Command Prompt (CMD) is a built-in command-line utility in Windows 10 and 11 that allows users to execute system commands, troubleshoot issues, and perform administrative tasks. While the standard CMD window is sufficient for most tasks, some commands require elevated permissions. In such cases, you’ll need to run Command Prompt as admin in your system.
This article provides a step-by-step guide to accessing CMD with administrative privileges in Windows 10 and 11.
Method 1: Using Windows Search
Step 1: Open the Start Menu and Type "CMD"
Step 2: Select "Run as Administrator"
Right-click on "Command Prompt" and select "Run as administrator''.
Method 2: Run Dialog Box
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.
Method 3: Quick Access Menu
Step 1: 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.
Method 4: Use Windows Tools
Step 1: Type Windows Tools in the search box
Step 2: Make Right-click to Run as Administrator
Windows Tools
Method 5: Using Task Manager
Step 1: Open Task Manager and click to Run New Task
Step 2: Type CMD > Select "Create this task with administrative privileges"
Using Task Manager
Method 6: Use Control Panel
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: Through File Explorer
Step 1: Open File Explorer or press Win + E and type CMD
Step 2: Select "Run as Administrator"
Through File Explorer
Method 8: Using Desktop Shortcut
Step 1: Open File Explorer or press Win + E and type Command Prompt
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
Opening Command Prompt as an administrator in both Windows 10 and Windows 11 is straightforward with multiple methods available. Whether using the Start Menu, Power User Menu, or creating a shortcut, the right approach depends on your preferences and requirements. Mastering this process ensures you can handle advanced tasks effectively and securely.
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
oncmd.exe
and select Run as different user.