How to Use the Run as Command in Windows 11
The “Run as” command in Windows 11 lets you open apps, tools, and batch files using a different user account than the one currently signed in. Standard user accounts block deep system changes, so this feature bypasses those limits when you need full control over your PC.
You can use this trick to install software or run system fixes whenever your main account lacks the needed permissions.
To run a program as a different user in Windows 11, right-click the file, select “Show more options,” then choose “Run as different user” or “Run as administrator.” Enter the required username and password to proceed. This lets you execute tasks with elevated privileges.
How to Use Run as in File Explorer
You can use the run as command windows feature directly inside File Explorer to open programs with different permissions. Hold down the Shift key on your keyboard and right-click any application or file, then select ‘Run as administrator’ or ‘Run as different user’ from the menu that appears to launch it using alternate login details.
- Open File Explorer by pressing
Win + E. Open File Explorer - Find the program or file you want to run (like a
.exeor.batfile). - Hold down the
SHIFTkey on your keyboard. - Right-click the file. Then click Show more options.
- Choose Run as different user or Run as administrator from the menu. FLAG: Running as administrator requires admin privileges.
- 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
The run as command windows option also works on pinned app icons on your taskbar. Press and hold the Shift key while you right-click an app icon on the taskbar to open the extended menu, and then click 'Run as administrator' or 'Run as different user' to open the program with higher access rights.
- Hold the
SHIFTkey. - Right-click the app's icon on the Taskbar.
- Click Run as different user or Run as administrator. FLAG: Running as administrator requires admin privileges.
- 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
You can launch the run as command windows tool using Command Prompt or PowerShell by typing a specific text command. Open your command-line tool, type the runas command followed by the username and the full file path, and press Enter to run the program under a different user account.
- Open Command Prompt or PowerShell. Command Prompt or PowerShell
- Type the following command:
runas /user:"<username>" "Full path to the program or file"Example:
runas /user:"user123" "C:\Users\user123\Documents\file.txt"Network environments utilizing a domain require a modified syntax structure:
runas /user:"domain\user123" "C:\Users\user123\Documents\file.txt"Other Notes
Start menu items provide yet another path forward. Right-clicking applications inside the All Apps list exposes alternate context options. Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps downloaded from the Windows Store omit this capability.
Summary
The run as command windows feature lets you open any app or file using a different user account or administrator profile. You can easily access this built-in tool through File Explorer, the taskbar, or command-line interfaces whenever you need to perform tasks that require elevated permissions on your PC.- 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
Review the official Microsoft documentation for deeper technical insights: Microsoft.com - Use Run as to start an app as admin
What's the difference between sudo and runas?
Windows allows execution of arbitrary binaries via alternate accounts, including administrative profiles, through this built-in utility. Authentication requires supplying the target user's password directly, unlike privilege-escalation tools such as sudo found on Linux and macOS environments.
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Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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