How to Open Command Prompt as Administrator in Windows 8, 7, and Vista (Historical)

Historical support note: This guide covers Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista. These releases are no longer supported by Microsoft.

Some repair commands require an elevated Command Prompt—a Command Prompt running with administrator privileges. The exact path differs by Windows version.

Windows 8

1. From the desktop or Start screen, press Windows key + X.
2. Select Command Prompt (Admin).
3. Approve the User Account Control prompt.

You can also open Start, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and choose Run as administrator.

Windows 7 and Windows Vista

1. Open Start.
2. Type cmd or Command Prompt in the search box.
3. Right-click Command Prompt in the results.
4. Select Run as administrator.
5. Approve the User Account Control prompt or enter an administrator password when requested.

How to tell whether the prompt is elevated

The title bar normally begins with Administrator: when Command Prompt is elevated. Only run administrative commands you understand, because they can change system-wide settings.

Official reference

• Microsoft Windows lifecycle status: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/updates-lifecycle/what-does-it-mean-if-windows-isn-t-supported