Make Run as Always Visible in Context Menu in Windows 10

Since its very first version, Windows NT has allowed the user to launch apps with different permissions and credentials than the current user. Using it, you can start a batch file, an executable file or even an app installer as another user. In this article, will see how to make the Run as different user command always visible in context menu of your apps and files in Windows 10.

There are two ways to run a process as a different user in Windows 10. This can be done using the context menu in File Explorer or with a special console command.

I've reviewed them in detail in the following article:

How to Run an App as a Different User in Windows 10

Having this ability is very useful in a wide range of situations. For example, if you are working under a limited user account, but need to install an app or open an MMC snap-in like Disk Management, you can run the required app under another user account which has administrator privileges. It is especially useful when an app doesn't ask for administrative credentials and just refuses to start. Another good example is when you have configured an app to work under a different user profile, so other apps and users won't have access to its configuration data. This improves the security for apps which deal with very sensitive data.

If you prefer to use the context menu method to run your apps as a different user, you might want to save your time and add the command permanently without having to hold down the Shift key. This can be done with a simple Registry tweak.

To make the Run as different user menu always visible in Windows 10, do the following.

1. Download this ZIP archive. It contains the necessary Registry files.
2. Extract them to any location. You can place them right on the Desktop.
3. Double-click the file Make Run As Different User Always Visible.reg. 
4. Confirm the security prompt to apply the tweak.

You are done. The Run as different user command will appear in the context menu, so you can save your time. The undo tweak is included, so your can restore defaults with one click.

How it works

The registry tweak removes the "Extended" string value the value under the following Registry keys:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\batfile\shell\runasuser
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\cmdfile\shell\runasuser
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\runasuser
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\mscfile\shell\runasuser
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Msi.Package\shell\runasuser

Tip: See how to go to a Registry key with one click.

This tweak works in Windows 10, Windows 8 and Windows 7.

Tip: Use Winaero Tweaker to save your time

To save your time, you can use the Winaero Tweaker app. It allows adding the Run as a different user command to both the Start menu and the context menu.

You can download the app here: Download Winaero Tweaker.

Related articles:

• How to Run an App as a Different User in Windows 10
• Add Run as different user to Start Menu in Windows 10
• How to Find Which User Runs a Process in Windows 10

That's it.