To run a Steam game as administrator on Windows 11, open your Steam Library, right-click the game, and choose Manage > Browse local files. In the folder that opens, right-click the game’s .exe file, choose Properties, open the Compatibility tab, and tick Run this program as an administrator. Steam itself has no “run as admin” option for individual games, so this setting on the .exe is what makes it stick. Details and alternatives are below.
When to run a Steam game as administrator
- Mods, mod managers, or trainers can’t access the game’s files or memory.
- The game can’t save settings or patches because it’s installed in a protected folder.
- An older game crashes or fails to start on Windows 11.
- The developer’s support page tells you to.
If the game runs normally, there’s no benefit. Running games with full rights also gives any bug or malicious mod more access to your PC.
Method 1: Set the game’s .exe to always run as administrator
- Open Steam and go to your Library.
- Right-click the game and choose Manage > Browse local files. File Explorer opens the game’s install folder.
- Find the game’s main .exe. It’s usually named after the game, and sometimes sits in a bin, Binaries\Win64, or similar subfolder.
- Right-click it, choose Properties, and open the Compatibility tab.
- Tick Run this program as an administrator, then click Apply and OK.
Launch the game from Steam as usual. Windows shows a User Account Control prompt; click Yes.
Some games start through a separate launcher .exe that then opens the real game. If the setting doesn’t take effect, set it on both the launcher and the main game .exe.
Method 2: Run Steam as administrator
Games launched from Steam usually inherit Steam’s permission level. To run Steam elevated:
- Close Steam completely: right-click the Steam icon in the system tray and choose Exit Steam.
- Right-click the Steam shortcut and choose Run as administrator.
This is handy for a one-off test. Running Steam as administrator all the time isn’t recommended, because every game, download, and overlay then runs with full rights.
Other compatibility fixes for Steam games
On the same Compatibility tab, older games may also need Run this program in compatibility mode for an earlier Windows version, or Disable fullscreen optimizations. See how to run a program in compatibility mode. Inside Steam, right-click the game and choose Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files to repair missing or damaged files.
Troubleshooting
Browse local files is greyed out
The game isn’t installed on this PC. Install it first.
The game launches without the admin prompt
You set the option on a different .exe. Look in Task Manager while the game runs, right-click it, and choose Open file location to find the exact .exe being used.
The game won’t start after the change
Untick the option. Some games and anti-cheat systems don’t work correctly with administrator rights.
Frequently asked questions
Does this work for Epic or other launchers?
Yes. Find the game’s install folder through the launcher and set the .exe the same way. See how to run a game as administrator in Windows 11.
Where are Steam games installed?
By default in C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common. See how to find the Steam folder on Windows 11.
Summary
In Steam, right-click the game, choose Manage > Browse local files, and set the game’s .exe to Run this program as an administrator on the Compatibility tab. Use Run as administrator on Steam itself only for testing.
Related: install Steam on Windows 10.
Related: run as administrator in Windows 11.
Related: how to open game files on Windows 11.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.