Different Ways to Open Command Prompt as Administrator in Windows

Many times we need to open Command Prompt window as Administrator in Windows which is also called as "Elevated Command Prompt" window. By default when you launch a Command Prompt window, it opens in a restricted mode i.e. some advanced commands can't be executed in this mode. It happens to prevent accidental execution of some advanced commands which can interact with Windows boot loader, etc.
But there are situations when you might need to open Command Prompt window as Administrator so that you can execute those restricted commands such as enabling hidden Administrator account in Windows, fixing Windows 7 boot screen, etc.
Today in this tutorial, we are going to share some easy ways to quickly launch Command Prompt window as Administrator. There are methods available for almost all Windows versions including Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and later.
So without wasting time lets start the tutorial:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator from Start Menu

This method will work in all Windows versions except Windows 8 and later as Microsoft has removed Start Menu from Windows 8.
1. Click on Start button or Start ORB and go to All programs -> Accessories.
2. Now right-click on Command Prompt shortcut and select "Run as Administrator" option.

 

You can do the same for any Command Prompt shortcut whether its pinned to Start Menu, Taskbar or placed at Desktop.

2. Open Command Prompt as Administrator using Start Menu Search

This method will only work in Windows Vista and Windows 7 as these are the only Windows versions which come with Start Menu search functionality.
1. Click on Start ORB and type cmd. It'll show cmd.exe in search results.

2. Don't click on the shortcut. Press and hold Ctrl and Shift keys and then press Enter. It'll open Command Prompt with Administrator privileges.

3. Open Command Prompt as Administrator using Windows 8 "Win+X" Menu

Both above mentioned methods will not work in Windows 8 but Windows 8 comes with some other easier methods to launch Command Prompt window as Administrator. One of them is using the new "Win+X" menu which can be accessed either by right-clicking on bottom-left corner of screen or by pressing Win+X keys together.

This menu contains a direct shortcut to launch Command Prompt as Administrator.

4. Open Command Prompt as Administrator using Windows 8 Start Screen

This is another method to open Command Prompt as Administrator in Windows 8. We all know that Microsoft has replaced Start Menu with new Start Screen in Windows 8. We can launch Command Prompt as Administrator using this new Start Screen as well.
1. Go to Start Screen in Windows 8 by pressing Win key and then type cmd.
2. Windows will show Command Prompt in search results page. Right-click on the shortcut and select "Run as administrator" option given at the bottom.

5. Open Command Prompt as Administrator using Windows 8 Explorer

Windows 8 Explorer comes with Office 2010 style Ribbon UI and Microsoft has added an option to launch Command Prompt in this ribbon.
1. Open Windows Explorer and go to a drive or folder.
2. Now click on File menu present in the ribbon and select "Open command prompt -> Open command prompt as administrator" option.

6. Open Command Prompt as Administrator using Secret Task Manager Trick

This method works in all Windows versions. Its a hidden feature of Windows which allows you to launch Command Prompt with Administrator privileges using Task Manager.
Check out following tutorial to learn more about this secret feature:
Hidden Secret Trick to Open "Command Prompt" Window Using Task Manager

7. Always Open Command Prompt as Administrator

If you want to always open Command Prompt window as Administrator, you can follow these simple steps:
1. Right-click on Command Prompt shortcut and select Properties.
2. Now click on "Advanced" button present in "Shortcut" tab.
3. Enable "Run as administrator" option and apply the changes.

4. That's it. Now Command Prompt window will always open with Administrator privileges.
PS: If you want, you can enable hidden built-in Administrator account in Windows and then you'll always have Administrator privileges for all tasks:

 

Published By

S.G.Godwin Dinesh.MCA

Sr.System Administrator