 2:46 PM in response to Community User

There is no “real admin” in macOS. However, there are some issues with Apple Silicon Macs and the “owner” account. I don’t know what implications there are with deleting that first account. I would not remove it, but I’m not certain.

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Answer 4

Owl-53

Level 10

103,081 points

Aug 15, 2022 1:36 AM in response to Community User

Must thank the other contributor for making the effort and using the more correct useage of word terminology - " Owner "

Must apologize for this faux pas 😔

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Answer 5

Aug 15, 2022 2:26 PM in response to Luis Sequeira1

For security reasons, my custom is to log in as my non-admin user. Since my admin account is almost never used, I just figured that having a 2nd admin account was redundant. While this iMac uses Intel chips, I think I'll error on the side of caution, and accept the advice to retain both of my accounts with Admin privileges. Thanks to all who had responded!

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Deleting a 2nd Admin User

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