Some tasks in Windows 11, such as installing certain programs, changing system files, or running advanced commands, need administrator rights. Running an app "as administrator" gives it those rights for that session, after you approve a User Account Control (UAC) prompt. This guide covers every way to run a program as administrator, how to make an app always run elevated, and what to do if the option is missing.
Quick Answer
Open Start, type the app name, and click Run as administrator in the right pane. Or right-click the app's shortcut and choose Run as administrator. Click Yes on the User Account Control prompt.
Ways to Run as Administrator
| Method | How |
|---|---|
| Start search | Search the app, click Run as administrator |
| Right-click | Right-click a shortcut or .exe > Run as administrator |
| Keyboard | Search the app in Start and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter |
| Taskbar | Hold Ctrl + Shift and click a pinned app |
| Power user menu | Windows + X > Terminal (Admin) |
| Run dialog | Windows + R, type the program, press Ctrl + Shift + Enter |
| Task Manager | File > Run new task > check Create this task with administrative privileges |
Method 1: From Start Search
- Click Start or press the Windows key.
- Type the app name, such as Command Prompt.
- Click Run as administrator on the right.
- Click Yes when User Account Control asks.
Method 2: Right-Click a Shortcut or Program
- Right-click the desktop shortcut or the program file.
- Choose Run as administrator. In Windows 11's shorter menu, it is usually shown directly; otherwise choose Show more options.
- Confirm the UAC prompt.
Method 3: Keyboard and Taskbar Shortcuts
- In Start search or the Run dialog, press Ctrl + Shift + Enter instead of Enter.
- For a pinned taskbar app, hold Ctrl + Shift and click its icon.
Always Run an App as Administrator
- Right-click the app's shortcut and choose Properties.
- On the Shortcut tab, click Advanced, check Run as administrator, and click OK.
- Or on the Compatibility tab (for the .exe), check Run this program as an administrator.
- Click Apply and OK.
Only do this for apps you trust and that truly need it, since elevated apps can change important system settings.
Open an Admin Terminal
Press Windows key + X and choose Terminal (Admin). From there, you can open elevated PowerShell or Command Prompt tabs.
Related: How to Open Registry Editor in Windows 11.
Troubleshooting
Run as administrator is missing
Not all items support it, such as some Microsoft Store apps and folders. Right-click the app's .exe file instead of a shortcut, or use Start search.
Nothing happens after clicking Yes
The app may start in the background or be blocked by security software. Check Task Manager and your antivirus.
You are asked for an admin password
You are signed in to a standard account. Enter an administrator's credentials, or ask the PC's administrator for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is running as administrator safe?
Yes for trusted apps, but it gives the app full access to your system. Avoid running unknown programs as administrator.
Should I turn off User Account Control?
No. UAC is an important security layer. Approving prompts for trusted apps is the safer approach.
How do I know if an app is running as administrator?
For Command Prompt and Terminal, the title bar says Administrator. In Task Manager's Details tab, you can add the Elevated column.
Summary
- Search the app and click Run as administrator.
- Or right-click a shortcut and choose Run as administrator.
- Use Ctrl + Shift + Enter or Ctrl + Shift + click for speed.
- Set an app to always run elevated only if needed.
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.