Using Command Prompt as admin frequently? You can make things easier and always open the command prompt as an administrator. Here is how.
On Windows, you can do most things without ever opening a Command Prompt or PowerShell window. However, from time to time, you have to run Command Prompt to get the job done. Things like installing FFmpeg, download HLS videos, splitting MP3 files, etc., need you to use Command Prompt.
Though most things you can do with regular the Command Prompt, sometimes you need elevated Command Prompt. i.e., Command Prompt with admin rights. One of the most common ways to open Command Prompt as admin is to search for CMD in the start menu, right-click on it and select the option “Run as Administrator.” You can also use the Ctrl + Shift + Enter shortcut if you are good with Windows keyboard shortcuts. This is good enough for the most part. However, if you find yourself opening the Command Prompt as admin frequently, wouldn’t it be awesome to remove the additional step and always open Command Prompt as admin directly.
Let me show you how to open Command Prompt as admin every single time in Windows 10. The below method works on Windows 7 and 8 too.
Always Open Command Prompt as Admin
The easiest way to open Command Prompt as admin every single time is to give the start menu’s Command Prompt shortcut admin rights. It is easier than you think. Just follow the below steps.
Step 1: Open File Explorer with the keyboard shortcut Start key + E. In the File Explorer, go to the C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Windows System folder. Don’t forget to replace <username> with your actual username. If can also open the same folder by searching for Command Prompt in the Start menu and selecting the “Open file location” option.
Note: Windows 7 users should go to C:\Users\YourUserName\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Accessories. Again, replace <username> with the actual username.
Step 2: Here, find the Command Prompt shortcut, right-click on it, and select “Properties.”
Step 3: In the properties window, click on the “Advanced” button.
Step 4: The above action will open the “Advanced Properties” window. Select the “Run as Administrator” checkbox and press the “Ok” button to save changes.
Step 5: Click the “Apply” and “Ok” buttons on the main window.
Step 6: That’s about it. From now on, whenever you try to open Command Prompt from the Start menu, it will open with admin rights. Of course, you need to click “Yes” in the UAC (User Access Control) prompt.
You no longer have to right-click and select “Run as Administrator” to open Command Prompt as admin on Windows with the above method. Just search for CMD and press enter to open Command Prompt with admin privileges.
If you like this Windows tip, you might also like to learn how to open the Settings app on Windows 10 from Command Prompt and how to schedule shutdown and cancel shutdown from Command Prompt.
I hope that helps. Comment below, sharing your thoughts and experiences using the above method to always open Command Prompt as admin on Windows 10.
