How to Use the Run as Command in Windows 11

Do you need to run a program with special permissions? Or maybe you want to use a different user account for a task? Windows 11 has a feature called Run as that makes this easy. This guide shows you how to use it.

What is Run as?

Run as lets you start apps or files using a different user account. For example, you can run a program as an administrator even if you’re logged in as a regular user. This is helpful when a task needs special permissions.

You can use Run as with many file types. This includes programs (.exe), scripts (.bat or .cmd), management tools (.msc), and installers (.msi).

How to Use Run as in File Explorer

This is the easiest method for most people.

1. Open File Explorer by pressing Win + E. Open File Explorer
2. Find the program or file you want to run (like a .exe or .bat file).
3. Hold down the SHIFT key on your keyboard.
4. Right-click the file. Then click Show more options.
5. Choose Run as different user or Run as administrator from the menu. FLAG: Running as administrator requires admin privileges.
6. Enter the username and password of the account you want to use. Then click OK.

Right-click menu to run as different user or administrator

Enter username and password to run as different user

How to Use Run as from the Taskbar

You can also run programs from the Taskbar using this method.

1. Hold the SHIFT key.
2. Right-click the app’s icon on the Taskbar.
3. Click Run as different user or Run as administrator. FLAG: Running as administrator requires admin privileges.
4. Type the username and password. Then click OK.

Run as different user or administrator from the Taskbar

Enter credentials to run program as different user

How to Use Run as from Command Prompt or PowerShell

If you prefer using the command line, you can run programs as another user this way.

1. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell. Command Prompt or PowerShell
2. Type the following command:

runas /user:"<username>" "Full path to the program or file"

Example:

runas /user:"user123" "C:\Users\user123\Documents\file.txt"

If you are on a work or school network (domain), use this format instead:

runas /user:"domain\user123" "C:\Users\user123\Documents\file.txt"

Other Notes

You can also try this from the Start menu. Right-click apps in the All Apps list. However, some apps (like the Windows Store) won’t let you run as a different user.

Summary

• Run as lets you open programs or files as another user or administrator.
• You can use it in File Explorer, the Taskbar, Command Prompt, or PowerShell.
• This is useful when you need admin rights but are logged in as a regular user.
• The Windows Store app does not support running as a different user.

Learn More

For more details, check out the official Microsoft guide: Microsoft.com – Use Run as to start an app as admin