FIX: Login with administrator privileges and try again
- Administrator privileges are security-related rights that restrict other users from performing various actions within the operating system.
- When users who don't have admin privileges on their accounts try to perform actions reserved only to administrators, an error message appears on the screen.
- In this guide, we'll show you what you can do if your computer is asking you to log in with admin privileges and how you can fix this login issue.
- For more useful guides, visit our Windows 10 troubleshooting hub.
Are you the administrator of your computer and it is still giving you the error message that you need to log in with administrator privileges? Read this article to find out how to fix this issue.
Why is this happening?
Typically, this error occurs because Windows doesn’t usually run programs with administrator privileges.
How to fix Administrator Privileges errors
There are a few ways to fix this error. Try some of the following fixes.
This guide will help you become an expert in making yourself an administrator in Windows 10.
1. Run the program with Administrator Privileges
One way to get this error to disappear is to change the properties in the program to run with administrator privileges. This typically works when the error is popping up in one particular program.
To do this fix, perform the following tasks:
- Navigate to the program that is giving the error
- Right Click on the program’s icon
- Select Properties on the menu
- Click on Shortcut
- Click on Advanced
- Click on the box that says Run As Administrator
- Click on Apply
- Try opening the program again
2. Enable the elevated Administrator account
There is a hidden elevated administrator account in Windows 10 that could be causing the error in your computer. To enable this account, you can do this in either PowerShell or Command Prompt.
Command Prompt
To enable the elevated administrator account in the command prompt, complete the following steps:
- Ensure that the computer is logged in as the Administrator
- Press the Windows Button and X simultaneously to access the Win X Menu
- Select Command Prompt Admin
Or
- Click in the Search Box on the Task Menu
- Type Task Manager
- Click on More Details
- Click on File
- Select Run New Task
- Type Cmd
- Click on the box beside Create this task with Administrative Privileges
- Click on OK
- In the Command Prompt enter the following Command
- net user Administrator /active:yes
Working in Command Prompt will be like a walk in the park after you read this guide!
PowerShell
To enable the Elevated Administrator Account from PowerShell, perform the following tasks:
- Press the Windows Key and the X Key Simultaneously to access the Win X Menu
Or
- Click in the Search Box on the Task Bar
- Type PowerShell
- Right Click on the Program
- Select Run As Administrator
- In the PowerShell type the following command
- Enable-LocalUser -Name “Administrator”
- Enable-LocalUser -Name “Administrator”
3. Restore a previous Windows version
If you’ve tried everything and you’ve failed to get rid of the error message it could be time to seek the help of a professional or roll back to a different version of Windows.
If this error is occurring in a game or a program, ensure that the program is compatible with the version of Windows that you are using. If you’re having compatibility issues use the Windows Compatibility Troubleshooter to help you with this issue.
FAQ: Learn more about administrator privileges
- What are administrator privileges?
Administrator rights are a set of privileges that grants users the right to perform a series of actions within the operating system, such as installing software, updating drivers, changing system settings, and more.
- How do I change my administrator privileges?
- Open the Control Panel
- Go to Manage Account
- Select the user account you want to change
- Click on Change the account type option
Select the Administrator radio button to grant admin rights to the respective account - Save the changes.
- Why does my computer say I need administrator permission?
If your computer says you need admin permission, this indicated the account type you’re using does not have the necessary rights to perform the actions you attempted.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in September 2017 and has since been updated for freshness and accuracy.
