How to Open Windows Terminal as Administrator

There are several ways to open Windows Terminal as administrator in Windows 11 and Windows 10. The easiest options are using Windows Search, the Ctrl + Shift + Enter keyboard shortcut, or the Windows + X Power User menu. You can also use the Run dialog, Task Manager, or create a dedicated administrator Terminal shortcut for regular use.

For occasional administrative tasks, the Search or Power User menu methods are usually the most convenient. If you frequently work with elevated commands, creating a dedicated Run as administrator shortcut can make the process faster. 

Whenever Windows displays a User Account Control prompt, review the request and select Yes only when you intentionally want to give Windows Terminal administrator privileges.

This guide explains all the commonly available methods in detail!

How to Open Windows Terminal as Administrator

Before trying the methods below, remember that Windows may display a User Account Control (UAC) prompt. When this happens, select Yes if you want to allow Windows Terminal to run with administrator permissions.

Method 1: Open Windows Terminal as Administrator from Start Search

The easiest method for most beginners is to use Windows Search. You do not need to navigate through multiple folders or settings.

Step 1: Open Windows Search

Press the Windows key on your keyboard or click the Search button on the Windows taskbar. In Windows 11, you can also simply start typing after pressing the Windows key.

Step 2: Search for Windows Terminal

Type Windows Terminal into the search box. Windows should display Windows Terminal as one of the search results.

Step 3: Choose Run as administrator

Look for the Run as administrator option in the search results. Select it to launch Windows Terminal with elevated permissions.

If Windows displays the User Account Control window, select Yes. Windows Terminal will now open with administrator privileges.

This is one of the quickest methods because you only need to search for the application and select the administrator option.

Method 2: Use the Keyboard Shortcut to Run Terminal as Administrator

You can also use a keyboard shortcut to launch Windows Terminal with administrator privileges. This method is particularly useful if you prefer using the keyboard instead of the mouse.

Step 1: Search for Windows Terminal

Press the Windows key and type Windows Terminal.

Step 2: Use the Administrator Shortcut

When Windows Terminal appears in the search results, make sure it is selected. Now press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.

Windows recognizes this keyboard combination as a command to launch the selected application with administrator privileges.

Step 3: Approve the UAC Prompt

If the User Account Control prompt appears, select Yes.

Windows Terminal should now open as an administrator.

Method 3: Use the Power User Menu

Windows 11 and Windows 10 include a convenient Power User menu, also known as the WinX menu. It provides quick access to several advanced Windows tools.

Step 1: Open the Power User Menu

Press Windows + X on your keyboard. You can also right-click the Start button to open the same menu.

Step 2: Select the Administrator Terminal Option

In Windows 11, look for Terminal (Admin). In some Windows 10 configurations, you may see Windows PowerShell (Admin) instead, depending on the Windows version and configuration.

Select the administrator option.

Step 3: Confirm Administrator Access

Windows may display a User Account Control prompt. Select Yes to continue.

Windows Terminal will open with elevated permissions.

This method is particularly convenient when you are already working with system administration tasks and want quick access to an elevated command-line window.

Method 4: Open Windows Terminal as Administrator Using the Run Dialog

The Run dialog provides another quick way to launch Windows Terminal.

Step 1: Open the Run Dialog

Press Windows + R on your keyboard. The Run window will appear.

Step 2: Enter the Terminal Command

Type wt into the Run box. The command wt is used to launch Windows Terminal.

Step 3: Run the Command with Administrator Permissions

Instead of simply pressing Enter, press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.

This tells Windows to run the command with administrator privileges.

Step 4: Accept the UAC Prompt

If the User Account Control prompt appears, select Yes.

Windows Terminal should now open as an administrator.

Method 5: Open an Elevated Terminal Through Task Manager

Task Manager can also be used to launch applications with administrator permissions. This method is useful if the Start menu or Windows Search is not working correctly.

Step 1: Open Task Manager

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

If Task Manager opens in its simplified view, select More details to display the full interface.

Step 2: Start a New Task

Select Run new task from the Task Manager interface. Depending on your Windows version, this option may be available under the File menu.

