Running the Command Prompt as an administrator in Windows is a crucial skill for any systems engineer or advanced user. It allows you to execute commands that require elevated privileges, such as modifying system files, managing user accounts, and configuring network settings. This article will guide you through the steps to open the Command Prompt with administrative rights and provide practical examples of commands that benefit from elevated permissions.

Examples:

1. Opening Command Prompt as Administrator:

   • Method 1: Using the Start Menu

     1. Click on the Start Menu.
     2. Type "cmd" in the search bar.
     3. Right-click on "Command Prompt" from the search results.
     4. Select "Run as administrator."

   • Method 2: Using the Run Dialog

     1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
     2. Type "cmd" and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.

   • Method 3: Using Task Manager

     1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
     2. Click on "File" in the top-left corner and select "Run new task."
     3. Type "cmd" and check the box that says "Create this task with administrative privileges."
     4. Click "OK."

2. Practical Examples of Commands Requiring Administrative Privileges:

   • Managing User Accounts:

     net user username /add
     net localgroup administrators username /add

     These commands add a new user and then add that user to the administrators group.

   • Configuring Network Settings:

     ipconfig /release
     ipconfig /renew

     These commands release and renew the IP address of your network adapter.

   • Modifying System Files:

     icacls "C:\Program Files\example" /grant username:F

     This command grants full control permissions to a specified user for a particular directory.

   • Checking and Repairing System Files:

     sfc /scannow

     This command scans all protected system files and replaces corrupted files with a cached copy.