Unlock Administrator Mode: Run File Explorer in Windows 11

Running applications as an administrator in Windows 11 grants you elevated privileges, allowing you to perform tasks that require higher permissions. Here are several methods to run File Explorer or any other application with administrator rights.

How to Run App as Administrator by Default in Windows 11?​

1. Using the Compatibility Tab​

• Locate the File:
  • Find the executable file (.exe) of the application you want to run as administrator.
  • Right-click on the file to open the context menu.
• Open Properties:
  • Select Properties from the context menu.
• Navigate to Compatibility Tab:
  • In the Properties window, click on the Compatibility tab.
• Set to Run as Administrator:
  • Check the box next to Run this program as administrator.
• Apply Changes:
  • Click Apply and then OK to exit the window.

This method ensures that every time you open the application, it will run with administrator privileges, making it easier to perform tasks that require elevated permissions.

2. Using the Shortcut Advanced Properties​

• Create a Shortcut:
  • Right-click on the desktop or in a folder where you want the shortcut.
  • Select New and then Shortcut.
• Browse to App Location:
  • Click Browse and navigate to the executable file of the application.
  • Select the file and click Next.
• Name the Shortcut:
  • Give your shortcut a name and click Finish.
• Open Shortcut Properties:
  • Right-click on the newly created shortcut and select Properties.
• Advanced Settings:
  • In the Shortcut tab, click on the Advanced... button.
  • Check the box next to Run as administrator.
  • Click OK and then Apply.

This approach allows you to create a shortcut that always runs the application as an administrator, which is particularly useful for frequently used apps.

3. Using Task Scheduler​

• Open Task Scheduler:
  • Press Win + S, type Task Scheduler, and press Enter.
• Create a New Task:
  • In the right pane, click Create Task.
    
• General Settings:
  • In the General tab, name your task.
  • Check the box next to Run with highest privileges.
• Set the Trigger:
  • Go to the Triggers tab and click New.
  • Set the trigger to At log on and click OK.
• Set the Action:
  • Navigate to the Actions tab and click New.
  • Set the action to Start a program.
  • Browse to the executable file of the application you want to run.
• Finish and Save:
  • Click OK to save the task.

Using Task Scheduler ensures that the application runs as an administrator automatically every time you log into your computer.

4. Using Registry Editor​

• Open Registry Editor:
  • Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
• Navigate to the Key:
  • Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\Layers.
• Create a New String Value:
  • Right-click in the right pane, select New, and then String Value.
  • Name the new value with the full path to your application executable.
• Set the Value:
  • Double-click the new string value and set the Value data to RUNASADMIN.
  • Click OK and close the Registry Editor.

This method modifies the registry to always run the specified application with administrator privileges. Be cautious while editing the registry to avoid unintended changes.

5. Using Group Policy Editor​

• Open Group Policy Editor:
  • Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
• Navigate to Local Policies:
  • Go to Computer Configuration -> Windows Settings -> Security Settings -> Local Policies -> Security Options.
• Modify Policy Settings:
  • Find the policy User Account Control: Behavior of the elevation prompt for administrators in Admin Approval Mode.
  • Set it to Elevate without prompting.
• Apply Changes:
  • Click Apply and then OK.

This method changes the policy settings to ensure that administrators can run applications without being prompted, effectively running them as administrators by default.

6. Pin to Start Menu with Elevated Rights​

• Locate explorer.exe:
  • Navigate to C:\Windows.
  • Right-click on explorer.exe.
• Pin to Start Menu:
  • Select Pin to Start.
• Modify Start Menu Shortcut:
  • Go to your Start Menu.
  • Right-click on the new explorer shortcut.
  • Select Run as Administrator.

This hack provides a quick way to always open File Explorer with administrative privileges, making it easier to access protected system files.

Additional Tips​

• Restart if Necessary: Sometimes, changes may not take effect until you restart your computer. Always restart if you encounter any issues.
• Be Cautious: Running applications as administrator can expose your system to risks. Only use elevated privileges when necessary and ensure you trust the application.

These methods cover various ways to run applications as administrators by default on Windows 11, providing flexibility depending on your needs and technical skill level.