Run as Administrator Not Working Windows 11: Best 7 Fixes

The Run as administrator option not working on your Windows 11 PC may be due to corrupted files, antivirus, or other third-party applications interfering with the function. This state is, however, not good for you as operations requiring elevated access cannot function without admin rights.

This utility allows users to run applications and programs with administrator privileges or troubleshoot several computer problems. One of the programs that require administrator privileges is Command Prompt. This article will help you rid yourself of that problem.

1. Confirm your admin status

Before you apply fixes, confirm your admin status. You may be trying to Run as an administrator, and it may not be working because you are not an admin. Here is how to check your status:

1. Hold the Windows and S keys simultaneously, enter cmd in the search field, and press Enter to launch Command Prompt as an admin.
   
2. Enter the following command and hit Enter to see your admin status:
   net localgroup administrators
   
3. If you see Administrator in the result, then you are an admin.
   
4. Else, use the solutions below to solve the problem.

2. Set User Account to Administrator

Setting the user account to Administrator manually can help you gain confidence that the user account is as you want it to be. You can administer administration privileges by using simple settings in the User Accounts window. Here is how to do it:

1. Open the Run dialog with the Windows + R pressed at once, type netplwiz, and click OK.
   
2. When the User Accounts window opens, click on your account and click the Properties button.
   
3. Under the Group Membership tab, set the user level of access as Administrator, then click Apply and OK to confirm the setting.
   

3. Perform an SFC/DISM Scan

SFC compares files and repairs any corruption, while DISM repairs the Windows image and installs missing files. Both scans can fix corrupted system files, causing the Run as administrator not working error on your Windows 11 PC. Follow the steps below to complete the scans:

1. Press the Windows and S keys at once and search for cmd, select Run as administrator on the right side to launch the Command Prompt as an admin.
   
2. When UAC prompts you, click on Yes to proceed.
   
3. Once the Command Prompt opens, enter the following command into the console and hit Enter to run the command:
   DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
   
4. When the scan is complete, enter the command below and press Enter to begin an SFC scan:
   sfc /scannow
   
5. Finally, it would be best to restart your computer to implement repairs.

4. Check for hardware errors

Checking for hardware errors helps you identify hardware components preventing the program from running with elevated privileges. These errors can be associated with your computer’s memory, hard drive, or other hardware components. To check for hardware errors, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows and S keys simultaneously, search for prompt, and click Run as administrator.
   
2. When the UAC prompt comes up, click Yes.
   
3. Once the Command Prompt window opens, enter the following command and hit Enter:
   chkdsk /f /r
   
4. Finally, enter Y and restart your PC so the utility can check for file system errors.
   

5. Uninstall the problematic app

Uninstalling a problematic app can help eliminate third-party interference. Some apps counteract other apps during operation and can be unhealthy for the system. Uninstall recently installed apps that may be causing issues using the following steps:

1. Hold the Windows + I keys simultaneously to open Settings, click on Apps, and select Installed apps.
   
2. Then, locate the problematic app, click on the ellipses, and select Uninstall.
   

6. Perform a Clean Boot

Performing a clean boot is an effective troubleshooting technique that launches Windows with very few sets of drivers and startup programs. This tool aids in isolating the cause of a problem by preventing conflicts between different software programs. Here is how to perform a clean boot:

1. Hold the Windows and R keys to open the Run dialog box, type msconfig in the Run entry field, and press Enter.
   
2. Then, locate the Services tab, click on it, and check the Hide all Microsoft services box.
   
3.  Click on the Disable all button and then click Apply.
   
4. Select the Startup tab and then click Open Task Manager.
   
5. Now right-click on the first enabled app on the Task Manager tab and click Disable.
   
6. Finally, follow step 6 to disable all enabled applications one after the other.
7. After disabling the apps, close Task Manager.
8. Restart your PC.

7. Create a new user account

Creating a new user account can help you ascertain whether the previous account is in good condition or not. If the admin privileges work correctly on the new account, it means the previous account has issues and needs checking. Here is how to create a new user account:

1. Hold the Windows + I keys simultaneously to open Settings, click on Account, and choose to open a Other users account.
   
   
2. When the Other users account page opens, click Add account.
   
3. Enter the Email or phone number you want to use for the new account and click Next.
   
4. Then, follow the accompanying instructions.
5. After creating the account, use solution 2 to set the user account as an admin.

In conclusion, the Run as Administrator Not Working issue in Windows 11 can be a bother, but it has solutions. Updating Windows 11 and drivers can be an additional fix to some of the best solutions to resolve this issue mentioned above.

Users should try these troubleshooting steps to regain the functionality of this feature and ensure the smooth operation of their Windows 11 system. For questions or further inquiries, reach us using the comment section below.