PowerShell must be started with an elevated administrator token before it can change protected system settings, manage services, modify certain files, or run commands that require administrative access. These four methods work on Windows 11 and Windows 10:
- Start search
- The Win+X quick-link menu
- The Run dialog with Ctrl+Shift+Enter
- Task Manager’s Run new task command
Before choosing a method, identify which PowerShell you need. Windows PowerShell 5.1 uses powershell.exe and is included with Windows. PowerShell 7 is a separate installation and uses pwsh.exe. Installing PowerShell 7 does not replace Windows PowerShell 5.1.
PowerShell and Windows PowerShell are different
| Shell | Executable | How it is installed |
|---|---|---|
| Windows PowerShell 5.1 | powershell.exe |
Included with Windows 10 and Windows 11 |
| PowerShell 7 | pwsh.exe |
Installed separately and runs alongside version 5.1 |
Windows 11 commonly opens PowerShell inside Windows Terminal. Terminal is the host application; PowerShell is the shell running in its tab. Since Windows 11 version 22H2, Terminal has generally been the default console host for PowerShell, Command Prompt, and other console applications, although this can be changed.
1. Run PowerShell as administrator from Start search
Start search is the simplest option on both Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- Reliable Plug and Play: The USB receiver provides a reliable wireless connection up to 33 ft (1), so you can forget about drop-outs and delays and you can take it wherever you use your computer
- Type in Comfort: The design of this keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the low-profile, quiet keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys, number pad, and arrow keys
- Durable and Resilient: This full-size wireless keyboard features a spill-resistant design (2), durable keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height
- Long Battery Life: MK270 combo features a 36-month keyboard and 12-month mouse battery life (3), along with on/off switches allowing you to go months without the hassle of changing batteries
- Easy to Use: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo features 8 multimedia hotkeys for instant access to the Internet, email, play/pause, and volume so you can easily check out your favorite sites
- Open Start.
- Type PowerShell.
- Select the application you want:
- Windows PowerShell for version 5.1.
- PowerShell 7 or PowerShell for PowerShell 7, if installed.
- Select Run as administrator in the results pane.
- Select Yes at the User Account Control prompt. If you are signed in with a standard account, enter administrator credentials when prompted.
If Run as administrator is missing
Make sure you selected the actual application rather than a document, search suggestion, or unrelated result. Search specifically for Windows PowerShell, PowerShell 7, or PowerShell.
On some Windows 11 systems, selecting Run as administrator from Start may do nothing because of a Windows or Start-menu problem. Use the Terminal, Run dialog, or Task Manager method below. Installing pending Windows updates and restarting may also resolve the issue.
2. Use Terminal (Admin) from the Win+X menu
Windows 11
- Press Windows+X, or right-click the Start button.
- Select Terminal (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin).
- Approve the UAC prompt.
- If a PowerShell tab does not open automatically, select the tab’s dropdown arrow and choose PowerShell.
The label varies between Windows builds and configurations. You may see Terminal (Admin), Windows Terminal (Admin), or, on some systems, Windows PowerShell (Admin). Choose the administrator-labelled option.
Windows 10
Press Windows+X or right-click Start, then select Windows PowerShell (Admin). On systems where Terminal has replaced that entry, select Windows Terminal (Admin) and open the PowerShell profile.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteTerminal can host PowerShell, Command Prompt, Windows Subsystem for Linux distributions, and other shells. Selecting Terminal (Admin) elevates the Terminal window, but the tab still determines which shell you are using.
Rank #2
- Dependable wireless connection: Enjoy the reliability and convenience of 2.4 GHz connectivity with your logitech wireless keyboard and mouse combo, wireless range up to 10 meters away at home, or work.
- Full-Size Wireless Keyboard: Comfortable, quiet typing on a familiar keyboard layout with palm rest, spill-resistant design, and media keys. This wireless keyboard and mouse logitech has easy-access to media keys
- Plug and Play: MK345 works seamlessly with Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS. Experience hassle-free setup with the logitech mk345 wireless combo and wireless keyboard mouse combo for various operating systems.
