Command Prompt as a Windows 10 administrator

Often, you may need to run the command prompt as a Windows 10 administrator. To launch commands that require administrative privileges, such as the one to format the hard disk, you can not use the standard user’s cmd.

Although it is connected to an account that is associated with the Administrators group, programs, apps and tools are always opened with the usual security options. This, unless you use an Administrator account.

If you want to open them as superuser, you must specify it. The problem is that you do not know how to run the Terminal in root mode. So, you have entrusted yourself to the web to come to terms with it. So much so that you’ve come here.

In the following guide, I’ll explain how to run the command prompt as a Windows 10 administrator. I’ll tell you what are the most common procedures that allow you to run the cmd with administrative privileges.

I state that most of the methods listed are also valid for computers that have other versions of Windows. This includes, for example, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server and other builds. That said, you’re in agreement, you just have to start.

Command Prompt as a Windows 10 administrator

To launch the command prompt as a Windows 10 administrator , there are several methods. In this guide, I’ve included the most common and quick ones that let you do it. Find them all below. So, read and apply what you think best to use on your PC. The result will be the same.

Before starting, however, I want to remind you to check, after applying one of the procedures below, that the command prompt is actually running as an administrator. It is easy to find out. When the Terminal window opens, look at the path.

If it is written C:\Windows\System32, it means that it is launched as an administrator. If it is written instead C:\Users\username, it means that the console has opened with the standard user permissions.

Finally, keep in mind that while opening the cmd in root mode, the UAC (User Account Control) warning may appear. If you saw it, all you have to do is confirm the execution of the command prompt as a Windows 10 administrator by choosing Yes.

The first method you can use to open the command prompt as a Windows 10 administrator is to use the Power User Menu. This is a hidden menu that appears near the Start menu. You can open it by using the key combination Windows + X. Among the options listed, you should see Command Prompt (administrator). Just click it to run it.

If you can not find the suggested option, it is likely that you have installed a version that is the same or later than the Windows 10 Creators Update. In this case, to launch the command prompt as a Windows 10 administrator, you may use the Windows PowerShell (administrator) option. This is a tool almost identical to the cmd, but with more functionality. With it, you can execute the same commands. But if you are loyal to the old cmd and you feel better with it, do not worry, you can always fix it. Instead of modifying the registry, proceed to the next step and use a different method.

Explore resources

The Windows Explorer is one of the least reactive methods to open the command prompt as a Windows 10 administrator. However, it is still a valid choice. Open the File Manager and follow the path C:\Windows\System32. In that folder, scroll until you find the cmd.exe application. When you see it, double click on it. Alternatively, press the right mouse button over the program and select Run as administrator.

By doing so, you may see the UAC (User Account Control) warning. Just click Yes to confirm the start of the command line interface in root mode.

Connection on the Desktop

Creating a shortcut on the Desktop to run the command prompt as an administrator Windows 10 is perhaps the best method you can use. Especially if you have to open it often. You can generate it in two ways: through the Windows Explorer or through the wizard.

If you want to use the Windows Explorer, follow the steps indicated in the previous point. You will thus arrive at the route C:\Windows\System32. When you are there and you have found cmd.exe, click on it with the right mouse button. Then, choose Send to and then Desktop (create link).

Alternatively, you can position yourself on the Desktop, click with the right mouse button in the empty space, select New and after Connection. The wizard will start. Enter the path I suggested to you now, that is C:\Windows\System32. Finally, choose Next, put a name of your choice, like ” cmd admin “, and complete the operation.

At this point, in both cases, you will have created a link on the Desktop of the admin cmd. Just double-click it to open the command prompt as a Windows 10 administrator.

Search for Windows

Another quick way to launch the command prompt as a Windows 10 administrator is to use Windows Search. Press the Windows key to start the Start menu. Then, type ” cmd “. Among the search results, the Command Prompt will be displayed. All you need to do to run it in root mode is to right-click on it and choose Run as administrator.

You can also use the Start Menu to run the command prompt as a Windows 10 administrator. Since it is a system application, you can find it in the app list. In the list, it’s a little hidden, but it’s there. Scroll to the letter S and click Windows System to expand the folder. In there, you will find Command Prompt. Right-click on that application, choose Other and then Run as administrator.

Task Manager

One of my favorite methods to open the command prompt as a Windows 10 administrator is the one that makes use of the Task Manager. From any application or program, or even from the Desktop , perform the combination Ctrl + Alt + Del. Then, click Task Manager. Once you are inside the Task Manager, you can launch the command prompt as a Windows 10 administrator in two ways. You can click File > Create new task, write cmd, select Create task with administrative privileges and choose Ok. Alternatively, if you are a geek, you can click File, hold down Ctrl and choose Create New Task.