Some Windows commands need elevated privileges before they can change system settings. In Windows 11, you can start PowerShell with administrator rights from Start or through Windows Terminal.
Run PowerShell as administrator in Windows 11
- Open Start.
- Type PowerShell.
- Select Run as administrator for the PowerShell result.
- Choose Yes when User Account Control asks for permission.
The elevated window can now run commands that your account is authorized to perform with administrator privileges.
Use Windows Terminal instead
Windows 11 commonly uses Windows Terminal as the host for command-line shells. Right-click Start and choose Terminal (Admin), then open a PowerShell tab if one is not already active.
How can you tell it is elevated?
The title bar generally identifies the window as Administrator, and commands that require elevation should no longer fail solely because the shell was opened without administrator rights.
Running PowerShell as administrator does not bypass account permissions. You must approve the UAC request and use an account that is allowed to elevate. If the computer belongs to an employer or school, organizational policy may prevent you from obtaining administrator access.
Use elevation only when necessary
Do everyday PowerShell work in a normal window. An elevated shell can make system-wide changes, so review commands before running them and avoid copying unfamiliar scripts from websites or messages simply because they tell you to use an administrator window.
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.