Windows 11 'Run as Admin' Greyed Out? Here's How to Fix It!

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Windows 11 “Run as Admin” Greyed Out? Let’s Fix It!¶

Ever tried to run an app as admin, only to find the option’s grayed out? Super frustrating, right? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This guide will walk you through some simple fixes to get those admin privileges back.

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Quick Fixes for a Greyed-Out “Run as Admin”¶

Here’s the lowdown on how to tackle this annoying issue:

1. The “Everyone” Trick¶

Sometimes, permission settings get wonky. Try adding “Everyone” as a user with full control over the app’s executable.

• Right-click the .exe file and choose Properties.
• Go to the Security tab and hit Edit.
• Click Add, type “Everyone”, and click Check Names, then OK.
• Select “Everyone” and grant Full Control.
• Click Apply and OK.

2. Admin Workarounds¶

There are other ways to launch apps as admin.

• Run Command: Open the Run box (Windows Key + R), type the app’s executable filename (e.g., chrome.exe), and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
• Task Manager: Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), click “Run new task,” type the executable name, check “Create this task with administrative privileges,” and click OK.
• Third-party Tools: Apps like RunAsTool can help, too.

3. Shortcut Power¶

Create a shortcut for the troublesome program.

• Right-click the shortcut, choose Properties, go to the Shortcut tab, and click Advanced.
• Check “Run as administrator” and click OK. Now, using the shortcut will always launch the app with admin rights.

4. UAC Toggle¶

User Account Control (UAC) can sometimes interfere. Try toggling it off and on again in the Control Panel.

5. System File Check¶

Corrupted system files could be the culprit.

• Run System File Checker (SFC): Open Command Prompt as admin and type sfc /scannow.
• Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM): Open Command Prompt as admin and type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.

6. New Admin Account¶

Your current admin account might be the issue. Create a new administrator account and see if the problem persists there.

7. The Nuclear Option: PC Reset¶

If all else fails, reset your PC. Choose the “Keep my files” option to avoid losing your data.

Why Does This Happen?¶

This usually boils down to permission issues or a corrupted user profile. Less commonly, system file corruption can be to blame.

Enabling Admin Rights – Quick Recap¶

• Make sure you’re logged in as an administrator. Local accounts won’t have admin privileges.
• Check the app’s security settings. Make sure you have the necessary permissions.

More Tips & Tricks¶

• Always Run as Admin: Right-click the .exe file, choose Properties, go to the Compatibility tab, and check “Run this program as an administrator”.

Troubleshooting “Run as Admin” Issues on Windows 11: A Summary¶

It’s super annoying when “Run as Admin” is grayed out. But by following these steps, you should be back in control in no time. Remember, each solution is relatively simple, so don’t be afraid to dive in and try them.

We’ve covered a lot of ground here, from simple tweaks to more advanced solutions. If you’re still stuck or have more questions, drop a comment below! We’re here to help, and we’d love to hear about your experiences. Let us know which solution worked for you, or if you found another way to fix this pesky problem. Happy troubleshooting!