How to Run Windows Store App as Administrator?
Have you ever wondered how to run a Windows Store app as an administrator?
We explore the reasons why you may need to do so and provide different methods to achieve this.
From checking if an app is a Windows Store app to understanding the risks involved, we’ve got you covered.
We discuss how to revert the changes and run the app as a standard user, as well as explore alternative methods such as using a third-party app launcher or a virtual machine.
Let’s dive in and learn more about running Windows Store apps as an administrator!
Key Takeaways:
What Is a Windows Store App?
A Windows Store App refers to an application that can be downloaded and installed from the Microsoft Store.
These apps are designed specifically to work on Windows operating systems, ensuring compatibility and optimized performance. When users visit the Microsoft Store, they can browse through a wide range of categories such as productivity, entertainment, education, and more to find apps that suit their needs. Windows Store Apps offer a convenient and secure way for users to enhance their digital experiences, with updates and installations managed automatically through the store. Users can also benefit from features like centralized updates, easy uninstallation, and a familiar platform for exploring new software.
Why Would You Need to Run a Windows Store App as Administrator?
Running a Windows Store App as an administrator may be necessary to access certain features or settings that require elevated privileges.
When a user runs a Windows Store App as an administrator, they are granting it the authority to make changes that affect other users on the same device. This is crucial for apps that modify system settings, install new software, or access sensitive data. By enabling administrator permissions, the app gains the ability to perform advanced tasks, such as configuring network settings, managing user accounts, or updating system components. It also ensures smooth functionality of certain apps that rely on administrative rights to run effectively.
How to Check If an App Is a Windows Store App?
To verify if an application is a Windows Store App, you can check its properties in the Microsoft Store.
Once you have opened the Microsoft Store, locate the desired application using the search bar or by browsing through the categories. When you find the app, click on it to open its dedicated page. Look for key information such as the developer’s name, app size, reviews, and ratings. Windows Store Apps typically have a tag indicating compatibility with Windows 10 or later versions. These apps often showcase a modern and clean interface, optimized for touch-screen devices, to enhance user experience.
How to Run a Windows Store App as Administrator?
Running a Windows Store App as an administrator can be achieved through various methods that grant elevated permissions.
One common method to run a Windows Store App with administrator rights is by using the ‘Run as Administrator’ option. To do this, right-click on the app’s shortcut or executable, then select ‘Run as Administrator’ from the context menu. This will launch the app with elevated privileges, allowing it to perform actions that require administrator permissions.
Another approach is to use the Command Prompt to launch the app with admin rights. Simply open Command Prompt as an administrator, navigate to the app’s directory, and then execute the app’s executable file from the command line. This method provides a more direct way to run the app with elevated permissions.
Alternatively, you can leverage the Task Manager to run a Windows Store App as an administrator. Open Task Manager, go to the ‘Details’ tab, find the app’s process, right-click on it, and then choose ‘Run as administrator.’ This method offers a way to elevate the app’s privileges even after it has been launched.
Method 1: Using the Run as Administrator Option
One way to run a Windows Store App as an administrator is by utilizing the ‘Run as Administrator’ option, which triggers the User Account Control prompt.
When you choose to run an application as an administrator, you are granting it permissions to make changes to your system settings and files that would otherwise be restricted. This is a crucial step especially when dealing with software that requires elevated privileges to function correctly. By selecting ‘Run as Administrator’, you ensure that the application can access the necessary resources to run smoothly without any hindrances. The User Account Control prompt serves as a protective barrier, prompting you to confirm your decision and validating the credibility of the action being taken.
Method 2: Using the Command Prompt
Another method to run a Windows Store App as an administrator is by utilizing the Command Prompt to launch the application in administrator mode.
When you need elevated permissions to execute certain tasks within a Windows Store App, accessing it as an administrator becomes crucial. Utilizing the Command Prompt offers a direct pathway to launch the application with elevated privileges, granting you broader control over its functionalities.
- To initiate this process, you start by opening the Command Prompt: press the Windows key, type ‘cmd’ in the search bar, and right-click on ‘Command Prompt’ to run it as an administrator.
- Once the Command Prompt is open, you would enter a specific command tailored for the Windows Store App you wish to launch in administrator mode, providing you with the necessary elevated access rights.
Method 3: Using the Task Manager
Running a Windows Store App as an administrator can also be accomplished through the Task Manager, facilitating the execution with elevated permissions and triggering the User Account Control prompt.
When you launch a Windows Store App, it typically runs with standard user permissions to ensure system security. Certain tasks may require elevated privileges for proper functioning. By utilizing the Task Manager, users can grant admin rights to specific apps when necessary.
- Accessing the Task Manager can be done by right-clicking on the taskbar and selecting ‘Task Manager’ or by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- Once the Task Manager window opens, head to the ‘Processes’ tab and locate the Windows Store App you wish to run as an administrator.
- Right-click on the app and choose the ‘Go to details’ option. This action will navigate you to the ‘Details’ tab, where you can then right-click on the app once more and select ‘Run as administrator,’ prompting the User Account Control (UAC) dialog for confirmation.
What Are the Risks of Running a Windows Store App as Administrator?
Running a Windows Store App as an administrator poses risks such as making potentially harmful changes to system settings or files.
Granting administrator permissions to Windows Store Apps can open the door to unforeseen consequences, possibly leading to system instability or the introduction of malicious software into the operating environment. By elevating the privileges of these applications, users inadvertently provide them with the capability to bypass security protocols and manipulate critical components of the system architecture. This heightened access could result in data loss, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and even the compromise of the entire network infrastructure.
How to Revert the Changes and Run the App as a Standard User?
