To run Command Prompt as an administrator in Windows 11, select Start, type cmd, and select Run as administrator on the right. Select Yes when Windows asks for permission. The window title starts with “Administrator:” when it worked.
This guide covers Windows 11. If you only need a standard window, see how to open Command Prompt in Windows 11. It explains the Start menu method, four other quick ways, how to make Command Prompt always open as admin in Windows Terminal, and what to do if you are not an administrator. It follows Microsoft’s User Account Control guide and Windows Terminal documentation, checked in October 2026.
Run Command Prompt as Administrator From Start
- Select Start or press the Windows key. Result: the Start menu opens with a search box.
- Type cmd. Result: Command Prompt appears as the best match.
- Select Run as administrator on the right. You can also right-click Command Prompt and choose it there. Result: Windows shows a User Account Control prompt.
- Select Yes. Result: an elevated Command Prompt window opens.
What the Prompt Means
Microsoft calls this the User Account Control (UAC) consent prompt. If your account is an administrator, you only need to approve it. If you use a standard account, Windows shows a credential prompt instead, and someone has to enter the username and password of a local administrator account.
Other Quick Ways
Run Box
Press Windows key + R, type cmd, and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter instead of Enter. Then select Yes in the prompt.
Task Manager
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Result: Task Manager opens.
- Select Run new task at the top (in older versions, it is under the File menu). Result: the Create new task box opens.
- Type cmd and check Create this task with administrative privileges. Result: the task is set to run as admin.
- Select OK. Result: an administrator Command Prompt opens.
This is handy when the Start menu or search is not responding.
Windows Terminal
Right-click Start, select Terminal (Admin), and approve the prompt. Then press Ctrl + Shift + 2 to open a Command Prompt tab. The number matches Command Prompt’s place in Terminal’s profile list, which is usually second. Tabs opened from an admin Terminal window are also admin.
Make Command Prompt Always Open as Admin
If you use Windows Terminal, you can set the Command Prompt profile to always run elevated. Microsoft’s Terminal profile settings include Automatically run as Administrator. When it is on, opening that profile from a normal window starts a new elevated window, and opening it from an elevated window adds a new tab.
- Open Windows Terminal and press Ctrl + , to open Settings. Result: the Settings tab opens.
- Under Profiles, select Command Prompt. Result: the profile settings appear.
- Turn on Automatically run as Administrator, then select Save. Result: Command Prompt now opens elevated every time.
To have Terminal start in Command Prompt, change Default profile in Terminal’s Settings > Startup, as Microsoft shows in its Terminal startup settings.
How to Tell It Worked
The title bar says Administrator: Command Prompt, and the starting folder is C:\Windows\System32 instead of your user folder. If you see your user folder and no “Administrator” in the title, close the window and try again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I not see Run as administrator?
Your account may be a standard user, so Windows asks for an administrator’s password instead. See how to run as administrator in Windows 11 for other apps.
What is the difference between Command Prompt and PowerShell?
Both run commands. Most classic commands, like ipconfig and chkdsk, work in either. PowerShell also runs PowerShell cmdlets.
Is it safe to run Command Prompt as admin?
Yes, but commands can change system settings. Only run commands you understand or got from a trusted source, and close the admin window when you are done.
Some Windows features, like the Telnet client, can be turned on from an admin prompt. See how to enable Telnet on Windows 11.
Want to run Python from the command line? See how to install Python on Windows 11.
Matthew Burleigh is the founder, head writer, and editor of Solve Your Tech, which he launched in 2012. He has written technology tutorials since 2008 and worked in IT since 2003, including small-business support, IT management, and consulting. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science from Arizona State University.
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