AdvancedRun is a portable, freeware Windows utility that launches programs with controls the standard Run dialog does not provide. You can choose the security context, priority, CPU affinity, window state, compatibility settings, environment variables, working directory and launch method. It can also run commands, PowerShell code and scripts, automate saved configurations, and execute programs on a remote computer when you have the required administrator access.
What AdvancedRun does
AdvancedRun is a standalone executable from NirSoft. Run AdvancedRun.exe from any folder; no installer or additional DLL files are required. NirSoft documents Windows XP through Windows 11 support and separate 32-bit and 64-bit builds. The documented release is version 1.51.
It is best understood as a configurable launcher and troubleshooting tool, not as a replacement for Command Prompt or PowerShell. Its value is the control around a launch: who runs the process, how Windows creates it, which environment it receives and how the process starts.
Launch modes
| Mode | What it launches | Useful controls |
|---|---|---|
| Run .EXE File | An executable and its arguments | Start directory, priority, affinity, window state, compatibility and environment |
| ShellExecute | A file, folder or URL | Uses Windows’ default application or handler for that item |
| Command Prompt | A command or batch file | Choose whether the console remains open after execution |
| PowerShell Command | PowerShell code entered as a command | Choose whether the console remains open after execution |
| PowerShell Script File | A PowerShell script file | Apply the same launch, identity and process settings |
When you supply only an executable name, AdvancedRun can search the system PATH and App Paths. Environment variables can be expanded in command-line arguments.
Crashes, 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 minutePC 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 & 11#1 Best Overall
- System optimization - Optimize your PC easily with our 1-click optimization tool and other automatized processes
- No more crashes - Fixes annoying errors and crashes
- Speed up - Faster application launches with enhanced Live Tuner
- Clean Windows - Brand new cleaner profiles with support for the latest Windows and browser versions
- Windows 11 - Multiple new Windows 11 tweaks for taskbar, Explorer and more
Controls unavailable in the ordinary Run dialog
Process priority and CPU affinity
Set the process priority class from Idle through RealTime and restrict it to selected CPU cores with CPU affinity. RealTime priority can starve other processes, so it should be reserved for carefully controlled troubleshooting or testing.
Window and start settings
Specify the main-window state (normal, minimized or maximized), position and size, along with command-line arguments and the start directory.
Rank #2
![Norton Utilities Ultimate, 10 Devices, PC Cleanup [Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41FWQqA6HjL._SL160_.jpg)
- FREE UP STORAGE SPACE WITH SUPERIOR CLEANING Reclaim valuable space on your devices and in the cloud. Delete unnecessary files, remove unused apps, and organize your cloud storage.
- INCREASE THE SPEED AND PERFORMANCE OF YOUR DEVICES Bloatware and needless applications running in the background can slow down your devices. Keep them running at their best by reducing background app activity, uninstalling apps you no longer need, and fixing common problems.
- KEEP YOUR DEVICES HEALTHY AND PERFORMING AT THEIR BEST Devices lose performance over time unless they’re maintained. Automated cleaning and optimization tasks help keep them running at peak efficiency, healthy, and performing better for longer.
- KEEP YOUR ONLINE ACTIVITY TO YOURSELF Increase your online privacy by removing your browsing and download history, tracking cookies, and other web browsing data.
Compatibility and environment
Apply Windows compatibility settings at launch. You can also provide a selected set of environment variables while ignoring system variables, which is useful for reproducing software with a controlled environment.
Run a program under another Windows identity
The Run As choices include:
- Current user with normal UAC behavior.
- Current user without elevation.
- Forced Administrator elevation.
- Local System (SYSTEM).
- The user associated with a selected process.
- A child of a selected process.
- A specified username and password.
- TrustedInstaller.
- Network Service.
- Local Service.
- Another user who is currently logged in.
These modes are not interchangeable. Running without elevation means the current user keeps a non-elevated token; it does not grant extra rights. Administrator elevation depends on UAC approval. The “another logged-in user” option requires elevation.
Rank #3
- Games and applications bogged down by outdated drivers run smoothly again and start faster.
- Unstable drivers are replaced with verified versions, significantly increasing system stability.
- Ensures that printers, headsets, and other peripherals function flawlessly.
- Saves you hours of searching for and installing the correct drivers.
- Offers a driver backup function, allowing for easy rollback to the previous state if problems arise.
On 64-bit Windows, the selected-process-user and child-of-selected-process options require matching 32-bit or 64-bit architecture. Windows XP does not support the SYSTEM-user and selected-process-user modes.
Remote execution
AdvancedRun can run a program on another Windows computer through a temporary service. Full administrator access to the remote computer, including access to its administrative share, is required.
Rank #4
- Fresh USB Install With Key code Included
- 24/7 Tech Support from expert Technician
- Top product with Great Reviews
- AdvancedRun copies itself to the remote computer’s administrative share.
