KeyRoutines
StepFreeapp.launchAdmin

Run a program as administrator from a Windows 11 routine

Run as administrator starts a program or shortcut with elevated rights, the same as right-clicking it and choosing "Run as administrator". It is handy for tools that only work elevated, like some system utilities or hardware control panels.

How it works

  • Pick the program or shortcut, and optionally add command-line arguments, a starting folder and how its window should open.
  • Windows shows its usual UAC prompt every time; KeyRoutines never stores, skips or answers that consent for you, and it never runs elevated itself.
  • The step waits while the prompt is open, for up to two minutes, and choosing No ends the step as cancelled.
  • If the program is already running it is left alone by default, so running the routine twice doesn't ask twice; turn on "start another" if you really want a second copy.

Routines that use it

Hardware tools at sign-in

When KeyRoutines starts, a routine runs your fan or RGB control tool as administrator, then Window state minimizes it out of the way.

Elevated terminal on a hotkey

A hotkey runs Windows Terminal as administrator in your scripts folder, so an admin prompt is one press and one Yes away.

Maintenance session

A manual routine sets the power plan to High performance and opens your disk tool as administrator for a cleanup.

Settings

SettingWhat it does
AppThe program or shortcut to start as administrator.
Start anotherStart another copy (and ask again) even when it already runs.
ArgumentsadvancedCommand-line arguments, one per item (a path with spaces is one item).
Working directoryadvancedThe folder the app starts in.
Start stateadvancedHow its window starts (apps that respect it).

Good to know

  • You must approve the UAC prompt each time; the routine can't do that for you.
  • Games and Store apps can't start this way. Games start through their launcher with Open app.

Questions

Can I run a program as administrator without the UAC prompt?
Not with KeyRoutines. It always lets Windows show the UAC prompt, because skipping or storing that consent would weaken your PC's security.
What happens if I click No on the UAC prompt?
The step stops as cancelled and the program doesn't start. You can let the rest of the routine carry on by setting the step to continue on error.

Pairs well with

Step · AppsFree

Open app

Open app starts a program, a Store app, a shortcut or a game from your library. It is the first step of most setup routines, from a morning work session to a full streaming setup.

Step · AppsFree

Close app

Close app shuts down the programs you pick, or every open app except the ones you want to keep. People put it at the end of a work session, before a game, or anywhere a cluttered taskbar gets in the way.

Trigger · Flow and routinesFree

When KeyRoutines starts

When KeyRoutines starts runs a routine as the app starts up. KeyRoutines starts when you sign in to Windows, so this is the trigger for anything you want ready every time you log on.

Trigger · HotkeysFree

Hotkey

Hotkey starts a routine when you press a keyboard shortcut or mouse button. It's the most common way to run a routine, from a single app launcher key to a whole streaming setup on one combination.

Step · WindowsFree

Window state

Window state changes a window's state: restore, minimize, maximize, hide, close it, or keep it on top of other windows. It's the Swiss army knife for tidying windows from a routine.

Build this routine in KeyRoutines

Free from the Microsoft Store for Windows 11 and 10. Pro is a one-time upgrade.

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