How to Run Apps as Administrator on Windows 10

Quick answer: on Windows 10, the simplest way to run a desktop app with administrator rights is to find it in Start or Windows Search, right-click it, and choose Run as administrator. If you are signed in with a standard account, Windows normally asks for the credentials of an administrator account. If you are already an administrator, User Account Control (UAC) usually asks you to approve the elevation.

Windows 10 support note: Microsoft ended regular Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. These steps still apply to PCs that continue to run Windows 10, but Microsoft recommends moving to a supported Windows release or using an applicable Extended Security Updates option. See Microsoft's Windows 10 end-of-support guidance.

What “Run as administrator” actually does

Most apps start with the permissions of the account you are currently using. Choosing Run as administrator asks Windows to start that app with elevated permissions so it can make protected system changes, write to restricted locations, install components, or perform other administrative tasks.

UAC is the security layer that handles this request. Microsoft explains that a standard user normally sees a credential prompt, while an administrator normally sees a consent prompt. A standard user therefore needs valid credentials for an administrator account on the PC unless an organization has configured a different policy. For more detail, see Microsoft's UAC documentation.

Method 1: Run an app as administrator from Start or Search

This is the best method for most users because you do not need to know where the program's executable file is stored.

1. Open Start or click the Windows search box.
2. Type the app name, such as Command Prompt.
3. Right-click the result and choose Run as administrator.
4. Approve the UAC prompt, or enter valid administrator credentials if Windows asks for them.

Method 2: Run an executable as administrator from File Explorer

If the Start menu shortcut does not show the option you need, launch the app from its actual executable file instead.

1. Open File Explorer and browse to the program's installation folder.
2. Locate the application's .exe file.
3. Right-click the executable and select Run as administrator.
4. Respond to the UAC prompt.

If you only have a shortcut, right-click it and choose Open file location when that option is available. Some shortcuts lead to another shortcut, so you may need to repeat the action before reaching the real executable.

Method 3: Use the Run dialog

The Run dialog is useful when you already know the program name or full executable path.

1. Press Windows+R.
2. Type the command or the full path to the executable. Put a path containing spaces inside quotation marks.
3. Press Ctrl+Shift+Enter instead of Enter to request an elevated launch.
4. Approve UAC or enter administrator credentials.

For example, you can type cmd to request an elevated Command Prompt. For third-party software, use the app's real executable path rather than copying a path from an old guide, because installation locations can vary by version and by 32-bit versus 64-bit software.

Method 4: Run a pinned taskbar app with admin rights

For many desktop apps pinned to the Windows 10 taskbar, hold Ctrl+Shift while clicking the app's taskbar icon. Windows should request elevation through UAC. If the shortcut does not respond as expected, use the Start/Search method instead; it is easier to verify because Run as administrator is shown explicitly.

If “Run as administrator” is missing or does not work

• Check that you are launching a desktop executable. Some packaged apps and shortcuts do not expose the same elevation options as a traditional .exe file.
• Use valid admin credentials. There is no legitimate password-bypass step. If you do not have an administrator account or its credentials, ask the PC owner or IT administrator.
• Check organization policy. Windows can be configured to automatically deny elevation requests for standard users instead of showing a credential box. Microsoft documents this behavior in UAC policy settings.
• Do not disable UAC just to make one app work. UAC is designed to make administrative changes visible and deliberate. If a program only works when UAC is weakened, look for an updated version or contact the software vendor.
• Remember that “Run as different user” is not the same thing. That command starts a program under another account identity; it does not automatically guarantee an elevated administrator token.

Use administrator rights only when the app needs them

Running every program as administrator increases the amount of damage a buggy or malicious app could cause. Use elevation for trusted tools that genuinely need it, such as system utilities, installers, or maintenance tasks, and run ordinary apps normally whenever possible.