How to run File Explorer with administrative rights in Windows 11

When you launch File Explorer the normal way on Windows 11, it opens with standard privileges by default. However, sometimes you will need to run File Explorer with elevated privileges to perform a certain task as an administrator of the system. Find out how to do it right here.

Open File Explorer with administrative privileges using the EXE . file

To open File Explorer with administrative rights through an .exe executable, you need to first open it as usual by pressing the Windows + E key combination, or clicking on the File Explorer icon on the taskbar.

How to run File Explorer with administrative rights in Windows 11 Picture 1

Next, in the File Explorer window that opens, locate the File Explorer EXE file in the path 'This PC > Windows (C:) > Windows'. Right-click on the File Explorer application and then select 'Run as Administrator' in the contextual menu that appears.

How to run File Explorer with administrative rights in Windows 11 Picture 2

A new instance of File Explorer will immediately open with system administrator privileges.

Open File Explorer with administrative rights through Task Manager

You can also open File Explorer with administrative rights using the Task Manager.

First, launch Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Escape. Then, on the Task Manager interface that opens, click 'More Details' at the bottom of the window.

How to run File Explorer with administrative rights in Windows 11 Picture 3

The Task Manager window will expand, displaying more different information about the applications currently running on the system. Click the 'File' tab in the menu bar, then select 'Run New Task' in the drop-down menu that appears.

How to run File Explorer with administrative rights in Windows 11 Picture 4

The Create New Task window will immediately appear. Type 'explorer.exe' in the text box next to the Open button, check the box next to the 'Create this task with administrative privileges' option, and then click 'OK'.

How to run File Explorer with administrative rights in Windows 11 Picture 5

File Explorer will immediately open with system administrator privileges.

With File Explorer running with enhanced privileges, you can now search for any application or file you want to access. However, make sure that the file or folder you are looking for is not hidden.

Micah Soto

Update 18 November 2021