U-Tools: Unique Tools for Windows System Administrators
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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.


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.


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.


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.