How to Open the Command Prompt As an Admin on Windows: 4 Easy Steps

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Quick guide to open the Command Prompt as an admin
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This wikiHow will show you how to open the Windows Command Prompt (also called the terminal window) as an administrator. This can be done easily if you’re logged in to a user account that has administrator privileges . Running the Command Prompt as an administrator gives you access to more commands and permissions.

How to Do CMD Run as Administrator

  1. Press the Windows Key + S to open the search bar.
  2. Search for "cmd" and right-click “Command Prompt” in the results.
  3. Select Run as administrator .

Steps

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    This opens Windows search.
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    It’s the option in the results list with a black terminal window icon.
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    This is the top option in the right-click menu.
    • Click Yes when prompted, “Do you want to allow this app to make changes to this device?” This will open a window called “Administrator: Command Prompt”.
    • You’re done! The Command Prompt has been opened.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Is there a command to activate admin cmd while already in normal cmd?
    Arrogance
    Top Answerer
    You can launch a new elevated Command Prompt window with "powerShell -Command Start-Process cmd -verb RunAs". You cannot launch a new elevated prompt in the same window.
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    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 15
  • Question
    When I click manage account on my admin account, it says manage another account and change password. What is going on?
    Community Answer
    Press the Windows key (Image titled Windowsstart.png) + S at the same time. This opens Windows search.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 3
  • Question
    How do I undo run as administrator?
    Liam Townsley
    Community Answer
    Restart your command prompt and it will no longer be an administrator terminal.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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      Warnings

      • Be careful when running commands when running Command Prompt as an administrator. You can do permanent damage to your computer if you run the wrong command.
        Thanks
      • Don't run any random command that you find on the internet. Some people will troll others by saying that you should run a command to fix a problem, but the command will actually damage your computer.
        • Some commands that you should avoid running are "del", "rd", or "format", unless you know what you are doing. This list is not exhaustive though, and other commands can still be dangerous.
        Thanks
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      Things You'll Need

      • Administrator permissions

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      References

      1. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2012-R2-and-2012/jj717276(v=ws.11)

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Press the Windows Key + S .
      2. Type cmd .
      3. Right-click Command Prompt .
      4. Click Run as administrator .

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