Almost every Windows user is aware of and possibly has used the Windows Command Prompt at some point in their life, but it’s unlikely that many are familiar with what PowerShell is.

But now, it’s time to expand your boundaries because we now have PowerShell, which is a far more powerful tool than the Command Prompt. However, if you want to utilize PowerShell to do anything more complex than basic tasks, you need to run PowerShell as administrator.

The reason why Microsoft aims to replace the Windows Command Prompt with PowerShell is that it offers much more control over the Windows OS.

PowerShell is a scripting language and task-oriented command-line shell based on .NET technology. It contains additional features compared to the typical Command Prompt because it was created specifically for system admins and advanced users. With PowerShell run as admin, you can access data stores just as easily as you can manage the file system and administer the computer through the command line.

When you Run PowerShell command as administrator, it’s referred to as executing an elevated version of the Command Prompt because your standard privileges are elevated. 

Read this article to learn more about why it is necessary to run PowerShell as administrator and what are different ways to Run PowerShell as admin. But before that, let’s understand what PowerShell is.

What is Windows PowerShell?

PowerShell is a powerful tool from Microsoft that can seem a bit technical at first glance.

But, at its core, PowerShell is a versatile task automation solution that combines three main components: a command-line shell, a configuration management framework, and a scripting language.

But what does that really mean, and why is it necessary to run PowerShell as administrator?

Well, let’s break down the term “shell.” A shell serves as an interface that allows users to communicate with the operating system. You can think of it as the bridge between you and your computer’s capabilities. Shell interfaces can be command-line based, where you type commands, or graphical, where you click on icons and buttons.

PowerShell is designed to simplify configuration management and automate tasks on the Windows operating system. However, its functionality and flexibility have led it to transform into an open-source solution.

PowerShell runs not only on Windows but also on Linux and macOS, which makes it accessible to a broader audience.

One of the major features of PowerShell is its combination of a command-line interface and a strong scripting language. This means you can execute commands directly and even write scripts to automate repetitive tasks, which can save you time and effort. For that, it is also crucial to run Control Panel as Administrator in Windows

So, PowerShell is designed to make managing your system easier and more efficient, no matter your operating system.

However, to do some specific tasks, you need to Run PowerShell commands as administrator. Let’s proceed to learn how you can Run PowerShell as admin.

How to Run PowerShell as Administrator?

When PowerShell run as admin, it allows you to execute commands and access certain files that are usually restricted. There are various other tasks that need PowerShell admin commands. So, if you don’t know how to run PowerShell command as administrator, here are some ways through which you can run PowerShell as admin.

Method 1. How to Run PowerShell as Administrator Using the Power User Menu

Using the Power User Menu is one of the easiest and most effective ways to quickly access necessary system features and settings on a Windows PC. Here is how you can open or run PowerShell admin commands using the Power User Menu:

• Simply right click on the Start icon to enter the quick access menu. Additionally, you can access it by using the keyboard shortcut Win + X.
• Choose Terminal (Admin) from the list of options.

• Click Yes to give permission if UAC shows up on the screen.

Method 2. How to run PowerShell as Administrator from the Windows Search Tool

As an alternative method, you can also use the Windows Search tool to launch or run PowerShell as admin. This is a rather simple procedure that only requires a few steps. Here’s how you can do it:

• To launch Windows Search, press the Win + S keyboard shortcut.
• Enter “PowerShell” in the search field.
• Choose Run as administrator from the right panel.

• To grant PowerShell admin commands rights, select Yes when prompted by User Account Control.

At this point, PowerShell will launch with admin rights. Any PowerShell admin commands you wish to run can be typed here. Type “Exit” and hit Enter to end PowerShell.

Also know: How to Access Exchange Admin Center in Exchange Online

Method 3. How to Run PowerShell as Admin from Windows File Explorer

If you find the previous methods confusing or need another method to PowerShell run as admin. Here is another method to run PowerShell command as administrator through File Explorer’s address bar. Follow the steps below to do this:

1. To access Windows File Explorer, press the keyboard shortcut Win + E.

2. In the Windows File Explorer address bar, enter the following command and hit Enter.

C:\Windows\System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\

3. Next, in the address bar, type “PowerShell.”

4. Right-click the PowerShell.exe file and choose Run as administrator.

5. When the UAC window appears, select Yes to allow PowerShell admin commands privileges.

Method 4. How to Run PowerShell as Administrator Through the Run Command

Run Command is a powerful feature in Windows that allows you to access files, enable Hyper-V, start programs, and manage system settings. It can also be used to launch Windows PowerShell in administrator mode. Here’s how you can do it:

• To launch the Run dialog box, press Win + R on your keyboard.
• Enter “PowerShell” here, then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.

• Click “Yes” to proceed if a confirmation prompt appears. By doing this, PowerShell will run as admin.