- Long-lasting Battery: The MK345 combo offers a full size keyboard battery life of up to 3 years and a mouse battery life of 18 months (1); batteries included
- Comfortable Right-handed Mouse: This wireless USB mouse with dongle works well for this wireless mouse and keyboard combo, featuring a contoured shape for all-day comfort and smooth, precise tracking and scrolling for easier navigation.
3. Use the Run dialog and Ctrl+Shift+Enter
This is useful when Start search or the Win+X menu is unavailable.
- Press Windows+R.
- Enter one of these commands:
powershellUse this command for Windows PowerShell 5.1:
powershell.exeUse this command for PowerShell 7:
pwsh.exe- Press Ctrl+Shift+Enter.
- Approve the UAC prompt.
Do not press Enter by itself. Enter launches a normal, non-elevated session. The three-key shortcut specifically asks Windows to start the command with administrator privileges.
If pwsh.exe is not recognized, PowerShell 7 may not be installed or its directory may not be in the system PATH. A standard machine-wide installation is commonly located at:
C:Program FilesPowerShell7pwsh.exeA per-user installation or custom installation can use a different path.
4. Use Task Manager’s Run new task
Task Manager provides another route when the Start menu, Search, or Terminal shortcut is not working.
Rank #3
- 【Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard Mouse 】: Wireless ergonomic keyboard is equipped with adjustable height tilt legs to increase comfort and prevent your wrists injury when typing for a long time. The full size wireless keyboard with numeric keypad and 12 multimedia shortcut keys, such as play/ pause, volume increase and decrease, and email, to help you improve work efficiency
- 【Stable & Reliable Wireless Connection】: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo share the same USB receiver(stored in the mouse), and they can also be used separately. Plug & play, no need to download any software, 2.4 GHz wireless provides a powerful and reliable connection up to 33 feet(10m) without any delays.You can enjoy the convenience and freedom of wireless connection at home or at work
- 【Comfortable Optical Mouse】: This compact lightweight wireless mouse features a hand-friendly contoured shape for all-day comfort, and smooth, precise tracking.1600 DPI to meet your daily needs. Perfect for home & office work and entertainment
- 【Long Battery Life】: Up to 365 Days of battery life for keyboard and mouse wireless, say goodbye to the hassle of charging cables and replacing batteries. After 10 minutes of inactivity, the wireless keyboard mouse combo will automatically go into sleep mode to save energy. The wireless keyboard requires one AAA battery, and the wireless mouse requires one AA battery.
- 【Less Noise, More Quiet Keys】: Soft membrane keys provide a quiet and comfortable typing experience, So you can type with confidence on a wireless keyboard crafted for comfort, precision and fluidity. The wireless mouse adopts silent micro-motion technology, which is almost completely silent when clicked. No more concerns about disturbing others.
Windows 11
- Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager.
- If the compact view appears, select More details.
- Select Run new task.
- Enter
powershellfor Windows PowerShell, orpwshfor PowerShell 7. - Enable Create this task with administrative privileges.
- Select OK and approve the UAC prompt.
Windows 10
- Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc.
- Select File > Run new task.
- Enter
powershellorpwsh. - Check Create this task with administrative privileges.
- Select OK and approve UAC.
If pwsh is unavailable, enter the full path to the PowerShell 7 executable instead. The exact location depends on whether it was installed for all users, only your account, or a custom directory.
How to check whether PowerShell is really elevated
An elevated console normally has an administrator indicator in its title bar, such as:
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
- Administrator: Windows PowerShell
- Administrator: Windows Terminal
For a definitive check, run this command:
([Security.Principal.WindowsPrincipal] [Security.Principal.WindowsIdentity]::GetCurrent()).IsInRole([Security.Principal.WindowsBuiltInRole]::Administrator)The result should be:
TrueFalse means the current PowerShell process is not elevated. Being a member of the Administrators group does not make every application elevated. UAC normally gives administrators a standard token for ordinary applications and provides the administrator token only after elevation is approved.
Common problems when elevating PowerShell
PowerShell says access is denied
The current window is probably not elevated. PowerShell does not automatically elevate itself when a command needs administrator access. Close the window and start a new one using one of the methods above.
You receive a credential prompt instead of a Yes/No prompt
This normally means the signed-in account is a standard user. Enter the username and password for an administrator account. Whether elevation is allowed can also depend on the computer’s UAC policy.
