Certain programs require you to run them with administrative rights so that they can work properly. However, the new user interface in Windows 8 has changed the way that you can perform this task. This article shows the steps required to run a program as an administrator in Windows 8.

Windows 8 has totally changed the way that you can perform even the most basic of tasks that you were accustomed to. No longer can you run a program with elevated privileges the same way as you did with Windows 7 or its predecessor, Windows Vista. However, running a program as an administrator in Windows 8 is a very simple task.

Step 1

Turn on your computer and log into your Windows 8 user account. As soon as you log in, Windows 8 will take you directly into the area known as the “Start Screen.” If you were on the Windows 8 desktop, you can get to the Start Screen immediately by pressing the “Windows Logo” key on your keyboard.

Step 2

The Start Screen will list all the programs that you have installed on your Windows 8 computer. Right click the tile of the program that you want to run as an administrator.

Step 3

A green-colored bar will show up on the bottom of the screen that contains several icons. Click the “Run as administrator” icon to run the program with elevated privileges. If a “User Account Control” dialog box shows up on screen, simply click “Yes” to proceed.

Warning

You must have a Windows 8 administrator account to perform this task.