FIX: Can't Run as Administrator on Windows 10

Many programs on your computer to be run as administrator for various tasks. There are times when the feature doesn’t work. There are multiple reasons behind the error and the fix for most of them is quick and simple. However, it is necessary to understand the problem before you start fixing it to avoid any major harm to your system.

Users who rely on ‘Command Prompt’ for most of the tasks often face problems if the ‘Run as Administrator’ function is not working. It happens to others softwares and programs as well.

Check Antivirus Settings

Many users have reported that uninstalling their Anitvirus has helped fix the ‘Run as Administrator’ issue. Sometimes Antivirus interfere with the various features and functions of Windows, thus leading to the error. However, you shouldn’t uninstall it right away, rather make some basic changes to the settings and see if that works.

The first thing you should do is to check the quarantine list and look for files that may be the causing the error. Antivirus sometimes move certain files to the list which are necessary for the functioning of Command Prompt and other programs. In case, you are having trouble with Command Prompt, look for ‘consent.exe’ and restore it.

If you are having trouble with other programs, try restoring more files but ensure that don’t restore one that may harm your computer. To ensure, always research the file which you are about to restore.

In case the error persists, try changing the antivirus settings and disabling some features. This has worked for a lot of users and could be one of the reasons behind the error.

If the error isn’t fixed by now, try uninstalling the Antivirus and then check if the issue is resolved. Removing your Antivirus won’t leave your computer exposed, since there is Windows Defender which plays the same role. If the issue is fixed after uninstalling the Antivirus, you should switch to another one.

Change User Account Control (UAC) Settings

UAC or User Account Control notifies the user of certain changes that require administrator access, being made on the system. The changes could be made by the user, the OS, any built-in or third-party app, or even malware. Whenever a change is about to be made, the user is notified and has to approve before it can come into effect.

Many a time, UAC settings can lead to the ‘Run as Administrator’ error, and changing it might fix the issue. You should always try the other fixes before moving to this one since changing the settings will lead to fewer notifications which put your computer at risk.

To change the UAC settings, search for ‘Change User Account Control settings’ in the search menu and then open it.

In UAC settings, you will see four levels, the top being ‘Always notify’ and the bottom being ‘Never notify’. The setting is by default set to ‘Notify me only when apps try to make changes to my computer’. Hold and drag the slider to the level under it and then click on ‘OK’ at the bottom to apply the changes. This next one is basically the same setting, with just the difference of not dimming the desktop when the notification/permission box pops up.

Next, reboot your computer and see if the issue is fixed. In case it is not, slide further down to the next settings where no notifications are sent. After dragging the slider to the last one, click on ‘OK’ at the bottom.

Again, reboot your computer and see if the error is fixed. If it is fixed, keep the settings as such but also be extra cautious when making any changes to the system or download/installing something. In case this does not fix the error, revert to the default settings.

Change Program Settings

One of the easiest and quickest ways of resolving the issue is to change program settings.

Search for the program you are unable to run as administrator. Right-click on it and then select ‘Open file location’ from the context menu.

Next, again right-click on the program and select ‘Properties’, the last option in the menu.

Move to the ‘Shortcut’ tab and then click on ‘Advanced’ at the bottom.

The ‘Advanced Properties’ dialog box will open. Tick the checkbox for ‘Run as administrator’ and click on ‘OK’ at the bottom.

Next, click on ‘OK’ in the ‘Command Prompt Properties’, which is the case in this example.

Similarly, you can change modify the settings and it may help resolve the issue with most of the programs.

Change Membership Settings

To change the group membership settings, you will need to log in with the administrator account. If you are not the administrator, ask the administrator to make the changes for you.

Search for ‘netplwiz’ in the Start Menu, and then click on it to open.

Next, select a user that you want to make the moderator and then click on ‘Properties’.

Select the ‘Group Membership’ tab on the top of the screen.

In the ‘Group Membership’ tab, tick the checkbox for ‘Administrator’ to select the option and then click on ‘OK’ at the bottom to apply the changes.

Run SFC Scan

If any of the files have gotten corrupt, it could lead to the ‘Run as administrator’ error. To resolve it, run the SFC scan on Command Prompt.

Search for ‘Command Prompt’ in the Search Menu and then open it.

Now, type the following command and press ENTER.

sfc /scannow

The scan will take some time depending on the data stored in your system. Once the scan is complete, the error must be resolved by now.

Update Windows

If you are running an outdated version of Windows, that could be one of the reasons you are unable to run apps as an administrator. Updating to the latest version can help you fix the error.

To update the windows, press WINDOWS + I to open the System settings and then click on ‘Update & Security’, the last option.

Next, go to the ‘Windows Update’ tab on the left, and then click on ‘Check for updates’. Windows will now look for update, in case, one is available, download and install it to fix the error.