How to Open the Command Prompt as Administrator in Windows

Last Updated : 5 Dec, 2025

The Command Prompt is a powerful Windows tool used for managing files, troubleshooting issues, and controlling system settings. However, many commands require administrator rights to run properly. Opening Command Prompt in elevated mode gives you full control to perform advanced system tasks.

This guide covers the quickest and easiest ways to open Command Prompt as an administrator in both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

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

Step 1: Open Start Menu and Search for CMD

  • Press the Windows key or click the Start Menu, then type CMD or Command Prompt.
command-prompt---start-menu
Open Command Prompt

Step 2: Run as Administrator

  • Right-click Command Prompt → select Run as administrator.
Run-CMD-as-an-Administrator-Using-Windows-Search
Run CMD as Admin

Method 2: Using the Run Dialog Box (Windows 10 & 11)

Step 1: Open Run Box

  • Press Win + R, then type cmd.
run-dialogue-box---cmd
Run Dialogue (Win + R)

Step 2: Launch with Admin Rights

  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open it as Administrator.

(If prompted, enter the admin password.)

Run-CMD-as-an-Administrator-Using-the-Run-Dialog
Use Dialog Box

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

Step 1: Open the Power User Menu

  • Press Win + X.
Power-User-Menu
Win + X

Step 2: Select Terminal (Admin)

  • Click Windows Terminal (Admin).
Run-CMD-as-an-Administrator-via-the-Quick-Access-Menu
Use Terminal

Step 3: Switch to Command Prompt

  • Click the down-arrow icon in Terminal → choose Command Prompt.
Run-CMD-as-an-Administrator-via-the-Quick-Access-Menu-1
Select Command Prompt

Method 4: Using Windows Tools (Windows 11 Only)

Step 1: Search for Windows Tools

  • Open Start Menu → type Windows Tools → open it.

Step 2: Open CMD as Admin

  • Make a right click and select "Run as Administrator"
Open-Command-Prompt-As-Administrator-using-Windows-Tools
Windows Tools

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

Step 1: Open Task Manager

  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc or search for Task Manager.

Step 2: Run a New Task

  • Go to File → Run new task.

Step 3: Run CMD with Admin Privileges

  • Type cmd, check Create this task with administrative privileges, then click OK.
Run-CMD-as-an-Administrator-Using-Task-Manager
Using Task Manager

Method 6: Through Control Panel (Windows 11)

Step 1: Open Control Panel

  • Press Win + R, type control, and press Enter.
  • Search for Windows Tools inside Control Panel and open it.
Run-CMD-as-an-Administrator-Using-the-Control-Panel
Use Control Panel

Step 2: Run CMD as Admin

  • Right-click Command Prompt → choose Run as administrator.
Open-Command-Prompt-As-Administrator-using-Windows-Tools
Run as Admin

Method 7: Using File Explorer (Windows 10 & 11)

Step 1: Open File Explorer

  • Press Win + E and search for cmd in the address bar or Start Menu.

Step 2: Run as Admin

  • Right-click Command Prompt → select Run as administrator.
Run-CMD-as-an-Administrator-Through-File-Explorer
Through File Explorer

Method 8: Create a Desktop Shortcut (Windows 10 & 11)

Step 1: Browse to Command Prompt

  • Open File Explorer → search for cmd.exe.

Step 2: Create a Shortcut

  • Right-click cmd.exe → choose Show more options → Send to → Desktop (create shortcut)
    or manually select Create Shortcut in Properties.

Step 3: Assign Shortcut Keys (Optional)

  • Right-click the shortcut → Properties → Shortcut tab.
  • Set a Shortcut key (e.g., Ctrl + Alt + C).
Run-CMD-as-an-Administrator-Using-a-Desktop-Shortcut
Desktop Shortcut

Why Open Command Prompt as Administrator

Running CMD in elevated mode allows you to:

  • Modify system settings
  • Run system repair commands (e.g., sfc /scannow, DISM commands)
  • Manage user accounts
  • Access restricted files
  • Fix network, disk, and boot-related issues

Without admin rights, many essential commands will fail to execute.

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