How to Install Software Without Admin Rights on Windows 11

To install software on Windows 11 without admin rights, use an app that installs for your account only: get it from the Microsoft Store, choose an installer that offers Install for me only (or a “user” installer), or use a portable version that runs without installing. Apps that change Windows itself, such as drivers, antivirus and many system tools, always need an administrator.

Applies to: Windows 11 Home and Pro with a standard user account.

On a work or school PC, your IT team decides what you can install. Use the options they provide, such as Company Portal, rather than trying to get around the restrictions. Bypassing them can break company policy and leave the PC open to malware.

Check whether you’re an administrator

Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info. If it says Administrator under your name, you can approve installs yourself. If it says Standard user, use the methods below. There are other ways to check for admin rights on Windows 11 as well.

Method 1: Install from the Microsoft Store

1. Open the Microsoft Store from the Start menu.
2. Search for the app and select Get or Install.

Most Store apps install for your account only, so Windows doesn’t ask for an administrator. Many popular apps, including browsers, media players and messaging apps, are available there. If the Store is blocked, your PC is managed and you’ll need to ask IT.

Method 2: Use a per-user installer

Some programs can install into your own user folder instead of Program Files, which doesn’t need admin rights.

• When the installer asks Install for all users or Install just for me, choose Just for me.
• Some developers offer a separate “User Installer,” such as Visual Studio Code. Download that version from the official site.
• Many communication and streaming apps install to your user folder automatically.

If the installer still shows a User Account Control prompt asking for an administrator password, the app needs to be installed for everyone and this method won’t work. If the app does need system-wide access, the simplest legitimate route is to get one-time permission from the PC’s administrator on the User Account Control prompt.

Method 3: Use winget with user scope

Windows 11 includes the Windows Package Manager (winget). For packages that support it, you can install just for your account:

1. Right-click Start and select Terminal.
2. Search for the app: winget search appname
3. Install it for your account: winget install --id Publisher.App --scope user

If the package doesn’t offer a per-user version, winget reports an error or asks for an administrator.

Method 4: Use a portable version

Portable apps run from a folder without being installed.

1. Download the portable ZIP from the developer’s official site.
2. Extract it to a folder in your user profile, such as Documents\Apps.
3. Run the program file.

Avoid portable versions repackaged by third-party sites; they’re a common source of malware.

Windows security features such as Smart App Control, or policies set by an administrator, can still block unknown programs.

Method 5: Ask an administrator

• Home PC: ask the person who owns the admin account to enter their password when the User Account Control prompt appears, or to give your account admin rights if that’s appropriate.
• Work or school PC: open the Company Portal app if your organization uses it. It lists approved software you can install yourself. Otherwise, request the app from your IT team.

What can’t be installed without admin rights

• Device drivers and printer software
• Antivirus and security tools
• Apps that install Windows services or run at system level
• Most games with anti-cheat software
• Windows features, such as Hyper-V or Windows Subsystem for Linux

Frequently asked questions

Does “Run as different user” let me install without admin rights?

No. It still needs the username and password of an account that has admin rights. It just lets an administrator approve the install without you signing out.

Can I use a virtual machine instead?

Installing virtualization software such as Hyper-V or VirtualBox needs admin rights itself, so it doesn’t help on a locked-down PC.

Are portable apps safe?

They’re as safe as their source. Download them only from the developer’s own website and keep them up to date, since portable apps don’t always update automatically.

Will apps I install for my account work for other users?

No. Per-user installs and portable apps are only available in the account that installed them. Each person installs their own copy.

How do I uninstall an app I installed for my account?

Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, select the three dots next to the app, and choose Uninstall. Standard users can remove apps they installed for themselves. For a portable app, just delete its folder.