How to Run a Game as Administrator on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ever launched a game only to see it crash, freeze, or fail to start?
You’re not alone — many of these problems happen because the game doesn’t have enough system permissions to access files or resources.

That’s where running a game as an administrator comes in handy.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to run a game as administrator on Windows 11 — step by step. You’ll learn multiple methods (temporary and permanent) to ensure your favorite titles launch smoothly every time.

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🧩 What Does “Run as Administrator” Mean?

When you “run as administrator,” you’re giving an app elevated permissions to make system-level changes — such as modifying files, accessing protected folders, or interacting with Windows services.

⚙️ Why Games Need It:

• To access protected system folders (e.g., Program Files).

• To save or modify game data and settings.

• To interact with DirectX, graphics drivers, or anti-cheat tools.

• To bypass restrictions that cause launch errors.

⚠️ Caution:

Only run trusted games as administrator. Avoid using it for unknown or cracked software, as it can pose security risks.

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⚙️ Method 1: Run a Game as Administrator (One-Time)

If you only need to give admin permissions once, this is the quickest way.

🪜 Steps:

1. Locate your game’s desktop shortcut or .exe file.

2. Right-click the icon.

3. Select Run as administrator.

4. If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes.

✅ Your game will now launch with elevated privileges for that session only.

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⚙️ Method 2: Always Run a Game as Administrator (Permanent Setting)

If your game always requires admin access, you can make it permanent so you don’t have to right-click every time.

🪜 Steps:

1. Locate your game’s shortcut or main .exe file (usually in:
   C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files (x86)).

2. Right-click → Select Properties.

3. Go to the Compatibility tab.

4. Check the box Run this program as an administrator.

5. Click Apply → OK.

✅ From now on, your game will always launch with admin privileges automatically.

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⚙️ Method 3: Run a Game as Administrator from Start Menu

You can also launch any installed game directly as administrator from the Start menu.

🪜 Steps:

1. Click the Start button or press Windows + S.

2. Search for your game’s name.

3. Right-click the game in search results.

4. Select Run as administrator.

5. Confirm the UAC prompt.

💡 Tip: You can pin your game to the Start menu for quicker access later.

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⚙️ Method 4: Run Steam Games as Administrator

Steam games sometimes need elevated privileges — especially when using mods, custom configurations, or third-party overlays.

🪜 Steps to Run Steam as Administrator:

1. Close Steam completely.

2. Right-click the Steam shortcut or .exe file.

3. Select Properties → Compatibility tab.

4. Check Run this program as an administrator.

5. Click Apply → OK.

Now, every game launched through Steam will inherit those privileges.

💡 Alternative:
If you want only specific games to run as admin:

• Go to your Steam Library → Right-click the game → Manage → Browse local files.

• Find the .exe file for that game.

• Apply Method 2 to that file only.

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⚙️ Method 5: Run Epic Games Launcher as Administrator

If you play Fortnite or other Epic titles, follow these steps:

🪜 Steps:

1. Close the Epic Games Launcher.

2. Right-click its shortcut.

3. Select Properties → Compatibility.

4. Check Run this program as an administrator.

5. Click Apply → OK.

✅ This ensures the launcher — and all games launched through it — have the necessary permissions.

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⚙️ Method 6: Run Xbox App Games as Administrator

For games downloaded via the Microsoft Store or Xbox app, admin access is managed differently.

🪜 Steps:

1. Right-click the game’s shortcut or tile in the Start menu.

2. Select App settings.

3. Scroll down → Click Advanced options.

4. Enable Run as administrator if available (some Microsoft Store apps restrict this).

💡 If unavailable, try launching the Xbox app itself as administrator — this gives the same effect.

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⚙️ Method 7: Use Task Manager to Restart a Game as Administrator

Sometimes a game crashes and needs to be restarted quickly as admin.

🪜 Steps:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

2. Go to the Processes tab.

3. Right-click your game → Select End task.

4. Click File → Run new task.

5. Type the game’s .exe path or browse for it.

6. Check Create this task with administrative privileges.

7. Click OK.

✅ The game relaunches immediately with elevated permissions.

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⚙️ Method 8: Create a Custom Shortcut to Always Run as Administrator

If you frequently run multiple games as admin, a custom shortcut saves time.

🪜 Steps:

1. Right-click on the desktop → New → Shortcut.

2. Browse to your game’s .exe file.

3. Add the path and name your shortcut (e.g., GameName Admin).

4. Right-click the shortcut → Properties → Advanced.

5. Check Run as administrator → Click OK.

💡 Bonus Tip: You can also assign a keyboard shortcut to that admin launcher for even faster access.

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⚙️ Method 9: Enable Administrator Privileges via Compatibility Troubleshooter

If your game has trouble saving settings or crashes, try Windows’ built-in troubleshooter.

🪜 Steps:

1. Right-click the game’s shortcut → Properties → Compatibility tab.

2. Click Run compatibility troubleshooter.

3. Follow the prompts and check Run this program as administrator if suggested.

4. Apply changes.

✅ Windows automatically applies the best compatibility and permission settings for that game.

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⚙️ Method 10: Temporarily Disable User Account Control (UAC)

If you find the “Do you want to allow this app to make changes?” prompt annoying, you can lower UAC temporarily.

🪜 Steps:

1. Press Windows + S, type UAC, and open Change User Account Control settings.

2. Drag the slider down one level to “Notify me only when apps try to make changes”.

3. Click OK.

💡 Warning: Don’t disable UAC entirely — it’s there to protect your system from malware.

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🧰 Troubleshooting: Common Problems When Running Games as Administrator

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💡 Expert Tips for Running Games Smoothly

1. Avoid running all apps as admin — it can cause unnecessary risks.

2. Verify game files regularly (especially Steam and Epic titles).

3. Keep GPU drivers and DirectX updated for compatibility.

4. Run antivirus scans if your game behaves abnormally.

5. Use Game Mode and Graphics Settings in Windows 11 for better performance.

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🧾 Summary: Easy Ways to Run Games as Administrator

Here’s a quick recap of your options:

Running a game as administrator is one of the simplest yet most effective fixes for permissions-related issues, ensuring smooth performance and fewer crashes.

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❓ FAQs About Running Games as Administrator on Windows 11

1. Should I always run games as administrator?

Only if the game needs it — like when it can’t save progress, install updates, or access system files.

2. Will running games as admin improve FPS or performance?

Not directly. It mainly resolves permission and file access issues, not graphics performance.

3. Is it safe to run games as administrator?

Yes, if the game is from a trusted source (Steam, Epic, Xbox). Avoid doing so for unknown or pirated software.

4. How do I undo the “Run as administrator” setting?

Go to Properties → Compatibility tab and uncheck Run this program as an administrator.

5. Can I run games as admin without entering a password?

Yes, if your Windows account already has admin rights — you won’t need to enter a password every time.

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🏁 Conclusion: Take Control of Your Game Launches

By now, you’ve learned every method to run a game as administrator in Windows 11 — whether temporarily or permanently.

This small tweak can solve frustrating issues like failed launches, missing saves, or access errors — giving you a smoother, more reliable gaming experience.

So the next time your game refuses to start, remember:

“Run as Administrator” might just be the magic fix you need. 🎮