How to Use ‘Run as’ Command in Windows 11

This article describes the steps to use the Run as a command to start an application as a different user or administrator in Windows 11.

In Windows, users can use the Run as command to start an application or open a file as a different user or administrator. This is usually the case if you want to perform administrative tasks when you are logged on as a member of another group, such as the Users or Power Users group.

Typically, the Run as command can execute files with extensions such as .bat, .cmd, .exe, .msc, or .msi. It will allow you to run or execute a command with the same permissions and rights as the user you are running it as instead of the account you signed into Windows with.

Below is how to use the Run as command in Windows 11.

Use the Run as command as different user or administrator in File Explorer

If you are signed into Windows as a regular user and want to execute a file or run a program as a different user or an administrator, use the Run as command.

Here’s how to do it in File Explorer.

First, open File Explorer (Win + E) and locate the files or program executable you wish to run (.bat, .cmd, .exe, .msc, or .msi).

Select the file, and hold down the SHIFT key on your keyboard.

Right-click on the file and select Show more options.

On the context menu, select Run as different user or Run as administrator.

When prompted, enter the user you want to run as with the account password and click OK.

Launch apps as different user or administrator from the Taskbar

You can also run apps and other scripts from the Taskbar as a different user or administrator. If the app has an icon or the task is open, hold down the SHIFT key, right-click on the app’s icon, and select Run as a different user or Run as administrator.

Hold down the SHIFT key on your keyboard.

Right-click on the app’s icon on the Taskbar.

Select Run as different user or Run as administrator.

When prompted, type in the account or administrator with the password you want to run as.

Run as different user or administrator from the command prompt

Another way to use the Run as command is via the Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell. To do that, first, open the Command Prompt or Windows Powershell.

Then, use the command format below.

runas /user:"<username>" "Full path of file"

Example:

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

In a domain environment, you may use

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

Users can also use the Run as command on the Start menu -> All apps list. Some apps will let you run as a different user or administrator from the Start menu.

However, the Windows Store app will not let you run as a different user.

That should do it!

Reference:

Microsoft.com

Conclusion:

• The Run as command in Windows 11 offers a convenient way to execute programs or files as a different user or administrator.
• The command can be utilized in File Explorer, Taskbar, Command Prompt, and Windows PowerShell.
• It allows users to perform administrative tasks even when logged in as a regular user, without compromising security.
• However, it’s important to note that the Windows Store app does not support running as a different user.