How to Open Command Prompt as Administrator in Windows 10 & 11 | Step-by-Step Guide - GeeksforGeeks (2025)

If you're working on advanced tasks, such as system configuration, troubleshooting, or running commands that require admin privileges, you may be required to open the Command Prompt as Administrator. We can perform this in both Windows 10 and Windows 11 in several methods.

This article provides a step-by-step guide to accessing CMD with administrative privileges in Windows 10 and 11.

Why Open Command Prompt as Administrator

The Command Prompt or CMD is a powerful tool for performing various system tasks. Running it as an administrator grants you admin access to:

• Modify System Settings
• Run Admin commands like sfc /scannow i.e. system scans
• Manage User Accounts
• Access and edit restricted files

Without administrator access, many essential commands will not work, so knowing how to open it with admin access is critical for users who manage system settings, developers, or anyone performing any troubleshooting related tasks.

Method 1: Using Windows Search (Windows 10 & Windows 11)

Note: This method is suitable for both Windows 10 and Windows 11

Step 1: Open the Start Menu and Type "CMD"

Press the Windows Key or Click on the Start Menu and Type Command Prompt or CMD and proceed ahead.

Step 2: Select "Run as Administrator"

Right-click on "Command Prompt" and select "Run as administrator''.

Method 2: Run Dialog Box (Win 10 & 11)

Note: This method is suitable for both Windows 10 and Windows 11

Step 1: Open Dialog Box or Press Win + R

First, press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog. Now, type "CMD" or Command prompt

Step 2: Hold down Ctrl + Shift to enter Admin Mode

Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter or click "OK" while holding Ctrl + Shift.

You might be asked to enter admin password. Provide the same & proceed with the Command Prompt administrator rights.

Method 3: Quick Access Menu (Windows 10 & 11)

Note: This method is suitable for both Windows 10 and Windows 11

Step 1: Open Power User Menu

Go to Start Button or press Win + X

Step 2: Select Admin

Now, click on "Terminal (Admin)" from the menu.

Step 3: Hover and click to visit Command Prompt

Then, Click on the arrow from the menu and Select "Command Prompt"

By following this method, anyone can open command prompt using these 3 simple steps.

Note: This method is suitable forWindows 11

Step 1: Type Windows Tools in the search box

Click on the Start menu and type Windows Tools

Step 2: Click to Open as Administrator

Make a right click and select "Run as Administrator"

Method 5: Using Task Manager (Win 10 & Win 11)

Note: This method is suitable for both Windows 10 and Windows 11

Step 1: Open Task Manager and click to Run New Task

Click the Start Menu and type "Task Manager"

Step 2: Create a New Task to Run CMD with Administrative Rights

Create a new task in the File menu and select Run New Task. Check "Create this task with administrative privileges", and click OK.

Method 6: Use Control Panel (Windows 11)

Note: This method is suitable for Windows 11

Ypu can use Windows Control Panel to open Command Prompt with admin rights, here's what you need to do:

Step 1: Press Win + R and type Control Panel

Now, on the Control Panel Search bar type "Windows Tools" and click on it.

Step 2: Click to Run as Administrator

Right-click on the Command Prompt and Click Run as administrator.

Method 7: Windows File Explorer

Note: This method is suitable for both Windows 10 and Windows 11

Step 1: Open File Explorer

Open File Explorer or press Win + E and type CMD

Step 2: Select "Run as Administrator"

Make a right-click and select "Run as admin"

Method 8: Using Desktop Shortcut

Note: This method is suitable for both Windows 10 and Windows 11

Step 1: Open File Explorer

Press Win + E and type Command Prompt or CMD

Step 2: Show more options > Create Shortcut

Press Win + D to get the desktop then right-click CMD then from the menu select "Properties" and then navigate to the "Shortcut" tab

Step 3: Create your custom shortcut

In the Shortcut key field, press a key combination of your choice.

Conclusion

Understanding how to open the Command Prompt as Administrator is essential for both casual users and power users. Whether you're managing system configurations, running scans, or troubleshooting issues, knowing how to run CMD with elevated privileges will enhance your ability to manage your system effectively.

How to Access Command Prompt as Admin in Windows - FAQs

How do I run Command Prompt an administrator in Windows 11?

Step 1: Press the Windows key to open the Start menu and type "CMD"
Step 2: Right-click on Command Prompt from the search results.
Step 3: Select "Run as administrator".
Step 4: Click Yes on the User Account Control (UAC) prompt to allow administrative access.

Why can’t I find 'Command Prompt (Admin)' in Windows 10 and 11?

Windows 10 and 11 uses "Windows Terminal (Admin)" by default, but you can switch the profile to Command Prompt.

Is there a PowerShell command to open CMD as admin?

Yes, run Start-Process cmd -Verb RunAs in PowerShell.

How do I access Command Prompt with administrator rights using the Task Manager?

Step 1: Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
Step 2: Click on File in the top menu and select Run new task.
Step 3: Type cmd and check "Create this task with administrative privileges".
Step 4: Click OK.

What is the Command Prompt?

The Command Prompt is the Command Line Interface for the Windows Operating System. If you want to work on some crucial components in Windows OS, you have to switch to the Command Prompt on Windows. Here, using different Windows commands, you can quickly perform different steps.

What are the basic Windows 11 commands in CMD?

The list of Commands in the Command Prompts are as follows:

• dir: Lists the contents of a directory.
• cd: Changes the current directory.
• mkdir: Creates a new directory.
• rmdir: Removes a directory.
• copy: Copies files.
• move: Moves files or renames them.
• del: Deletes one or more files.
• cls: Clears the CMD window.
• ipconfig: Displays IP configuration.
• netstat: Displays network statistics.

How do I verify that CMD is running as Admin rights?

Step 1: Look for "Administrator" in the command prompt Window Title Bar

Step 2: Run whoami command to verify

How do I access the Command Prompt as Administrator on a non-Admin account?

Step 1: Log in to an admin account.

Step 2: Use Shift + Right-click on cmd.exe and select Run as different user.