How to Fix Can’t Run Command Prompt as Administrator in Windows 10

Summary: To make specific crucial changes in settings or execute some features, you need to run command prompt as administrator.  If you find the issue doing that, then here are a few fixes you should follow in dealing with it.

Why are you facing this issue?

Well, there could be numerous issues behind you can’t run command prompt as administrator.  The problem may be with your user account, or the issue with antimalware software on your PC is that it conflicts with other programs or more. You can find this issue on any of your Windows versions, including Windows 10, 8, 7, or earlier.

How it affects your system performance?

You may require running Command Prompt as an administrator to make certain crucial changes on your PC or install a new program that requires administrator privileges, or you need to tweak some features or anything else.

How to Fix Can’t Run Command Prompt as Administrator Issue in Windows 10?

As we discussed, these could be numerous reasons behind this issue. So, there are multiple solutions as well to fix this problem. Let’s discuss the top 6 methods here.

Method 1: Create a Command Prompt Shortcut on your Desktop

If you aren’t able to run command prompt as administrator, then first follow these steps:

From the File Explorer navigate to below directory location:

C:\Users\Default\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\WinXGroup3

Now, you probably see there are two shortcuts for Command Prompt. It could include one non-administrative and another administrative Command Prompt shortcut. You need to copy these shortcuts to the desktop and try to run it to ensure both are working. Out of these two shortcuts, you can quickly identify Command Prompt with administrative privileges as you can found them mentioned as Administrator: Command Prompt.

If you want to create a quick shortcut for command prompt with administrative privileges, then follow steps mentioned below:

• Right-click anywhere on the desktop and select New > Shortcut.
• Input exe command and then tap Next.
• Type the new shortcut name and then tap Finish.
  

Once you have created a shortcut, you need to click on the new shortcut to allow it to run with administrative privileges. To do this, follow these steps:

• Now that you have newly created shortcut right-click on it and select Properties.
• Click on Security
• Select the Advanced option below.
• Next is to check Run as administrator option and click OK.

Method 2: Create a New User Account

Another reason behind said command prompt issue could be a problem with your user account. Here, you can create a new user account to fix can’t run command prompt as administrator in Windows 10. To do this, follow steps mentioned below:

• Go to Start menu > Settings > Accounts.
• On the next window, choose Family & other people from the left pane.
• Tap on Add someone else to this PC from the right pane.
• Click on I don’t have this person’s sign-in information
• Next is to choose to add a user without a Microsoft account
• Input the new user name and press Next.

Once you have created a new user account, you need to switch to it to see if the issue is fixed. If it is fixed, move all your files & settings to this newly created account and start using this account.

Method 3: Install the Updates

To do this, follow these steps:

• Go to Start menu > Settings > Update & Security.
• In the right pane click on Check for updates

It will help you install all available updates automatically.

Method 4: Run into Safe Mode

To run into Safe Mode, follow steps mentioned below:

• Go to Start menu > Settings > Update & Security.
• Select the Recovery option from the left pane.
• Click on Restart Now under Advanced Startup option.
• Next is to select Troubleshoot and the select Advanced options > Startup Settings.
• Click Restart.
• Once the system restarts, you will see multiple options to select from. Select one of these Safe Mode options by taping the corresponding key.

Now that you are into Safe Mode, try to check if the issue is fixed.

Method 5: Disable all non-Microsoft Context Menu Items

Disabling all non-Microsoft context menu items could also help you fix can’t run command prompt as administrator in Windows 10. Here, you can use third-party apps such as ShellExView to do this. You can download this software on your PC; it will help you find and disable all non-Microsoft entries in the context menu.

Method 6: Check Your Antivirus Software

Your antivirus software may have put certain files into a quarantine that is crucial for Command Prompt to run into administrator mode. Check these files and restore them. Remember to make sure that these files aren’t malicious before you restore them. It will help you fix the problem.

So, these were 6 best solutions to fix can’t run command prompt as administrator in Windows 10. Do try these methods and share your feedback in the comments below.