How to Open Command Prompt as Administrator

Guide on How to Open Command Prompt as Administrator​

Opening the Command Prompt with administrative privileges is essential for performing certain tasks that require elevated permissions. Here are three methods to achieve this:

Using the Start Menu​

1. Press the Windows key to open the Start Menu.
2. Type “cmd” in the search bar.
3. Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter at the same time, to launch Command Prompt as an administrator.
4. If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to allow.

This method works from Windows 7 and up, making it a versatile option for various versions of Windows.

Using the Run Dialog​

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “cmd” in the text field.
3. Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter instead of just pressing Enter.
4. If prompted by UAC, click Yes to allow.

As of Windows 10 Build 16362 and higher, this method supports launching programs with elevated privileges directly from the Run dialog.

Using PowerShell Command​

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type powershell "Start-Process cmd -Verb RunAs" and press Enter.
3. If prompted by UAC, click Yes to allow.

This method utilizes PowerShell to start Command Prompt with administrative rights without requiring additional password typing but still prompts for UAC confirmation.

Running the Command Prompt with administrative privileges is essential for executing certain commands that require elevated permissions to modify system settings, manage user accounts, install software, and access protected files and directories.Without administrative rights, many critical tasks such as configuring network settings, managing disk partitions, or altering system configurations cannot be performed due to security restrictions imposed by the Windows operating system. This ensures that only authorized users can make significant changes that could affect the stability and security of the system. By running Command Prompt as an administrator, users can bypass these restrictions and perform necessary administrative tasks effectively.