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User Account Control (UAC)

User Account Control (UAC) is a security feature that allows an administrative user to perform privileged operations only when he/she explicitly requests for privileges to perform a specific task. Requesting permissions is called elevating the task.

A command console window that has elevated permissions is called an administrative console. An administrative console allows you to type in and run privileged commands.

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How to Open an Administrative PowerShell Console

Windows Server 2016-2022: To open an administrative (elevated) PowerShell console use the following procedure:

1. Click on the Start button icon on the Task Bar (lower-left)
2. A popup menu will appear. Scroll down to the letter W.
3. Navigate to Windows PowerShell and click on it.
4. A drop-down menu will appear. Move the mouse cursor to Windows Powershell.
5. Right-click on Windows Powershell and select More -> Run as Administrator.
6. A popup message box will appear, Windows needs your permission to continue. Click on Continue.

Windows Server 2012: To open an administrative (elevated) PowerShell console use the following procedure:

1. Right-click on the PowerShell icon on the Task Bar (lower-left).
2. A popup menu will appear. Click on Run as Administrator.
3. A message box will appear, Windows needs your permission to continue. Click on Continue.

Windows Server 2008 (and R2): To open an administrative (elevated) PowerShell console use the following procedure:

1. Click on the Start Orb (lower-left)
2. Navigate to All Programs -> Accessories -> Windows PowerShell.
3. Right-click on Windows PowerShell and select Run as Administrator.
4. A popup message box will appear, Windows needs your permission to continue. Click on Continue.

Windows Server Core: Type start powershell and press Enter.

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How to Open an Administrative Command Console

Windows Server 2016-2022: To open an administrative (elevated) command console use the following procedure:

1. Click on the Start button icon on the Task Bar (lower-left)
2. A popup menu will appear. Scroll down to the letter W.
3. Navigate to Windows System and click on it.
4. A drop-down menu will appear. Move the mouse cursor to Command Prompt.
5. Right-click on Command Prompt and select More -> Run as Administrator.
6. A popup message box will appear, Windows needs your permission to continue. Click on Continue.

Windows Server 2012: To open an administrative (elevated) command console use the following procedure:

1. Hold down the Windows Logo key and press X, or right-click the mouse on the Windows Logo key.
2. A popup menu will appear (lower-left). Click on Command Prompt (Admin).
3. A message box will appear, Windows needs your permission to continue. Click on Continue.

Note: The Command Prompt option is not available on Windows Server 2012 R2.

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How to Verify the Administrative Console is Elevated

You can verify that the console is elevated by looking for the word “Administrator: ” in the title bar.