To revert the changes and run a Windows Store App as a standard user, you can adjust the app’s properties or create a new user account.
If you opt for adjusting the app’s properties, you can follow these steps:
- Right-click on the app’s shortcut or executable file.
- Select ‘Properties’ from the context menu.
- In the ‘Compatibility’ tab, uncheck the option that says ‘Run this program as an administrator’.
If creating a new user account seems like a better solution, you can do so by:
- Heading to the Control Panel and selecting ‘User Accounts’.
- Choose ‘Manage another account’ and then ‘Add a new user in PC settings’.
- Set the account type to ‘Standard user’.
Method 1: Change the App’s Properties
One approach to running a Windows Store App as a standard user is by modifying the app’s properties to remove administrator permissions.
Adjusting the properties of a Windows Store App involves a series of steps that can provide a smoother user experience without the need for elevated privileges. To begin, right-click on the app’s executable file or shortcut, and select ‘Properties’. Within the ‘Security’ tab, locate the ‘Permissions’ section, and customize the settings to grant necessary permissions to standard users. By deselecting the ‘Run this program as an administrator’ option, users can operate the app without requiring administrative rights, ensuring a streamlined and more secure environment.
Method 2: Create a New User Account
Creating a new user account and using it to run the Windows Store App as a standard user provides a segmented environment with restricted privileges.
By setting up a separate user account for Windows Store App usage, you can ensure that the main administrator account remains secure and isolated from potential harmful activities that could occur while browsing or running applications. This segregation also helps in preventing accidental changes to system settings or critical files, reducing the risk of malware infections or unauthorized installations. The standard user permissions limit the impact of any software exploits or security vulnerabilities, enhancing the overall system’s resilience against cyber threats.
Method 3: Use the App as a Standard User
Using the Windows Store App as a standard user involves operating the application with restricted permissions, ensuring a secure and limited scope of changes.
By adhering to the standard user permissions of Windows Store Apps, users can mitigate the risks associated with unauthorized system modifications or potential malware threats. Restricted access means that the user cannot make critical changes to system settings or install software that may compromise the stability of the operating system.
The curated environment of Windows Store Apps guarantees a higher level of security, as these apps undergo rigorous validation processes before becoming available for download. In contrast to traditional desktop applications, which often require elevated privileges, Windows Store Apps offer a safer browsing and downloading experience.
What Are the Alternatives to Running a Windows Store App as Administrator?
There are alternative methods to running a Windows Store App as an administrator, such as using Third-Party App Launchers or Virtual Machines.
When considering using Third-Party App Launchers, options like ‘PowerRun’ or ‘ElevatedShortcut’ can be particularly useful. These tools allow you to elevate the permissions of specific applications without granting full administrative access, maintaining a balance between security and convenience.
If Virtual Machines are more suitable for your needs, platforms such as VMware Workstation or Oracle VM VirtualBox offer the ability to run a separate virtualized instance of Windows within your current system. This enables you to test and use Windows Store Apps without requiring administrator privileges on your main operating system.
Using a Third-Party App Launcher
Utilizing a Third-Party App Launcher provides a workaround to run Windows Store Apps without requiring administrator permissions, enhancing compatibility and user control.
One of the key benefits of these third-party app launchers is their ability to enhance compatibility across various Windows versions, ensuring that users can seamlessly launch and use their favorite apps without encountering compatibility issues.
Users can enjoy customized user control through these third-party launchers, allowing them to personalize their app launching experience to suit their specific preferences and needs.
Using a Virtual Machine
Running Windows Store Apps within a Virtual Machine environment offers a secure and isolated space to test applications without the need for administrator rights, enhancing system security.
One of the key advantages of leveraging Virtual Machines for operating Windows Store Apps is the enhanced security they provide. By encapsulating the application within a virtual environment, potential threats are contained within that space, minimizing the risk to the host system. This isolation ensures that any malicious activities or vulnerabilities within the application are restricted solely to the virtual machine, safeguarding the main operating system. This setup allows for comprehensive testing capabilities without compromising the integrity of the host system.
The utilization of Virtual Machines eliminates the reliance on administrator privileges to run Windows Store Apps. This removes the need to grant excessive permissions to users, reducing the likelihood of unauthorized access to critical system components. Users can test, experiment, and deploy applications within the controlled environment of the virtual machine, enhancing security practices and minimizing potential risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I run a Windows Store App as Administrator?
In order to run a Windows Store App as administrator, you will need to follow these steps:
- Right-click on the app’s icon in the Start Menu or on the desktop.
- Select “Run as administrator” from the drop-down menu.
- If prompted for permission, click “Yes” to confirm.
2. Can I always run a Windows Store App as Administrator?
No, not all Windows Store Apps have the capability to be run as administrator. This option is only available for certain apps and may not be necessary for all users.
3. Why would I need to run a Windows Store App as Administrator?
Running an app as administrator gives it elevated privileges and allows it to perform actions that a standard user account may not have permission to do. This is useful for troubleshooting and making changes to system settings.
4. How can I tell if an app is running as Administrator?
When an app is running as administrator, you will see “Administrator” in the title bar of the app window. You can also check the Task Manager to see if the app has “Administrator” listed under its name.
5. Can I set an app to always run as Administrator?
Yes, you can set an app to always run as administrator by right-clicking on the app’s icon, selecting “Properties,” and then clicking on the “Compatibility” tab. Check the box next to “Run this program as an administrator” and click “Apply.”
6. Is it safe to always run a Windows Store App as Administrator?
No, running an app as administrator should only be done when necessary as it can potentially make your computer and personal information more vulnerable to security threats. Use this feature responsibly and with caution.