Running a game as an administrator on Windows 11 isn’t exactly a birdsong, but sometimes it’s the best way to fix those annoying performance hiccups or permission errors. Basically, find the game’s shortcut or .exe file, right-click, and select Run as administrator. That little extra permission can unlock features or stop crashes caused by restricted access to some system stuff. Honestly, it’s a bit weird how many games run into permission dramas these days, so doing this can save you a fair dinkum headache.
How to Run a Game as Administrator on Windows 11
Running a game as an admin can come in handy if it just won’t start properly, crashes out, or you’re getting dodgy permission messages. Here’s the step-by-step, with some tips based on real-world quirks:
Step 1: Find the Game Shortcut or .exe
This might be a desktop shortcut or the game’s executable in C:\Program Files\ or wherever you installed it. If you can’t spot the shortcut, have a look in the install folder, usually under Program Files (x86) or Steam\steamapps\common\[GameName]. Sometimes the game isn’t set to always run as admin, so you might have to do this each time unless you change the settings in properties.
Step 2: Right-Click the Game Icon
Right-click the icon or .exe and open the context menu. Here’s where the magic begins. Next up, select Run as administrator. Sometimes, Windows will pop up a UAC prompt asking for permission — don’t stress, it’s dead normal. Just click Yes.
Step 3: Click “Run as administrator”
Give that a go and see what happens. You might notice the game loads quicker, or maybe the launcher runs smoother without errors. On some setups, you might need to do this every time — Windows can be a bit fussy, especially if your UAC is set high.
Step 4: Confirm the UAC Prompt
If a UAC window shows up, just agree to it. That’s Windows asking if it’s OK for the game to make changes. It’s a pain, but necessary—so just click Yes.
Step 5: Fire Up the Game
The game should now run with admin rights, and you might notice fewer crashes or access issues. If it’s still being stubborn, then it’s time to try other fixes like updating your graphics drivers, verifying game files, or fiddling with compatibility settings.
And a quick tip: if you’re over doing this every time, you can set the game to always run as admin:
Right-click the shortcut > Properties > Compatibility tab > check Run this program as an administrator. On some setups, this does the trick and skips the UAC prompt, but sometimes Windows still throws up a popup every time. Because, of course, Windows has to make life hard sometimes.
Tips for Running a Game as Administrator on Windows 11
- Set it to always run as admin so you don’t have to right-click each time—Properties, Compatibility, “Run this program as an administrator”.
- Keep your graphics and sound drivers up to date — good drivers fix weird bugs.
- If the UAC prompt is doing your head in, consider tweaking User Account Control settings — but bear in mind, that’s a bit of a security trade-off.
- Make sure both your game and Windows are sorted with the latest updates; patches often fix permission gremlins.
- Running as admin isn’t a silver bullet, but it sure helps with a lot of permission or access issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I run a game as an administrator?
Sometimes, games need to access protected system files or resources. Running as admin gives them the permissions to do that, which can stop crashes or errors caused by restricted access. It’s a quick fix for permission or compatibility dramas.
Will running a game as an administrator muck up my computer?
Nah, not unless the game is dodgy software trying to do sneaky stuff. Running as admin just grants it more access. But, always be careful if you’re downloading from shady sources.
How do I set my game to always run as administrator?
Right-click the shortcut > Properties > Compatibility tab > tick “Run this program as an administrator”. From then on, it’ll launch with those privileges unless you change it back.
What if running as an administrator doesn’t sort my problem?
Sometimes, it’s something else altogether. Update your drivers, verify the game files, or check online for your specific error. Reinstalling or running in compatibility mode can also do the trick.
Can I set multiple games to run as admin at once?
Not quite in one go. You’ll need to do it individually — right-click > Properties > Compatibility > check “Run this program as an administrator” for each game. Bit tedious, but that’s the only way for now.
Summary
- Find your game’s shortcut or .exe in the install folder
- Right-click and pick Run as administrator
- Confirm the UAC prompt if it shows up
- Hopefully, fewer permission dramas from now on
Fingers crossed this helps you out. It’s worked on a bunch of setups, so give it a burl if you’re fighting permission issues.