Running certain commands or scripts in Windows 11 requires administrator privileges, especially when modifying system settings, installing software, or performing maintenance. Launching Windows Terminal with administrative rights ensures that all shells—Command Prompt, PowerShell, or WSL—inherit these permissions, preventing access errors and streamlining advanced operations.

Open Windows Terminal as Administrator Using the Win+X Menu

Press Windows + X on your keyboard. This opens the Power User (Quick Link) menu, which provides fast access to essential system tools.

Select Terminal (Admin) from the menu. In some Windows 11 builds, this entry may appear as Windows Terminal (Admin) or just Terminal depending on your configuration and updates. If you see Windows PowerShell (Admin) instead, you can set Windows Terminal as your default terminal app in system settings.

When prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to confirm. The Windows Terminal window will now launch with administrator rights, allowing you to run elevated commands without restriction.

Open Windows Terminal as Administrator from Start Menu

Click the Start button or press the Windows key on your keyboard to open the Start menu.

Choose All apps in the upper-right corner to display an alphabetical list of installed applications.

Scroll down to the W section and locate Windows Terminal (sometimes labeled as just Terminal).

Right-click the app, hover over More, then select Run as administrator.

Approve the UAC prompt to open Windows Terminal with elevated permissions.

Open Windows Terminal as Administrator Using Windows Search

Activate Windows Search by pressing Windows + S or by clicking the search box/icon in the taskbar.

Type terminal or windows terminal in the search field.

In the results, right-click Windows Terminal and choose Run as administrator. Alternatively, click the small arrow next to the app and select Run as administrator from the expanded options.

Confirm the UAC prompt to proceed.

Open Windows Terminal as Administrator via the Run Dialog

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.

Type wt into the field.

Instead of clicking OK, hold Ctrl + Shift and then press Enter or click OK. This shortcut instructs Windows to launch the command with administrator rights.

Accept the UAC prompt to continue.

Open Windows Terminal as Administrator Using Task Manager

Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc or by right-clicking the taskbar and selecting Task Manager.

Click File in the menu bar and select Run new task.

In the dialog, enter wt.

Check the box labeled Create this task with administrative privileges before clicking OK. This ensures Windows Terminal launches with elevated permissions.

Respond to the UAC prompt to finish launching the app.

Set Windows Terminal to Always Run as Administrator

For users who frequently need administrative access, configuring Windows Terminal to always start in admin mode can save time. Adjusting the app’s settings or shortcut properties streamlines this process.

Launch Windows Terminal using any method above, then click the downward arrow in the title bar and select Settings, or press Ctrl + ,.

In the sidebar, select Defaults under the Profiles section.

Enable the option Run this profile as Administrator. This makes every new Terminal window launch with elevated permissions by default.

Optionally, set your preferred shell (such as Command Prompt or PowerShell) as the default profile under Startup.

Alternatively, you can create a custom desktop shortcut for Windows Terminal, then right-click the shortcut, choose Properties, click Advanced, and check Run as administrator. This shortcut will always open Terminal with admin rights.

Launching Windows Terminal as administrator in Windows 11 prevents permission issues and unlocks advanced system commands. Choose the method that fits your workflow for faster, error-free command-line management.