How to Run Command Prompt as Admin on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 21, 2025

The Command Prompt (also called cmd) is one of the most powerful tools in Windows. It allows you to run commands that can configure system settings, troubleshoot issues, and automate tasks. However, many of these commands require administrator rights to work properly.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to run Command Prompt as admin on Windows 11 using multiple methods. We’ll also cover why admin mode is important, what happens if you don’t use it, and how to fix common errors.

📝 Quick Summary of Key Takeaways

  • You can run Command Prompt as admin from the Start Menu, Run dialog, Task Manager, Power User Menu, and more.

  • The fastest shortcut: Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter after typing “cmd” in Start Menu.

  • Admin mode (also called elevated Command Prompt) is needed for system-level tasks.

  • If you don’t run cmd as admin, you may get “Access Denied” or restricted results.

  • You can also set Command Prompt to always open as administrator.

Why Do You Need to Run Command Prompt as Admin?

Running Command Prompt in admin mode gives you elevated privileges to perform tasks such as:

  • Managing system files and folders.

  • Running network troubleshooting commands.

  • Using DISM and SFC tools to repair Windows.

  • Managing disk partitions (diskpart).

  • Installing or modifying system configurations.

Without admin rights, commands like sfc /scannow or chkdsk won’t work correctly.

What Happens If You Don’t Use Administrator Mode?

If you open Command Prompt in normal mode and try to execute system commands, you may encounter:

  • “Access Denied” errors.

  • Commands running but not applying changes.

  • Restrictions when modifying system settings.

That’s why it’s important to always use the elevated Command Prompt for administrative tasks.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Run Command Prompt as Admin in Windows 11

Let’s explore different methods.

1. Run Command Prompt as Admin from Start Menu

This is the most common method.

Steps:

  1. Click the Start button (Windows logo).

  2. Type cmd in the search bar.

  3. Right-click on Command Prompt from the results.

  4. Select Run as administrator.

  5. Click Yes when prompted by User Account Control (UAC).

2. Run Command Prompt as Admin with a Keyboard Shortcut

A quicker way is using a keyboard shortcut.

Steps:

  1. Open Start Menu.

  2. Type cmd.

  3. Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.

  4. Approve the UAC prompt.

👉 This is the fastest way for power users.

3. Run Command Prompt as Admin from the Power User Menu

The Power User Menu (Win + X menu) gives quick access.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + X on your keyboard.

  2. Select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).

    • On Windows 11, you’ll often see Windows Terminal instead.

    • You can switch Terminal’s default app to Command Prompt in settings.

  3. Confirm UAC prompt.

4. Run Command Prompt as Admin via Run Dialog

Another handy method.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run dialog.

  2. Type:

    cmd

  3. Instead of pressing Enter, press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.

  4. Confirm the UAC prompt.

5. Run Command Prompt as Admin from Task Manager

If your Start Menu isn’t working, use Task Manager.

Steps:

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

  2. Click Run new task from the top menu.

  3. Type cmd.

  4. Check the box Create this task with administrative privileges.

  5. Click OK.

6. Run Command Prompt as Admin Using File Explorer

You can also launch cmd from its location.

Steps:

  1. Open File Explorer.

  2. Navigate to:

    C:\Windows\System32

  3. Find cmd.exe.

  4. Right-click > Run as administrator.

7. Create a Desktop Shortcut for Admin Command Prompt

If you use cmd often, make a shortcut that always runs as admin.

Steps:

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

  2. Enter location:

    C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe

  3. Name it Command Prompt Admin.

  4. Right-click the shortcut > Properties.

  5. Under Shortcut tab > Advanced, check Run as administrator.

  6. Click OK.

Now you can open cmd as admin in one click.

8. Run Command Prompt as Admin from Windows Terminal

Windows 11 defaults to Windows Terminal, but you can open cmd inside it.

Steps:

  1. Open Windows Terminal.

  2. Click the drop-down arrow at the top tab bar.

  3. Select Command Prompt.

  4. If Terminal is running in admin mode, cmd will too.

How to Set Command Prompt to Always Run as Admin

If you frequently need admin access, configure cmd to always launch elevated.

Steps:

  1. Find Command Prompt in Start Menu.

  2. Right-click > Open file location.

  3. Right-click the shortcut > Properties.

  4. Go to Shortcut tab > Advanced.

  5. Check Run as administrator.

  6. Click Apply > OK.

Now, every time you open cmd from that shortcut, it will run with admin rights.

Troubleshooting: When Command Prompt Won’t Open as Admin

Problem Cause Fix
UAC prompt not appearing Disabled UAC Re-enable UAC in Control Panel > Security
Command Prompt missing in Start Menu Windows replaced with Terminal Enable cmd in Terminal Settings > Startup
“Access Denied” even as admin Limited user account Log in with Administrator account
Command Prompt opens then closes instantly Corrupt system files Run sfc /scannow from Recovery mode

Security Tips for Running cmd as Admin

  • Only run trusted commands. Malicious commands can harm your system.

  • Avoid downloading unknown batch files and running them with admin rights.

  • Use Windows Sandbox or virtual machines for testing risky commands.

Conclusion

Running Command Prompt as admin in Windows 11 is essential for many system-level tasks. You now know multiple ways to do it — from the Start Menu, Run dialog, Task Manager, and even creating a permanent admin shortcut.

Whether you’re fixing errors, managing files, or configuring advanced settings, elevated cmd access ensures commands run without restrictions.

FAQs: Running Command Prompt as Admin in Windows 11

1. What is the shortcut to open Command Prompt as admin?
Type cmd in Start Menu and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.

2. Why do I need administrator rights in cmd?
Many commands modify system files and settings, requiring elevated permissions.

3. Can I make cmd always run as administrator?
Yes, by editing the shortcut properties and enabling Run as administrator.

4. Why don’t I see Command Prompt in the Power User Menu?
Windows 11 replaced it with Windows Terminal. You can still open cmd inside Terminal.

5. Is running cmd as admin safe?
Yes, as long as you run trusted commands. Be cautious with commands from unknown sources.

Related Posts:

Scroll to Top