Open Terminal with Admin Privileges in File Explorer in Windows 11

Introduction

In this article, we will discuss how to open Terminal or PowerShell with administrator privileges in File Explorer on Windows 11. While it was previously possible to launch Terminal or PowerShell with regular user privileges in Windows 10, it seems that the option has been removed in Windows 11. In this article, we will explore why this is the case and provide a solution for launching Terminal or PowerShell with administrator privileges in File Explorer on Windows 11.

Why Can't We Launch Terminal or PowerShell with Regular User Privileges in Windows 11?

In Windows 11, Microsoft has made some changes to the way Terminal and PowerShell work. By default, Terminal and PowerShell are launched with administrator privileges, and there is no option to launch them with regular user privileges in File Explorer. This is because Microsoft wants to ensure that users are aware of the potential risks associated with running commands with administrator privileges.

Running commands with administrator privileges can be dangerous if the user is not careful. It can potentially harm the system or compromise security. Therefore, Microsoft has removed the option to launch Terminal or PowerShell with regular user privileges in File Explorer to prevent users from accidentally running commands with administrator privileges.

How to Launch Terminal or PowerShell with Administrator Privileges in File Explorer on Windows 11?

To launch Terminal or PowerShell with administrator privileges in File Explorer on Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder where you want to launch Terminal or PowerShell.
2. Right-click on an empty space in the folder and select Show more options.
3. Select Open PowerShell window here or Open Terminal window here.
4. A confirmation dialog box will appear, asking if you want to allow the app to make changes to your device. Click Yes to launch Terminal or PowerShell with administrator privileges.

Using a Shortcut

If you frequently need to launch Terminal or PowerShell with administrator privileges in File Explorer, you can create a shortcut to make the process faster.

1. Right-click on an empty space on the desktop and select New > Shortcut.
2. In the Create Shortcut dialog box, enter the following command:
   powershell.exe -Command "Start-Process powershell.exe -Verb runAs"

   or

   wt.exe -Command "Start-Process wt.exe -Verb runAs"

   for Terminal.

3. Click Next and enter a name for the shortcut.
4. Click Finish to create the shortcut.
5. Right-click on the shortcut and select Properties.
6. In the Properties dialog box, click on the Advanced button.
7. Check the Run as administrator checkbox and click OK.
8. Click OK again to close the Properties dialog box.

Now, you can use the shortcut to launch Terminal or PowerShell with administrator privileges in File Explorer.

In this article, we have discussed how to launch Terminal or PowerShell with administrator privileges in File Explorer on Windows 11. While it is no longer possible to launch them with regular user privileges, we have provided a solution for launching them with administrator privileges. We have also discussed why Microsoft has made these changes and the potential risks associated with running commands with administrator privileges.

References

• Run PowerShell as Administrator in Windows Terminal
• Install Windows Terminal using MSIX
• Starting Windows PowerShell with Run As