How to Run Apps as a Different User in Windows 11
Windows runs processes for each user account exclusively. If you launch an app, sign out of your account, and sign in as a different user, you won’t see the app running in the other account.
The good thing is Windows is flexible when it comes to running these processes. As long as you have access to a user’s account, you can run an app as a different user without logging out and back in. In this guide, we explain X ways to run apps as a different user in Windows 11.
1. Use the Context Menu Option
The context menu generally has the option to allow users to run an app as another user. You’ll find this option on context menus that appear by right-clicking on an app’s shortcut or an app pinned to the taskbar.
However, the method for accessing this option has an extra step where you need to press-hold the Shift key.
Start by right-clicking on an app’s shortcut or pinned taskbar icon. Press-hold theShiftkey and selectShow more options. Look for the option calledRun as different userin the context menu.
Screenshot by Arjun Ruparelia
You’ll need to select a user and enter the password for that account. Once you’re done, clickOK.
2. Use the Command Prompt
You can also launch apps as a different user using the Command Prompt. All you need to do is execute is one command. However, the tedious part isfinding the app’s location. Unlike the previous method, this method doesn’t work with shortcuts. You’ll need to find the .exe file that launches the program.
it’s possible to find the .exe by right-clicking on a shortcut and selectingOpen file location. Once you find the .exe file, right-click on it and selectCopy as path.
Next, launch an elevated Command Prompt. To do this, pressCtrl + R, typecmd, and pressCtrl + Shift + Enter.
Once you see the Command Prompt window, execute the following command. Replace the words Username and FileLocation with the actual user name and location of the file (that you copied earlier):
You’ll see a prompt to enter the password for the user name you mentioned. Enter the password and pressEnter.
3. Use the Local Group Policy Editor
If you want to use the context menu option without adding ashortcutor pinning the app to the taskbar, you can change a setting in the Local Group Policy Editor. Once you’re done, you’ll be able to search for apps in the Start Menu and get the option to run apps as a different user in the context menu.
Search foredit group policyin the Start Menu and launch the best match. Navigate toUser Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar.
Look for a setting calledShow “Run as different user” command on Start. Double-click on the setting and change the status toEnabled. ClickOKand exit the Local Group Policy Editor.
Try searching for apps in the Start Menu and right-clicking on them. You’ll now see an option calledRun as different user. Once you click on it, you’ll need to select a user and enter the password for that user. ClickOKwhen done to run the app as a different user.
Running Apps as a Different User on Windows
Being able to run apps as a different user eliminates the need to switch between user accounts. Fortunately, the feature’s scope isn’t limited to running apps. You can also install programs for another user using these methods or run other file types such as a batch file.
However, if you still prefer switching between user accounts, you should familiarize yourself with all the ways to switch user accounts on Windows. This way, you can select the fastest method in any given situation.
Still using the Start menu to log out? There are far quicker ways to chance user accounts on Windows 11.
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