Method 5. How to Run PowerShell as Administrator Using Command Prompt

Almost any application or software on your Windows device can be run through a command prompt. Use this utility to PowerShell run as admin by following these steps:

• Launch the Command Prompt as Administrator.

• Copy and paste the provided command into the Command Prompt:

powershell Start-Process powershell -Verb runAs

Windows PowerShell will launch as an administrator as soon as you enter the aforementioned command in the Command Prompt window.

Method 6. How to Run PowerShell as Admin From the Start Menu

The Start Menu offers a single location for starting apps and other operations and is home to a variety of software programs and files. Use these instructions to Run PowerShell command as administrator:

• From the lower-left corner of your screen, click the Start button.
• Now, from the top right corner, choose All apps.
• After scrolling down, select the Windows Tools menu.
• Right-click Windows PowerShell now, then choose Run as administrator.

• On your screen, if the UAC shows up, click Yes to provide PowerShell admin commands privileges.

Also know: How to Fix Windows 0x80071AC3 Error: ‘Volume is Dirty’

Method 7. How to Run PowerShell as Administrator through Task Manager

Another effective tool for troubleshooting and fixing PC issues is Task Manager. In addition, you can use this utility to start applications on your PC.

Here is how to use this tool to run PowerShell command as administrator.

1. To launch Task Manager, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard.
2. From the very top of the page, choose Run new task.
3. Type “PowerShell” into the pop-up menu and select the “Create this task with administrative privileges” option.
4. When you click the OK button, Windows PowerShell will open as an administrator.

Method 8. How to Run PowerShell as Administrator Using the Control Panel

Along with Windows Action Center, Windows Control Panel is another software program that contains many tools for managing settings on Windows. You can start almost any installed program on your PC using this utility. To launch Windows PowerShell as an administrator, take the following steps:

• Use one of the many ways to open the Control Panel.
• Click on System and Security.
• Scroll down to the bottom and select Windows Tools.
• Right-click on Windows PowerShell and select Run as administrator.
• A User Account Control pop-up window will appear asking if you want to allow this app to make changes to your PC; click Yes to continue.

PowerShell will now launch as an administrator, and you can run commands with full privileges. To exit PowerShell, write Exit and hit Enter.

Method 9. How to Run PowerShell as Admin with a Desktop Shortcut

If you frequently use commands that need admin rights, you might want to create a desktop shortcut for PowerShell. Here’s how to do it:

1. First, right-click on your Desktop and choose New > Shortcut.
2. In the “Create Shortcut” window, type this command:

C:\WINDOWS\System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\powershell.exe

3. Then, click Next to continue.

3. Next, give your shortcut a name and click Finish.
4. Now, double-click the shortcut to PowerShell run as admin whenever you need it.

Method 10. How to Run PowerShell as Administrator Using a Batch File

In order to launch Windows PowerShell as an administrator, this method involves preparing a batch file. The following are the steps to do it:

1. To open Notepad, hit Win + R, enter “Notepad,” then press Enter.
2. Copy and paste the following command into Notepad:

Powershell.exe -Command “& {Start-Process Powershell.exe -Verb RunAs}”

3. Choose Save As from the menu list after clicking File.
4. Enter “PowerShell.bat” as the file name. With the .bat extension, you can give your file any name you like.
5. Click Save after selecting the location in which you want to save it.

This will generate the batch file for Windows PowerShell. Double-clicking the batch file will launch Windows PowerShell with admin rights. Click Yes to proceed if the UAC prompt appears.

Also know: How to Get Help With File Explorer in Windows 11/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is PowerShell, and why should I run it as an administrator?

PowerShell is a powerful command-line tool from Microsoft that helps automate tasks and manage system settings on Windows. Running PowerShell as an administrator gives you elevated privileges, allowing you to access restricted files and execute commands that require higher authority, which is essential for performing advanced system tasks.

Q2. Does PowerShell on Windows operate in admin settings by default?

Windows PowerShell runs with the permissions of the user who is logged in, so it does not start with administrator privileges by default. If you need to perform tasks that require higher permissions, right-click the PowerShell icon and select “Run as administrator.” Be careful when using these elevated privileges to avoid making random changes to the system.

Q3. How can I determine whether PowerShell is running in administrator mode?

You can determine if PowerShell is running as an administrator in a few different ways. One way is to look at the title of the PowerShell window. Another method is to check the PowerShell execution policy. You can also see if there’s a User Account Control (UAC) prompt.

Running PowerShell as an administrator is essential for executing tasks that require elevated privileges. By checking the window title, verifying the execution policy, or using the context menu, you can easily determine whether you are operating with the necessary permissions. Understanding these methods mentioned in this article not only enhances your efficiency but also ensures you can effectively manage system configurations and troubleshoot issues.