Running a program as an administrator in Windows 10 is pretty straightforward. You’ll need to locate the program you want to run, right-click it, and then select the ‘Run as administrator’ option. This grants the program elevated privileges, allowing it to make system changes. Here’s a more detailed guide to help you out.
How to Run as Administrator Windows 10
Running a program as an administrator in Windows 10 allows the application to access system resources and make necessary changes. Follow these steps to perform this task correctly.
Step 1: Locate the program
Find the program you need to run as an administrator on your desktop or in the Start menu.
Locating the program might seem trivial, but it’s an essential first step. If you can’t find it, use the search bar in the Start menu to type the program name.
Step 2: Right-click the program
Once you’ve found the program, right-click on its icon to open a context menu.
The right-click action brings up various options related to the program. It’s the gateway to accessing advanced settings for the application.
Step 3: Select ‘Run as administrator’
In the context menu, click on ‘Run as administrator.’
Selecting ‘Run as administrator’ will trigger a User Account Control (UAC) prompt asking for permission. This is Windows’ way of ensuring you really want to run the program with elevated privileges.
Step 4: Confirm the UAC prompt
When the User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears, click ‘Yes’ to confirm.
The UAC prompt is a security feature designed to prevent unauthorized changes. By confirming, you’re allowing the program to run with higher-level access.
Step 5: Program runs with elevated privileges
After confirming, the program will launch with administrative rights.
You’ll now see the program running with all the permissions it needs to make system changes or access restricted resources.
Once you complete these steps, the program will run with administrative privileges. This means it can perform tasks and access system files that are otherwise restricted.
Tips for How to Run as Administrator Windows 10
- Shortcut Method: You can also press ‘Ctrl + Shift’ and then click the program icon to run it as an administrator quickly.
- Pin to Start: Pin the program to the Start menu, then right-click the Start menu icon to always see the ‘Run as administrator’ option.
- Compatibility Settings: Go to the program’s properties, click on the ‘Compatibility’ tab, and check the box for ‘Run this program as an administrator’ to always run it with elevated privileges.
- Task Manager: You can also use Task Manager to run a program as an administrator. Click on ‘File’, then ‘Run new task’, and check ‘Create this task with administrative privileges’.
- Command Prompt: Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type the path of the program to run it with elevated privileges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some programs need administrator privileges?
Some programs need to make changes to the system, access restricted files, or perform tasks that require higher-level permissions.
Is it safe to run all programs as an administrator?
No, only run programs you trust as an administrator to avoid potential security risks.
Can I set a program to always run as an administrator?
Yes, right-click the program, go to ‘Properties’, then ‘Compatibility’, and check ‘Run this program as an administrator’.
What should I do if I don’t see the ‘Run as administrator’ option?
Ensure you have the necessary permissions on your user account or try running the program from an administrator account.
How do I disable the User Account Control (UAC) prompt?
Go to ‘Control Panel’, then ‘User Accounts’ and adjust the UAC settings, but be cautious as this can lower your security.
Summary
- Locate the program.
- Right-click the program.
- Select ‘Run as administrator’.
- Confirm the UAC prompt.
- Program runs with elevated privileges.
Conclusion
Running a program as an administrator in Windows 10 is a simple but powerful way to make sure your applications have the necessary permissions to function correctly. Whether you’re troubleshooting, installing new software, or making system changes, knowing how to run programs with elevated privileges can save you a lot of hassle.
Remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Always be cautious about which programs you run as an administrator to avoid unwanted changes or security risks. If you found this guide helpful, why not check out our other articles on Windows 10 features and tips? Happy computing!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.