Microsoft allows Windows users to grant admin privileges to third-party apps. In general, you won’t need to run most apps or files as an administrator, but some advanced tasks will require it, and the option might be grayed out. Encountering a grayed-out “Run as administrator” option can be frustrating, especially when you need elevated permissions for specific tasks. This issue often arises due to misconfigured settings, corrupted files, or user profile problems. Understanding the root causes is essential for effectively resolving the issue. Today, we will explore several methods to restore the “Run as administrator” functionality. Without further ado, let’s get started!
Important : Before troubleshooting, log into an account with administrator privileges.
What Is “Run As Administrator” Feature
It is a feature in Windows that allows users to execute programs with elevated permissions. This means the application can access system-level resources and settings that standard user accounts typically cannot modify.
When you run a program as an administrator, it can perform tasks such as installing software, modifying system files, and changing settings that affect all users on the system. This option is particularly useful for applications that require higher privileges to function correctly, ensuring they have the necessary access to perform their operations effectively.
Here are some common causes for the “Run as administrator” option being grayed out:
1. Misconfigured User Account Control (UAC) Settings: Incorrect UAC settings can restrict administrative privileges, preventing the option from being available.
2. Corrupted Shortcuts: If a shortcut is misconfigured or corrupted, it may not link properly to the executable file, making the option unavailable.
3. User Account Permissions: If you’re logged in with a standard user account rather than an administrator account, you won’t have access to the “Run as administrator” option.
4. Corrupted User Profile: Issues with your user profile can lead to various permissions problems, including the inability to run applications as an administrator.
5. Group Policy Restrictions: In a corporate or managed environment, group policies may limit the ability to run certain applications with elevated privileges.
6. Corrupted or Missing System Files: Damaged system files can affect the overall functionality of Windows features, including administrative options.
7. Software Conflicts: Certain applications or background processes might interfere with the ability to run programs as an administrator.
Fix The Run As Administrator Option Grayed Out
Method 1: Verify Compatibility Mode
The first step is to check whether the Run As Administrator option is available in the compatibility mode. Here are the steps to do so:
Step 1: Right-click on the shortcut of the app you wish to run in Admin mode and choose Properties from the context menu.
Step 2: A new box will open where you must click the Compatibility tab.
Step 3: Verify if the Run As Administrator option is enabled or grayed out. If not, you can check the box, and your program will run in admin mode. Else, move to the next method.
Step 4: Click on Apply and then OK.
Method 2: Modify Group Membership Of Your Account
The next step is to check whether your user account is an administrator account. Here is what you need to do:
Step 1: Press Win + S to open the Search box and type “netplwiz”.
Step 2: Click on the “Netplwix” Run Command under Best Match to open the User Accounts box.
Step 3: Click on your User Account name and then click on Properties.
Step 4: A new box will open where you must click the Group Membership tab.
Step 5: Click on the circular button next to Administrator.
Step 6: Click on Apply and OK.
Step 7: Reboot your PC and sign in using the same account.
Also Read: How to Fix “The User Profile Service failed the sign-in” Error Windows 10/11
Method 3: Turn Off UAC Settings
After confirming the above steps, we need to check the User Account Control settings. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Press Win + R to open the RUN box.
Step 2: Type Msconfig followed by the Enter key.
Step 3: The System Configuration box will open. To access it, click on the Tools tab at the top.
Step 4: Click on “Change UAC Settings” to select it and then click on the Launch button.
Step 5: Drag the slider towards Never Notify and click the OK button.
Step 6: Reboot your PC.
Method 4: Generate A New User Profile
The simplest method to fix this issue is to create a new profile and check if the Run as Administrator option works in the new account.
Step 1: Press Win + R to launch the RUN box, type netplwiz, and click OK.
Step 2: The User Accounts box will open where you must click the Add button.
Step 3: A blue box will open where you must click the Sign in without Microsoft account link below.
Step 4: Next, click on the Local Account option.
Step 5: Type in the Username, Password, and Hint. You may choose to leave the password fields blank if you do not want to enter a password every time your PC reboots.
Step 6: Click on the Next button and then click on Finish.
Also Read: Fixed: Windows Keeps Creating Temporary Profiles Problem
Method 5: Use System File Checker Utility
There must be some issue with the system files in your old user account. Log into that account again and run the System File Checker tool. The SFC tool is a built-in tool that scans your PC’s files detects issues, and fixes them. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Press Win + S to open the search box, type “cmd,” right-click on “Command Prompt” from the search results, and select “Run as administrator.”
Step 2: If the prompt box for administrative privileges appears, click “Yes” to proceed.
Step 3: In the Command Prompt window, type “sfc /scannow” and press the Enter key.
Step 4: Exit the Command Prompt window and reboot your computer after completing the scan.
Method 6: Utilize Deployment Image Servicing And Management Tool
There is another tool that helps to fix internal issues called the DISM. This tool can fix many issues, and here is what you need to do:
Step 1: Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
Step 2: In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Step 3: Allow the process to complete and reboot your PC.
Method 7: Disable Third-Party Services
Once we have repaired the system files, it’s important to investigate whether another application is conflicting with yours and preventing it from being run as an administrator.
Step 1: Press Win + R to open the Run dialog. Type “msconfig” and click OK.
Step 2: Next, navigate to the ‘Services’ tab.
Step 3: Check the box for ‘Hide all Microsoft services’ to ensure these services are hidden. Then, click ‘Disable All’.
Step 4: Next, click on the Startup tab and then click on the link labeled Open Task Manager.
Step 5: The Task Manager Window will now open where a list of apps that start up when your PC boots will be listed.
Step 6: Right-click on each app and choose Disable.
Step 7: Exit the Task Manager window and click on the OK button in the System Configuration box.
Step 8: Restart your system to apply the changes.
Now check if the Run as Administrator is grayed out or not.
Method 8: Update Windows
Many experts recommend updating Windows as an efficient way to fix most minor and major issues. Here are the steps to Update Windows.
Step 1: Press the Windows key and type “Check For Updates”.
Step 2: Click on the relevant matching result.
Step 3: The Windows Settings box will appear here. Click the Check For Updates button.
Step 4: Wait for the updates to download and install, then reboot your PC.
Also Read: Why Can’t Install or Update Applications on Windows
Method 9: Run A Malware Scan
After we have tried out all the troubleshooting steps, it would be unwise to rule out a malware infection. Here are the steps to run a malware scan on Windows Security software.
Note : If you run a third-party antivirus app then you may scan your PC with that app.
Step 1: Press the Windows key and type “Windows Security”.
Step 2: Click the relevant result under Best Match to launch the Windows Security box.
Step 3: Click on Virus & Threat Protection.
Step 4: Click Scan Options and choose the Full Scan option.
Step 5: Finally, click the Scan Now button and wait for the app to scan your PC.
Method 10: Reset This PC
If the previous solutions haven’t worked, resetting Windows may be the final step to fix the problem. Here’s how to reset Windows 11:
Step 1. Open the Start menu and search for ‘Reset this PC.’ Then, select the appropriate option from the search results.
Step 2. Click on “Reset PC.”
Step 3. Select “Keep my files.”
Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to start the reset process for your Windows computer.
Note : Although Windows provides an option to keep your data during the reset, it is recommended to manually back up your files externally to prevent any potential data loss.
Have You Fixed The Run As Administrator Option Grayed Out
In conclusion, by following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide you can restore the necessary permissions for elevated operations. Whether you’re a casual user or a power user, regaining this functionality will help streamline your workflow and ensure that your applications run smoothly. Do share your experience with us in the comments section below.
