How to Run Applications as an Administrator on Windows^®

When you run applications as an administrator, you gain higher permissions to make system-wide modifications. Running applications as an administrator is crucial when specific programs require elevated permissions to function correctly.

This is often necessary for installing software, applying system-level changes, or accessing features restricted by standard user profiles. Without administrative rights, you may encounter errors or find that the application doesn’t work as expected.

This guide provides two straightforward methods to help you run applications as an administrator on Windows:

1. Create a shortcut with saved administrator credentials – Ideal for users who frequently need to run specific programs with elevated privileges without repeatedly entering credentials.
2. Disable User Account Control (UAC) and configure a shortcut – Best for ensuring that an application always runs as administrator without interruption.

Use the fast technique below for a single session, or set an app to always open as an administrator for added convenience.

Running applications as an administrator grants elevated permissions to make system-level changes. The basic methods below are best for everyday use — run an app elevated for a single session, or set it to always launch that way. Further down are two advanced methods for people who want an app to run elevated with no prompts at all.

Run Applications as an Administrator (Quickest Method)

To run a program as an administrator just this once:

1. Locate the app (via the Start Menu, Desktop Shortcut, or File Explorer).
2. Right-click the application icon.
3. Select Run as administrator from the context menu.
4. Click Yes on the User Account Control (UAC) prompt.

Always Run Applications as an Administrator

To set an app to automatically run with elevated privileges every time you open it:

1. Locate the app, right-click its icon, and select Properties (if it’s in the Start Menu, right-click and select Open file location first to find the executable file).
2. Switch to the Compatibility tab.
3. Check the box that says Run this program as an administrator.
4. Click Apply, then OK.

Create a Shortcut with Saved Administrator Credentials

This method involves creating a shortcut that automatically runs an application as an administrator without requiring repeated credential input. Follow these detailed steps to set it up:

Step 1: Locate the Application Executable

1. Find the program that needs to be run with administrative privileges.
2. Identify the full path of the application’s executable file. For example:

   C:\Program Files (x86)\WinDirStat\windirstat.exe

Step 2: Create the Administrator Command

1. Use the runas command to run the program as an administrator with saved credentials. The syntax is:

   runas /user:ComputerName\Administrator /savecred "path to executable"

2. Replace the placeholders with your specific values:
   • ComputerName: The name of the computer where the shortcut will run.
   • Path to Executable: The full path to the application file located in Step 1.
3. To find your ComputerName:
   • Open the Start menu and type cmd to open Command Prompt.
   • Type the command hostname and press Enter.
   • Note down the name displayed, as this is your ComputerName.
4. Example of a completed command:

   runas /user:VM43766\Administrator /savecred "C:\Program Files (x86)\WinDirStat\windirstat.exe"

Step 3: Create the Shortcut

1. Log into the account where you want the shortcut to run.
2. Right-click on the desktop and select New → Shortcut.
3. In the shortcut creation window:
   • Paste the completed runas command from Step 2 into the location field.
   • Click Next.
4. Provide a meaningful name for the shortcut, such as “Run WinDirStat as Admin,” and click Finish.

Step 4: Customize the Shortcut Icon (Optional)

1. Right-click the newly created shortcut and select Properties.
2. In the Shortcut tab, click Change Icon.
3. If you see a warning message, click OK to proceed.
4. Click the Browse button and navigate to the application’s installation path (identified in Step 1).
5. Select the application’s executable file and click Open.
6. Choose the icon you want, click OK, then click Apply to save changes.

Step 5: Save the Administrator Password

1. Double-click the shortcut to run it for the first time.
2. When prompted, enter the administrator password for the computer.
3. Check that the application launches successfully with administrative privileges.

Step 6: Test the Shortcut

1. Close the application and double-click the shortcut again.
2. The program should now launch as an administrator without asking for the password, as the credentials are saved.

Disable User Account Control (UAC) and Configure a Shortcut

This method involves disabling User Account Control (UAC) and configuring a shortcut to permanently run an application as an administrator. Follow these detailed steps to set up the shortcut:

Step 1: Create a Shortcut for the Application

1. Log into the computer using an Administrator account.
2. Right-click on the desktop and select New → Shortcut.
3. In the Create Shortcut window:
   • Enter the full path to the application’s executable file.
   • For example:

     C:\Program Files (x86)\WinDirStat\windirstat.exe

   • Click Next.
4. Name the shortcut (e.g., “Run WinDirStat as Admin") and click Finish.

Step 2: Enable Administrator Compatibility Mode for the Shortcut

1. Right-click the newly created shortcut and select Properties.
2. Navigate to the Compatibility tab.
3. Check the box labeled Run this program as an administrator under the Settings section.
4. Click Change settings for all users at the bottom of the tab.
5. 
6. In the new window, check Run this program as an administrator again and click OK.
7. Apply the changes and click OK to close the Properties window.

Step 3: Copy the Shortcut to the User’s Profile (if applicable)

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the target user’s desktop folder.
   • Example path:

     C:\Users\test1\Desktop

2. Copy the shortcut you just created to this folder.
3. Log out of the Administrator account and log in as the target user to confirm the shortcut is visible on their desktop.

Step 4: Disable User Account Control (UAC)

To ensure the shortcut runs without prompting for an administrator password, UAC must be disabled. Follow these steps:

1. Open Group Policy Editor:
   • Log in as Administrator.
   • Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to the Security Setting:
   • In the Local Group Policy Editor, expand:
     Computer Configuration → Windows Settings → Security Settings → Local Policies → Security Options.
3. Disable Admin Approval Mode:
   • In the right pane, find the policy labeled User Account Control: Run all administrators in Admin Approval Mode.
   • Double-click on it, set the option to Disabled, and click OK.
4. Reboot the Computer:
   • A restart is required for the changes to take effect. Choose an appropriate time to reboot.

Step 5: Test the Shortcut

1. Log in as the target user and locate the shortcut on their desktop.
2. Double-click the shortcut to run the application.
3. The program should now launch with administrative privileges without asking for a password.

Important Notes:

• Disabling UAC reduces system security by lowering protection against unauthorized changes. Use this option only if necessary and on systems with controlled access.
• If security is a concern, consider Option 1 instead to preserve UAC while simplifying administrative access.

Simplify IT Management with V2 Cloud

V2 Cloud offers a simplified solution that eliminates the need for complex configurations like UAC adjustments or manual credential management.

Here’s how V2 Cloud makes running applications with administrator privileges seamless:

1. Centralized Cloud Desktop Management

V2 Cloud provides a virtual desktop environment where administrators can configure applications to run with elevated permissions centrally. This means you don’t need to set up local shortcuts or adjust each user’s desktop manually.

2. Secure User Access Without Compromising Control

With V2 Cloud, users can access applications securely, while IT admins maintain full control over permissions. Applications requiring administrator rights can be pre-configured during setup, ensuring consistent behavior without user intervention.

3. Time-Saving Automation

Unlike traditional Windows setups, where you must disable UAC or save administrator credentials manually, V2 Cloud automates these processes. Administrators can pre-configure elevated access for essential applications directly in the cloud desktop.

Talk to a Cloud Expert and experience how V2 Cloud can transform your IT operations.