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Run as different user starts an application as a separate process using another Windows account’s credentials. It lets you launch one program with that account—for example, to test how an app behaves for a standard user—without signing in to a second desktop.
What “Run as different user” does
The option launches a selected application using credentials for an alternate account. The application runs as a process under that account, while your existing Windows session remains open under your usual account. Microsoft recommends using your normal credentials for everyday workstation tasks and supplying alternate credentials only when a particular application needs them. Microsoft explains the behavior and recommendation.
This can help when you need to run a specific program with administrative permissions or test it using a standard account. It is an application launch, not a way to switch the whole desktop to another user.
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How to launch an application with another account
- Find the application’s executable file or shortcut.
- Hold Shift and right-click it.
- Select Run as different user.
- Enter the alternate account’s username and password in the Windows Security prompt.
These are the steps in Microsoft’s instructions for using Run as to start an application. Some applications may not support this method.
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Context menu or command line: which should you use?
Windows also provides Runas.exe, a command-line method for starting a process with alternate credentials. The context menu is an interactive choice for launching an application from its executable or shortcut; the command line is another way to start the process. Which is more suitable depends on whether you are launching interactively or scripting a repeated task, as well as whether the application and its resources work with the alternate credentials. Microsoft’s documentation does not establish one method as universally preferable. See Microsoft’s Runas and Group Policy guidance for the command-line option; use its documentation for the switches that fit your situation.
What it does not do: sign in the other user or process their Group Policy
Running a program with another account’s credentials does not sign that account in through the Windows sign-in interface. In particular, it does not trigger Group Policy processing for that account as an interactive sign-in does. A profile created during an earlier sign-in may contain settings from that time, but that does not mean Group Policy will be processed for a new Run as different user launch. Microsoft describes this behavior as by design.
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If the task depends on the other user’s interactive desktop or on Group Policy processing at sign-in, use that user’s Windows sign-in rather than treating this option as a substitute.
Network shares and other practical limits
An application, Microsoft Management Console (MMC) console, or Control Panel tool started from a network location may be unable to access a network share when the share connection uses credentials different from those used to start the application. The result depends on the application and the credentials involved; successfully launching the process does not guarantee access to every network resource. Microsoft documents this limitation in its Run as guidance.
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Testing an application as a normal user is one reason to use an alternate account. A Microsoft Q&A community discussion addresses that scenario, but it is community content rather than product documentation: How can I test an application as a normal user when I have admin privileges?
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