If you have multiple users and wish to run a program or file as a different user, Windows has the options to do so. Follow the below steps to run a program as a different user in Windows 10.
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Basically, there are two ways to run a program or app as a different user. Both methods are pretty simple and straightforward. If you are not familiar or comfortable with the Command Prompt, use the first method. It is user-friendly.
If you like using Command Prompt, the second method is pretty good too.
Note: You should know both the username and password of the user you are trying to target.
Method #1 - Shift + Right-click
When there are multiple users, Windows provides you with a special option in the context menu that lets you run the program as any user want. Do keep in mind for this to work, you need to know both the username and password of the target user. Without those authentication details, the procedure will fail.
1. First, find the program you want to run as a different user.
2. Next, hold down the Shift key and Right-click on the EXE file. This action will open the extended context menu that contains a bunch of options that are generally not available in the normal right-click menu.
3. From the Shift + Right-click menu, select the "Run as different user" option.
4. You will be prompted to enter the username and password of the user you want to run as. Enter the details and "Ok" button.
If the details are correct, the program will run as that user. You will not see any indication of that but rest assured that the program is running as the target user. To verify, open the Task Manager, go to the "Details" tab, find the program process and under the "User name" you will see the target username.
Method #2: Command to Run Program as Different User
As an alternative, you can also use the Command Prompt commands to run any program as a different user. All you have to do is execute a single line command and the program will run.
1. First, open the start menu, search for "Command Prompt" and click on the result to open the Command Prompt.
2. In the Command Prompt window, execute the below command. Replace "username" with the actual username of the target user and "D:\path\to\file.exe" with the actual path of the program's exe file.
runas /user:username "D:\path\to\file.exe"
3. You will be prompted to enter the password of the target user. So, type the password and press Enter.
That is all. As soon as you press Enter, the program will run as the specified user. Just like with the first method, you can verify it by looking at the Details tab in the Task Manager.
Hope that helps. If you are stuck or need some help, comment below and I will try to help as much as possible.
If you like this article, do check out how to view full user account details in Windows 10 and how to create switch user desktop shortcut in Windows 10.
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