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Run Apps as Different User on Windows 11 [4 ways]

No need to switch user profiles when running apps as a different user

5 min. read

Updated onJuly 2, 2024

updated onJuly 2, 2024

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Key notes

A lot of Windows apps and programs requireadministrator permissionsto run on your system. This is a security measure to ensure that you don’t accidentally delete or modify important files, which could cause your computer to crash or become unusable.

However, if you want to run an app as a different user for example, if you’re the administrator for your home computer but not for your work computer, then this can be a problem. Fortunately, there are ways around this issue as you shall see below.

Why do I need to run apps as a different user?

Why do I need to run apps as a different user?

There are a number of reasons why you might want to run an application as a different user. The following are the most common:

How do I run an app as a different user in Windows?

How do I run an app as a different user in Windows?

1. Use the context menu

2. Use the Group Policy Editor

3. Use the Registry Editor

Generally speaking, you shouldn’t need to edit the registry unless there’s a problem with something that can’t be resolved with other tools.

While this can be risky if done improperly, you can alwayscreate a restore point. This will allow you to restore your PC to a previous state before making any changes.

4. Use the Command Prompt

And that’s how to run apps as a different user using Windows 11 cmd. If you get an error likethis app can’t run on this PC, feel free to check out our detailed guide for quick fixes.

We also show you how torun iOS games on Windows PCs, so don’t hesitate to visit our article.

Keep in mind that this feature does have certain issues, and we wrote aboutrun as a different user Access denied errororrun as a different user option is missing. Make sure to check them out if you have any problems.

To learn more about this feature, don’t miss our guide on how toRun as a different user without a password.

Let us know your preferred method to run apps as a different user in the comment section below.

More about the topics:user accounts,Windows 11

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.