Run a program with administrative credentials

Applies To: Windows 7, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2012

To run a program with administrative credentials

  • In Windows Explorer, or on the Start menu, right-click the program executable file (or icon) that you want to open, and then click Run as Administrator .

Additional considerations

  • The use of Run as Administrator is not limited to administrator accounts.

  • You can use Run as Administrator to start a program in the context of an administrator account. The administrator context is used only for that specific program, and it is available only until that program is closed.

    For more information, see Using Run as (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=28314).

  • Some programs do not support Run as Administrator .

  • If Run as Administrator fails, the Application Information service may not be running.

Additional references

Troubleshooting Local Users and Groups

Why you should not run your computer as an administrator