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Windows 7 tip: (elevated) command prompt anywhere
The command prompt here power toy was a feature that a lot of users requested be built-in to Windows 7. Microsoft listened, and added it to a secondary context menu.
By holding shift and right-clicking a folder, you'll see additional commands not listed on the standard menu, such as open in new process, copy as path, and open command window here. Suppose you need a command window with elevated privileges. Then what?
In Windows Vista, it could be done through the start menu by typing cmd into the search box and holding shift+control and hitting enter. This works in Windows 7 as well.
Combine the two, and you've got a right-click elevated command window shortcut: shfit+control+right click on a folder and choose open command window. Check your title bar: if it starts with Administrator, you're set!
Some other sites have posted registry hacks to add a context menu entry for the admin option, but why bother? It's already there - just hidden!
By holding shift and right-clicking a folder, you'll see additional commands not listed on the standard menu, such as open in new process, copy as path, and open command window here. Suppose you need a command window with elevated privileges. Then what?
In Windows Vista, it could be done through the start menu by typing cmd into the search box and holding shift+control and hitting enter. This works in Windows 7 as well.
Combine the two, and you've got a right-click elevated command window shortcut: shfit+control+right click on a folder and choose open command window. Check your title bar: if it starts with Administrator, you're set!
Some other sites have posted registry hacks to add a context menu entry for the admin option, but why bother? It's already there - just hidden!
Comments
10
Subscribe to commentsCurt ProlixFeb 9th 2009 10:09AM
Useful? Surely! But big deal - this has been a Powertoy since Win 95, IIRC.
angrykeyboarderFeb 14th 2009 4:23PM
Not exactly. Prior to Vista you had to download and install Power Toys to get this functionality (or hack the registry on your own).
No need to do this in Vista or Windows 7. It's there out of the box.
MikeFeb 9th 2009 10:15AM
I CANT FIND THE SHFIT KEY CAN YOU TELL ME WHERE IT IS
rickMar 13th 2009 7:21PM
It's right below your effin caps lock, idiot.
ayanamistFeb 9th 2009 10:27AM
why doesn't it work in my machine?
angrykeyboarderFeb 14th 2009 4:27PM
I'm wondering the same thing. I've tried it repeatedly and it's just the same as not using the control key. The window just has the normal "C:\Windows\system32\cmd.exe" title.
I wonder if this is because my account doesn't otherwise have administrator privileges?
I'm one of the rare Windows users that follows UNIX-like convention and only uses the administrator account when absolutely necessary.
RUGRLNFeb 9th 2009 12:37PM
This is also possible on Windows Vista, and there's something like it I think in Windows XP...not an exclusive feature to W7....
Jash SayaniFeb 9th 2009 12:53PM
Shift + R.Click exists from XP !!
ron101Feb 10th 2009 4:15AM
Hi im just trying to get it to work on mine Win 7, but ive only got the left hand ,could you tell what i should use? I can just do it with the mouse right next to the keyboard and clicking on the mouse + shift + click?
ScottFeb 14th 2009 11:21PM
OK, I got it to work now, I must have overlooked something.
In the meantime, you can do something similar with any program pinned to your Taskbar (Superbar) in Windows 7.
Control+shift+click (no need to right-click) on one of the icons and you'll be running the program as Administrator (you'll get a UAC prompt assuming you have UAC set up and after that you'll be running the program as administrator).