4 fast and easy ways to run Windows PowerShell as an admin on Windows 11

Just about everything you need to in Windows PowerShell, you can do in a normal window. However, occasionally, you’ll need to open and run PowerShell as an administrator (admin) to run certain commands where you need to have elevated privileges.

Here’s 4 ways you can open Windows 11 PowerShell to run as an admin.

1. Windows Search

One of the easiest ways to run PowerShell is using Windows Search. Here’s what you need to do.

1. Open Windows Search by clicking the search icon from the Windows 11 Taskbar.
2. Type “Windows PowerShell” and click Run as administrator.

3. Once you confirm the User Account Control (UAC) prompt, Windows PowerShell as an admin will open in a new window.

2. Windows 11 Power User Menu

Another quick and easy way to launch Windows PowerShell as an admin is by using the Power User Menu. In order to access the Power User Menu, right-click on the Start menu (Windows icon) on your Windows 11 Taskbar. Alternatively, you can use the Windows key + X keyboard shortcut to open the Power User menu right away.

When the Power User menu appears, click Windows PowerShell (Amin)

Once you confirm the UAC prompt, Windows PowerShell will open as an administrator.

3. Use the Run application

One of the fastest ways to open Windows PowerShell in administrator mode is by using the Run application. after using a couple of keyboard shortcuts, you can have a Windows PowerShell window open and running in no time, here’s what you need to do.

1. Open the Run application by using the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut.
2. Type powershell in the text box.

3. Use the Ctrl + Shift + Enter keyboard shortcut and confirm the UAC prompt to run and open PowerShell as an admin.

4. Switch to Windows PowerShell Admin

If you are already using PowerShell and want to switch to admin mode, just copy and paste this command and press Enter: start-process powershell -verb runas

Once you confirm the UAC prompt, a new PowerShell instance will open with administrator privileges.

If you don’t use or have Windows PowerShell installed on your PC and feel more comfortable using Command Prompt, you can follow the first 3 ways in this guide to open Command Prompt in admin mode.

Obviously, you’ll need to type “cmd” in the Windows Search, using the Run application, and the Power User menu from the Start menu, but the steps largely remain the same.

If you are already using Command Prompt, you can change to Command Prompt (Admin). Just copy and paste this command and press Enter: powershell -Command Start-Process cmd -Verb RunAs

Once you confirm the UAC prompt, Command Prompt will open as a new instance in admin mode.

Which do you prefer to use Windows PowerShell or Command Prompt? Let us know which one you use and why in the comments!