Run As Administrator -
When a user selects "Run as Administrator," Windows utilizes the framework to transition the application's process from a standard token to an administrative token.
There are multiple native methods to trigger administrative elevation in Windows: How Do I Run a Program “As Administrator”? Run as Administrator
While indispensable for administration, the feature introduces notable security risks when misused. When a user selects "Run as Administrator," Windows
: An elevation request triggers a secure desktop prompt. If the user is a standard account, they must enter an administrator's credentials. If the user is an administrator, they must simply click "Yes" to consent to the elevation. 📋 Common Use Cases : An elevation request triggers a secure desktop prompt
: Installing new hardware drivers or low-level software that binds tightly with the operating system.
: Attackers often exploit software running as an administrator to gain unauthorized system access. For instance, opening a file dialog from an elevated application (like Notepad running as admin) can allow an attacker to launch an elevated command prompt without triggering a new UAC prompt. ⚙️ How to Execute "Run as Administrator"
: Applications gain the ability to modify protected system directories (like C:\Windows ), change the registry, and manage system-level services.