How to Install Software Without Admin Rights on Windows 10

Learn to bypass restrictions with our quick workaround

1 min. read

Updated onApril 29, 2024

updated onApril 29, 2024

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Key notes

You might often face the situation where you need toinstall software on a Windows 10 PC, but you don’t have admin rights. And without being an administrator, you cannot usually install software on the respective device. This is intentional since it’s an extra security measure.

Therefore, this workaround will let you install software even if you are not the admin on the Windows 10 device.

How do I install software without admin rights?

1.Download the softwarethat you wish to install on a Windows 10 PC. In our example, we will install Steam.

It is recommended that you set the download location to thedesktopfor convenience. Else, if it gets downloaded in theDownloadfolder, as is the usual case, drag it to yourdesktop.

This is just for convenience and has no bearing on the actual process.

Create a new folder on yourdesktopand drag thesoftwareinstallerinto the folder.
Open the folder andRight-click, thenNew, andText Document.

4.Launch the text file you just created and write the following codes:set _COMPAT_LAYER=RunAsInvoker

Start SteamSetup

Here,SteamSetupneeds to be replaced with the name of theparticular installerthat you wish to install.
Save the text file with the.bat extensionin the same folder location.

7.For that, click onFile, thenSave As.

In theSave Asdialog box, replace the.txtfile extension with.bat.
Click onSave.
Close theSteam.batfile.
Now, you can double-click the setup and follow the guidelines.

Alternatively, you may create the BAT file in the default download folder of the application, then run it from there. That should still work.

In Windows 10, it is possible to bypass restrictions and install software without admin rights. You just need to make a few tweaks on your PC, and then you can install the program you desire without worrying about restrictions.

Contrary to what you might think, the process is straightforward. And it’s quick too.

If you can’t create a new folder in Windows 10, look at our step-by-step guide tocreating new foldersto help you fix the issue.

Your next step will be double-click on the bat file to launch the installation process. Then, follow the on-screen instructions for the installation to complete normally. It’s that simple and easy.

To install unsigned drivers on Windows 10, read our article dedicated toinstalling unsigned driversto get all the necessary info.

Lastly, we like to hear your questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments section below, and we will certainly check them out.

How to Install Software Without Admin Rights on Windows 10#

How do I install software without admin rights?#

How to Install Software Without Admin Rights on Windows 10

How do I install software without admin rights?