How to Run a Program as a Different User in Windows 10 and Windows 11

There are times when you may need to run a program with another user’s permissions in Windows 10 or Windows 11. This can be useful for administration, testing, or working in a secure environment. In this guide, we’ll show you several simple ways to accomplish this.

Method 1: Using Shift + Right-Click (for Local Accounts)

The simplest way to run a program as a different user is to use the Shift + Right-Click option. This method works for local user accounts:

  1. Find the program you want to run in File Explorer or the Start Menu.
  2. Hold down the Shift key and right-click the file or shortcut of the program.
  3. Select Run as different user from the menu.
  4. Enter the username and password for the account you wish to use, and click OK.

The program will now open with the specified user’s permissions.

Method 2: Using Command Prompt

Running a program through Command Prompt is a more flexible option, particularly if you want to automate the process or run the program with system privileges:

  1. Open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges. To do this, press Win + S, type “Command Prompt,” right-click the app, and select Run as administrator.
  2. Enter the command: 
    runas /user:username "path_to_program"
    For example: 
    runas /user:Administrator "C:\Program Files\ExampleApp\app.exe"
  3. Enter the password for the account if prompted, then press Enter.

The program will start with the permissions of the specified user.

Method 3: Creating a Shortcut to Run as a Different User

If you frequently need to run a program as a different user, you can create a shortcut to simplify the process:

  1. Right-click on your desktop and select New → Shortcut.
  2. In the location field, enter the command in the format runas /user:username "path_to_program".
  3. Click Next and give the shortcut a name.
  4. Click Finish to complete the shortcut creation.

You can now double-click this shortcut to quickly run the program as the specified user.

Method 4: Using PowerShell

PowerShell is a powerful tool for managing your system, and it also allows you to run programs as a different user:

  1. Open PowerShell as an administrator (press Win + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin)).
  2. Enter the following command: 
    Start-Process -FilePath "path_to_program" -Credential (Get-Credential)
    PowerShell will prompt you to enter the credentials of the user you wish to run the command as.

After entering the credentials, the program will run with the permissions of the selected user.