While using Microsoft Windows, users often need “Administrative privileges” in specific situations, such as installing Windows components or software, turning off antivirus software, or changing privacy settings. These settings are often referred to as “system-level” changes. What if you always want to use administrative privileges?
This guide elaborates on running or starting an app as an admin on Windows by covering the following aspects.
- Why are Admin Privileges Required?
- Run the App as an Administrator Once.
- Run the App as an Administrator Permanently.
Why are Admin Privileges Required?
Some apps or programs cannot run without administrative privileges when modifying the system settings. It is needed as it corresponds to a security mechanism that stops the unauthorized modification of system settings. Due to security reasons, the “Administrator” account is disabled by default, but the local users can also be granted admin privileges.
How to Run the App as an Administrator Once in Windows?
There are two different ways to run the app as an administrator once in Windows; let’s discuss them.
How to Run the App as an Administrator Once From the Start Menu?
To run the app with administrator privileges via the “Start menu”, search its name in the search bar. For instance, if we want to open the “Terminal” with elevated privileges, we’d search “terminal” and click “Run as administrator”. After that, click on “Yes” from the elevated prompt to grant the privileges:
The app will now launch with elevated (administrator privileges).
How to Run the App as an Administrator Once Via Right-Clicking?
If the program or app is not found in the “Start menu” search, just go to the file’s location, press and hold “CTRL+SHIFT,” and right-click on the app. The “Run as administrator” will now be visible. Trigger it and launch the app as an administrator, as follows:
How to Permanently Run an App as an Administrator in Windows?
It can be frustrating to confirm the prompt “Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?” repeatedly. Therefore, it can be dealt with by permanently granting an app with administrative privileges. It can be done from the application’s properties.
For instance, if we want to allocate administrative privileges to the “Firefox” app. We’d open the properties by right-clicking on the app:
Switch to the “Compatibility” tab in the properties, and mark the “Run this program as an administrator” box. Finally, click “Apply” and “OK” to save your changes:
This program will now open with administrative privileges.
Conclusion
An app can be executed or started as an “Admin” via the “Start menu” or by “right-clicking” on it. However, it can be permanently executed as an Admin via “application properties”. Note that you should not grant administrative privileges to an unknown app because it can be malicious. This blog discussed the approaches to running or starting an app as an admin.