Rank #4
- Precision Typing: An instantly familiar experience, type with ease and comfort on this full-size wireless keyboard, featuring reduced noise, palm rest, spill-resistant design (1), adjustable tilt legs
- Built For Comfort: The sleek combo's wireless mouse features an ambidextrous shape and soft rubber side grips that fit comfortably in your palm, as well as enhanced tracking and precise cursor control
- Long-Lasting Autonomy: The wireless keyboard and mouse set come with long-lasting battery life, with the keyboard lasting up to 36 months and the wireless mouse for up to 18 months (3)
- Customized Control: Enhanced productivity at your fingertips, the computer keyboard comes built with convenient, essential hotkeys providing direct access to media, calculator, battery check functions
- Wireless Freedom: Plug-and-play your keyboard and mouse with the mini Logitech Unifying USB receiver, for a reliable wireless connection up to 33 ft away from your PC or laptop (2)
You opened the wrong PowerShell edition
powershell normally opens Windows PowerShell 5.1, while pwsh opens PowerShell 7. They have different executable names, installation locations, and profiles. If a command or module requires a particular edition, launch that edition explicitly.
Terminal opened, but the tab is Command Prompt
Terminal is only the host. Select the dropdown arrow next to the tab and choose PowerShell. If you selected Terminal (Admin), the new PowerShell tab should inherit the elevated Terminal process.
Run as administrator does nothing
Try Windows+R, enter powershell.exe, and press Ctrl+Shift+Enter. Task Manager’s Run new task option is another useful fallback. Restart Windows and install pending updates if the Start-menu option continues to fail.
Use elevated PowerShell carefully
Programs started from an elevated PowerShell process can inherit elevated rights. Avoid using an administrator console for ordinary browsing, email, or launching untrusted programs. Elevate only when the task requires it, and return to a normal console afterward.
All four methods remain available on Windows 10, although standard Windows 10 Home, Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions reached end of support on October 14, 2025. The operating system still runs, but regular security updates and technical support ended unless an Extended Security Updates or long-term-servicing exception applies.
Best Value
- The things you do most are right at your fingertips with one-touch controls for instant access to play/pause, volume, mute and the Internet.
- Comfortable low-profile keys: Enjoy fast, fluid quiet typing on a familiar standard layout, including number pad.
- High-definition optical mouse: Smooth, responsive cursor control from a comfortable sculpted mouse.
- Sleek and durable design: Thin profile, spill-resistant design, durable keys and sturdy adjustable tilt legs. Tested under limited conditions (maximum of 60 ml liquid spillage). Do not immerse keyboard in liquid.
- Plug-and-play PC compatibility: Simple USB connection. Works with Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 or later or Linux kernel 2.6 or later.
FAQ
What is the fastest way to open PowerShell as administrator?
Open Start, search for PowerShell, select the correct application, and choose Run as administrator. Approve the UAC prompt.
Does pressing Enter in the Run dialog launch PowerShell as administrator?
No. Enter launches a normal session. Type powershell or pwsh, then press Ctrl+Shift+Enter to request elevation.
What is the difference between powershell and pwsh?
powershell normally launches Windows PowerShell 5.1, which is included with Windows. pwsh launches PowerShell 7, which is installed separately and can coexist with version 5.1.
Why does my administrator account still open a non-elevated PowerShell window?
UAC normally starts applications with a standard token even for users who belong to the Administrators group. You must explicitly choose an administrator launch option and approve UAC.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteCan I elevate the PowerShell window I already opened?
No. PowerShell does not convert the existing process into an administrator process. Start a separate elevated PowerShell window.
Is Terminal the same thing as PowerShell?
No. Windows Terminal is a console host that can run PowerShell, Command Prompt, WSL, and other shells. The selected profile determines which shell runs in the tab.
The Bottom Line
For the normal route, search for PowerShell in Start and select Run as administrator. If that option is unavailable, use Terminal (Admin), press Ctrl+Shift+Enter in the Run dialog, or create an elevated task from Task Manager. Confirm the result with the administrator title-bar prefix or the PowerShell role-check command before running commands that require elevation.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
