To open PowerShell as Administrator, sign in to Windows, then launch PowerShell or Windows Terminal using Run as administrator. Approve the User Account Control prompt or enter administrator credentials if Windows asks. This elevates that PowerShell process; it does not change which account is signed in to Windows. Microsoft’s PowerShell 101 guide explains the distinction and recommends elevating only when a task requires it.
What “PowerShell as Administrator” means
Windows starts a PowerShell process with elevated permissions. A normal PowerShell window remains suitable for commands that do not need administrator rights; commands that modify protected system settings or otherwise require elevation may fail there.
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Elevation depends on the account and the device’s policies. If your signed-in account is a standard user, Windows may ask for credentials for an administrator account. You cannot gain permissions that the account or policy does not allow simply by choosing the administrator launch option.
Open classic Windows PowerShell as Administrator
- Open Start and search for Windows PowerShell.
- Right-click the Windows PowerShell result or shortcut and choose Run as administrator.
- Approve the User Account Control prompt. If Windows asks for credentials, provide an account authorized to administer that computer.
- Check the window title. Microsoft’s PowerShell 101 example uses Administrator: Windows PowerShell; wording can vary by host and version.
If the prompt is denied or the option is unavailable, your account or device policy may not permit elevation. Ask your organization’s administrator for access rather than trying to work around the restriction.
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Open an elevated shell in Windows Terminal
- Right-click the Windows Terminal icon and select Run as administrator.
- Alternatively, press Windows key + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin).
- Approve the prompt or enter administrator credentials if requested.
Windows Terminal does not support having elevated and non-elevated shell tabs coexist in the same window. Its FAQ documents this limitation.
Start a separate elevated PowerShell process from a shell
From an existing PowerShell session, run:
Start-Process -FilePath "powershell" -Verb RunAsThis asks Windows to start a new PowerShell process using the RunAs verb. It does not convert the current window into an elevated one. Microsoft documents this usage in the Start-Process reference. Do not put passwords directly into commands or scripts.
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Choose the method that fits your starting point
| Method | Starting point | What it does | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Run classic PowerShell as administrator | Start menu or shortcut | Opens an elevated PowerShell window | Interactive work in classic Windows PowerShell |
| Run Windows Terminal as administrator | Terminal icon or Windows key + X menu | Opens an elevated Terminal window | Interactive work in a Terminal profile |
Start-Process -FilePath "powershell" -Verb RunAs |
Existing PowerShell session | Starts a separate elevated PowerShell process | Launching elevation from a command or script |
When you need elevation—and when you may not
Use an elevated shell only for the part of the work that requires administrative rights. Microsoft advises: “You should only run PowerShell elevated as an administrator when absolutely necessary.” An application started from an elevated PowerShell inherits elevated rights, so an accidental command or untrusted content can have a greater impact. Microsoft’s Windows security guidance similarly recommends keeping the main application at normal privilege and using a separate elevated process for operations that need it.
Local elevation is not automatically necessary to administer another computer. PowerShell 101 explains that local elevation affects commands against the local computer; remote work instead depends on the credentials, permissions, remoting configuration, and policy for the target system.
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