- It installs and starts a temporary service named
NirSoftAdvancedRunService. - The run configuration is sent to that service and the requested program is executed.
- AdvancedRun stops and removes the service, then deletes the copied executable.
For a 32-bit remote machine, NirSoft says to use the 32-bit AdvancedRun executable. Network permissions, firewall rules and administrative-share availability can still prevent the workflow from starting.
Automate launches from the command line
Save a configuration in AdvancedRun, then invoke it repeatedly from scripts, shortcuts or scheduled jobs.
Best Value
- FAST AND EFFICIENT TRANSFER OPTIONS - Seamlessly migrate your PC with Laplink’s PCmover, featuring download instructions for PCmover and SafeErase to securely wipe old data, plus an optional Ethernet transfer cable. Now includes Wi-Fi Direct for faster connections. One license allows unlimited transfer attempts from one source to one destination computer; additional licenses are required for more PCs.
- AI-ASSISTED TRANSFER INSIGHTS - PCmover’s AI Assistant generates a clear summary of transferable items, lets you ask questions, make adjustments, and recommends the best options for your migration. Enjoy a personalized, interactive setup experience that guides you step-by-step.
- MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE AND RELIABILITY - Get speed and efficiency with PCmover’s optimized transfer methods, including new AI and Wi-Fi Direct to ensure the fastest, smoothest connection possible. Say goodbye to long wait times and start using your new PC right away.
- COMPLETE SELECTIVITY FOR CUSTOMIZED TRANSFERS - Enjoy full control with PCmover’s selectivity feature. Choose specific applications, files, folders, and settings to transfer for a tailored experience. With the option to "undo" changes, PCmover makes it easy to fine-tune your migration to fit your preferences.
- SEAMLESS COMPATIBILITY ACROSS WINDOWS VERSIONS - Easily transfer data between Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and Windows 11. PCmover’s comprehensive compatibility ensures reliability across platforms, so your data arrives exactly as it should.
| Switch | Function |
|---|---|
/Run {Config File} |
Runs a saved configuration file |
/Clear |
Starts with defaults instead of loading the last AdvancedRun.cfg |
/cfg |
Opens a specified configuration |
/WaitProcess 1 |
Keeps AdvancedRun waiting until the launched process exits |
/EXEFilename |
Sets the executable name or path |
/CommandLine |
Sets arguments or command text |
/StartDirectory |
Sets the working directory |
/PriorityClass |
Sets the process priority class |
/RunAs |
Sets the selected security context |
Individual configuration values can be passed as switches, allowing a script to alter only the fields that differ from a saved setup. Use /WaitProcess 1 when a calling script must not continue until the child process has finished.
AdvancedRun versus the standard Run dialog
| Capability | Standard Run dialog | AdvancedRun |
|---|---|---|
| Launch an application or open a path | Yes | Yes, including ShellExecute for files, folders and URLs |
| Choose identity or elevation behavior | Limited | Multiple user, service and elevation contexts |
| Set priority or CPU affinity | No | Yes |
| Set compatibility and a controlled environment | No | Yes |
| Run PowerShell commands or scripts | Indirectly | Dedicated modes |
| Repeat a saved launch from scripts | No built-in configuration workflow | Yes, with configuration files and switches |
| Remote execution | No | Yes, with a temporary service and full remote administration |
| Installation | Built into Windows | Portable executable; no installer or extra DLLs |
Practical setup patterns
Launch without UAC elevation
- Open AdvancedRun.
- Choose Run .EXE File and select the executable.
- Set Run As to the current user without elevation.
- Set any required start directory, arguments or environment variables.
- Run the configuration and verify that the target program behaves as intended.
Run as SYSTEM or TrustedInstaller
- Select the executable and its working directory.
- Choose SYSTEM or TrustedInstaller in Run As.
- Apply only the process settings the program needs.
- Test with a harmless operation first; these identities can access resources your normal account cannot.
Use a controlled PowerShell environment
- Select PowerShell Command or PowerShell Script File.
- Enter the command or select the script.
- Define the environment variables to expose and decide whether system variables should be ignored.
- Choose whether the PowerShell window stays open after execution.
Portability, support and license
Because AdvancedRun is a standalone executable, it can be stored in a tools folder or carried between systems without an installation step. NirSoft lists support from Windows XP through Windows 11 and provides 32-bit and 64-bit builds.
The utility is freeware. Redistribution is permitted only when the package is unmodified, all files are included, it is not sold and it is not distributed as part of a commercial product.
Quick Recap
Important limitations
- Security-context options can require elevation, a matching process architecture or a currently logged-in account.
- Remote execution requires full administrator access to the remote administrative share; it is not a method for bypassing network permissions.
- Use the 32-bit build for a 32-bit remote computer.
- RealTime priority and privileged identities can affect system stability and access to protected resources.
- AdvancedRun changes how a process is launched; it does not replace the shell features of Command Prompt or PowerShell.
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.
