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How to Fix the Run as Administrator Option Greyed Out
Adjusting folder permissions can reactivate greyed-out buttons
6 min. read
Published onSeptember 13, 2024
published onSeptember 13, 2024
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For the most part, you won’t require to run a majority of apps or files as an administrator but for some high-level operations, you’ll need it and it may be greyed out.
Your run as administrator option being greyed out could be as a result of misconfigured UAC settings, corrupt files or programs, or even a corrupt user profile. However, before you try out any troubleshooting, ensure you’rerunning an account with administrator privileges.
What can I do if the run as administrator option is greyed out?
1. Check availability in compatibility mode
The issue of the run as administrator option being greyed out mostly occurs with shortcuts. Shortcuts essentially link to the EXE file but sometimes, if they are configured incorrectly, this option may be unavailable.
Other times, the shortcut may not support elevated permissions and cannot be prompted by the UAC security settings. To process this request properly, you’ll have to go to its properties.
2. Disable UAC settings
3. Adjust folder permissions
3.1 Allow user permissions
3.2 Take ownership of the file/folder
4. Run the DISM and SFC scans
5. Reinstall the problematic app
6. Create a new user profile
If the run as administrator option is not greyed out in this user profile, your previous account may have been corrupt. You can try torepair your user profileorcopy your old profile to your new user account.
7. Perform clean boot
8. Perform an in-place upgrade
And if you’re able to get rid of the greyed button butnothing happens when you press run as administrator option, it is possible that yoursystem administrator has limited accessbut we have several solutions to bypass this error.
Remember that an overzealous antivirus may sometimes limit your access level so if necessary,disable it temporarilyand take note of any changes.
Apart from this option missing, you may find that the option torun as a different user option may also be missing. If so, feel free to check out our comprehensive article for tried and tested methods.
It’s a wrap from here but we’d love to get your feedback on which solution did it for you. Also, if you have any other solution not mentioned here but worked out for you, drop us a line below.
More about the topics:administrator account
Claire Moraa
Windows Software Expert
Claire has a knack for solving problems and improving the quality of life for those around her. She’s driven by rationality, curiosity, and simplicity, and always eager to learn more about Microsoft’s products. With a background in teaching and reviewing, she breaks down complex topics into easily understandable articles, focusing mostly on Windows 11, errors, and software.
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Claire Moraa
Windows Software Expert
With a background in teaching and reviewing, she breaks down complex topics into easily understandable articles, focusing mostly on Windows 11 errors.
