How to Open Windows File Explorer as Another User

How can I run Windows Explorer as another user (one with administrative privileges)? To find out how to open File Explorer as another user, follow the instructions below for easy access to administrative functionalities. Sometimes you’ll want to do file and folder modifications, or even partition formatting, but you won’t want to do it while logged on as an administrator.


To do so follow the next steps:

1. When logged in as a normal, non-privileged user, navigate to your system folder, usually C:WINNT.
2. Shift-right-click on explorer.exe.
3. Select “Run As” and provide the credentials for the local admin account.

1. A dialog box will pop-up asking you for a valid username and password. Enter one of a user that has the required administrative privileges to run and manage that program.

1. If you give a wrong username or password an error will pop-up:

1. If you gave a valid username and password then Explorer will open giving you the full permissions to manage it and any programs you run from within that window will run with admin privileges.

That’s it. Now you know how to open File Explorer as another user efficiently.

BTW, it’s time you got to know the RUNAS command that’s now native in Windows 2000, XP and Windows Server 2003. Open a Command Prompt and run the following command:

runas /user:computernameAdministrator command

where computername is the name of your computer, and username is the name of the user you’re trying to run the command as (e.g. Administrator). The command is the command you’re trying to run (e.g. a batch file, an .exe file or even a control panel applet).
For example:

C:>runas /user:pro1Administrator "explorer.exe"
Enter the password for pro1Administrator:
Attempting to start explorer.exe as user "pro1Administrator" ...

FAQs

Can I open File Explorer as another user without using the Run As command?

Yes, you can open File Explorer as another user by using the Windows Task Manager. Right-click on the taskbar, select Task Manager, click File > Run New Task, check the box “Create this task with administrative privileges,” and type “explorer.exe” to open File Explorer as another user.

Why would I need to know how to open File Explorer as another user?

Understanding how to open File Explorer as another user is crucial for system administrators who need to access restricted files, troubleshoot permissions issues, or perform maintenance tasks while maintaining security protocols.

What are the security implications of opening File Explorer as another user?

When you open File Explorer as another user, you need to ensure proper security measures as this grants elevated privileges. Always log out when finished and avoid saving credentials to prevent unauthorized access.

Can I create a shortcut to open File Explorer as another user?

Yes, you can create a desktop shortcut to quickly open File Explorer as another user by right-clicking on the desktop, selecting New > Shortcut, and entering “runas /savecred /user:domain\username explorer.exe” as the location.

Does Windows 11 allow you to open File Explorer as another user?

Yes, Windows 11 supports the ability to open File Explorer as another user through multiple methods, including the Shift+Right-click method, Run command, and PowerShell commands.