A Create new task window will appear.

Step 3: Enter the Windows Terminal Command

Type wt into the available text box.

Before creating the task, look for the option labeled Create this task with administrative privileges.

Step 4: Enable Administrative Privileges

Select Create this task with administrative privileges, then select OK.

If Windows displays a UAC prompt, select Yes.

Windows Terminal will now launch with administrator permissions.

Method 6: Create a Desktop Shortcut for Windows Terminal

If you frequently need an elevated Terminal window, creating a dedicated desktop shortcut can save time.

Step 1: Create a Windows Terminal Shortcut

Right-click an empty area of your desktop and select New, followed by Shortcut.

Windows will ask you to enter the location of the item. Enter wt and continue through the shortcut creation process.

Give the shortcut a recognizable name, such as Windows Terminal Admin.

Step 2: Open the Shortcut Properties

Right-click the new shortcut and select Properties.

Open the Shortcut tab if it is not already selected.

Step 3: Open Advanced Settings

Select the Advanced button.

A new window should appear with additional shortcut options.

Step 4: Enable Run as Administrator

Select Run as administrator, then select OK.

Select Apply and then OK to save the change.

From now on, opening this shortcut will request administrator permissions. Select Yes on the UAC prompt whenever it appears.

This method is useful for users who regularly perform administrative tasks and want a dedicated shortcut available directly on the desktop.

Method 7: Use the Start Menu

You can also launch Terminal through the Start menu and use its context menu.

Step 1: Open the Start Menu

Select the Start button and locate Windows Terminal in the list of installed applications. You can also use the Start menu search to find it.

Step 2: Open the Context Menu

Right-click Windows Terminal.

Depending on your Windows version, you may see an option such as More before the administrator option appears.

Step 3: Select Run as Administrator

Choose Run as administrator.

Windows will display the User Account Control prompt. Select Yes to launch the application with elevated permissions.

How to Check Whether Windows Terminal Is Running as Administrator

After opening Terminal, you may want to confirm that it actually has administrator privileges.

One simple way is to look at the Windows Terminal title bar. When Terminal is running with elevated privileges, Windows commonly indicates this by including Administrator in the window title.

You can also test an administrative command. However, be careful when using commands that make system changes. Administrator access gives Terminal greater control over Windows, so commands should only be run when you understand what they do.

Why Do You Need Windows Terminal as Administrator?

A normal Terminal session has limited permissions to help protect Windows from accidental or unauthorized changes. An elevated Terminal has additional permissions that allow certain system-level operations.

You may need administrator access when repairing Windows system files, managing certain services, changing protected settings, configuring advanced networking options, modifying system-level files, or following troubleshooting instructions that specifically require an elevated command prompt or PowerShell session.

Keep in mind that administrator access does not automatically make every command safe. You should still verify commands before running them, particularly commands that modify, delete, or replace Windows files.

FAQs

Why does Windows ask for permission when I open Terminal as administrator?

Windows uses User Account Control (UAC) to prevent applications from making significant system changes without your approval. When you launch Terminal as administrator, Windows may ask you to confirm the action.

Can I open PowerShell as administrator through Windows Terminal?

Yes. Windows Terminal can host PowerShell, Command Prompt, and other supported command-line environments. You can open Terminal with administrator privileges and then use the appropriate profile.

Is Windows Terminal the same as Command Prompt?

No. Command Prompt is an older command-line application, while Windows Terminal is a modern terminal application that can host multiple command-line environments, including Command Prompt and PowerShell.

What is the fastest way to open Windows Terminal as administrator?

For most users, pressing the Windows key, searching for Windows Terminal, and pressing Ctrl + Shift + Enter is one of the fastest methods.

Another quick option is Windows + X, followed by selecting Terminal (Admin).

What should I do if Terminal does not show Run as administrator?

Try searching for Windows Terminal through Windows Search and then use Ctrl + Shift + Enter. You can also use the Run dialog with the wt command and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.

Does administrator Terminal change my Windows account?

No. Opening Terminal as administrator does not change your Microsoft account or Windows account. It simply launches that particular Terminal session with elevated permissions.