In other words, the system is preventing you from accessing or modifying a file or folder or executing a program because it needs administrator-level permissions. If you\u2019re trying to access or take ownership of a file or folder, you\u2019ll need to change its ownership and grant yourself the appropriate permissions.<\/p>\n
If this error occurs when running a program, you can adjust the program\u2019s properties to always launch with administrator rights. Keep reading to learn how to fix the \u201cThe requested operation requires elevation\u201d issue on Windows 11\/10.<\/p>\n
Solution 1: Take ownership of the hard drive<\/h3>\n
Follow the steps below to take ownership of your hard drive:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Log out of your user account.<\/li>\n
- Log into the administrator account.<\/li>\n
- On your keyboard, press the
Windows key + E<\/code> to launch File Explorer.<\/li>\n- On the left-pane menu, click This PC<\/i>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\r\n\r\n![\"Click]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/p>\n- \n
- Now, go to the right pane and right-click your hard drive.<\/li>\n
- Select Properties<\/i> from the context menu.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Select]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/p>\n- \n
- Once the Properties <\/i> window shows up, go to the Security <\/i> tab.<\/li>\n
- Click the Advanced<\/i> button.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\r\n\r\n![\"Click]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/p>\n- \n
- In the Advanced Security Settings <\/i> window, click on Change <\/i> next to the current owner\u2019s name.<\/li>\n
- Type your username or click Advanced <\/i> to search for it. After selecting, click OK <\/i>.<\/li>\n
- Check the box for Replace owner on subcontainers and objects <\/i> to apply the ownership to all files and folders on the drive.<\/li>\n
- Save the changes you made by clicking Apply <\/i> and OK <\/i>. You may need to close and reopen File Explorer for the changes to take effect.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nRelated: <\/b>[FIXED] How to Fix \u201cHard Drive Is Not Showing Up\u201d in Windows 10\/11 <\/a><\/p>\n
\nSolution 2: Run the app as an administrator<\/h3>\n
You may encounter the \u201cThe requested operation requires elevation\u201d error message when opening an app that requires administrative privileges. In this case, you need to configure the app\u2019s settings to let you open it as an administrator all the time. Here are the steps:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Right-click the app, then select Properties from the options.<\/li>\n
- Now, go to the Compatibility<\/i> tab.<\/li>\n
- Select the Run this program as an administrator <\/i> box.<\/li>\n
- Save the changes you made by clicking Apply<\/i> and OK<\/i>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\r\n\tWhat should I do if I see the \u201cContact your IT admin and ask for permission to run it\u201d message while trying to fix the \u201cThe requested operation requires elevation\u201d error?<\/div>\r\n\t<\/p>\nFirst, make sure your account is set as an administrator:<\/b><\/p>\n
- \n
- Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info <\/i> and check if it says Administrator <\/i> under your name. If it says Standard User <\/i>, you don\u2019t have administrative rights.<\/li>\n
- To change it, log into an admin account (or switch users if possible) and change your account type via Control Panel > User Accounts > Manage another account <\/i>.<\/li>\n
- Select your account > click Change the account type > choose Administrator > click Change Account Type<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If you are locked out, you will need to enable the built-in Administrator account:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Open the Command Prompt as an administrator (search for it > right-click > click Run as administrator <\/i>).<\/li>\n
- Type net user administrator \/active:yes <\/i> and press
Enter<\/code>.<\/li>\n- Then log in to that account to make necessary changes. <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Solution 3: Disable UAC<\/h3>\n
It is possible that you\u2019re getting the error message because of the User Account Control (UAC) settings. So, you can try disabling UAC to find out if it is the culprit.<\/p>\n
\r\n\tWarning<\/div>\r\n\t<\/p>\nUser Account Control is a Windows security feature that protects your PC against unauthorized changes to the operating system.<\/p>\n
UAC alerts you when a system change calls for administrator-level access, allowing you to accept or reject the change.<\/p>\n
So, disabling this feature can lead to various issues, such as malware attacks, issues with system integrity, or programs making changes to your system without your approval.<\/p>\n
Always have countermeasures in place and make sure to turn them back on once you\u2019ve confirmed that the \u201cThe requested operation requires elevation\u201d error isn\u2019t caused by UAC. <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/p>\n
To begin, follow the instructions below:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Press the
Windows key + S<\/code> on your keyboard.<\/li>\n- Inside the search box, type Change User Account Control settings<\/i>, then hit
Enter<\/code>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n![\"Type]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/p>\n- \n
- Now, drag the blue bar down to the Never notify <\/i> option.<\/li>\n
- Save the changes you made by clicking OK<\/i>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\r\n\r\n![\"Now,]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/p>\nSolution 4: Disable your antivirus software temporarily<\/h3>\n
Sometimes, antivirus software may interfere with administrative tasks, triggering errors like \u201cThe requested operation requires elevation.\u201d If that is the case, we recommend that you disable your antivirus temporarily and try performing the action again.<\/p>\n
Here is how you can temporarily disable Windows Security<\/a>, your built-in antivirus and security solution:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Open the Windows Start menu and click the Settings <\/i> gear icon.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Open]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/p>\n- \n
- Click on the Update & Security <\/i> (Windows 10) or Privacy & security <\/i> (Windows 11) option.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Click]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/p>\n- \n
- Then click Open Windows Security <\/i>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"click]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/p>\n- \n
- Once you are in the Windows Security window, select the Virus & threat protection <\/i> option.<\/li>\n
- Now go to Virus & threat protection settings<\/i> and click on the Manage settings<\/i> link.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\r\n\r\n![\"click]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/p>\n- \n
- To disable the feature, toggle off the Real-time protection <\/i> switch. This will temporarily disable the Windows Security tool on your computer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If your computer is running a third-party antivirus solution, navigate to the manufacturer\u2019s website and search for instructions on how to disable the tool temporarily. Keep in mind that disabling real-time protection leaves your device vulnerable to malware and other security threats<\/a>.<\/p>\n
We strongly advise re-enabling real-time protection as soon as you have fixed the \u201cThe requested operation requires elevation\u201d issue.<\/p>\n
\r\n\tPRO TIP<\/div>\r\nIf your antivirus tool keeps triggering errors like the one in question, consider switching to a less problematic solution. For instance, you can try Auslogics Anti-Malware<\/a> . This tool is designed to protect your Windows PC from all kinds of threats without interfering with its normal functioning.<\/div>\r\n\r\n Download for Free<\/a>\r\n Learn More<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/p>\nSolution 5: Run the Windows troubleshooter<\/h3>\n
The Windows troubleshooter is a built-in Windows tool designed to help diagnose and resolve various system issues.<\/p>\n
It can automatically fix common problems with administrative tasks, including \u201cThe requested operation requires elevation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Here is how you can run the Windows troubleshooter in Windows 11:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Open Settings from the Start menu.<\/li>\n
- Go to System > Troubleshoot<\/i>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Go]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/p>\n- \n
- Click on Other troubleshooters<\/i>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Click]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/p>\n- \n
- Find the troubleshooter you need and click Run <\/i> next to it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If you are using Windows 10:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Open the Control Panel.<\/li>\n
- Select Troubleshooting <\/i>.<\/li>\n
- Click on the View all <\/i> option in the left sidebar.<\/li>\n
- Right-click the troubleshooter you need.<\/li>\n
- Click on Run as administrator<\/i> to run the troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Solution 6: Update your drivers<\/h3>\n
Outdated drivers <\/a>can cause multiple issues, such as the \u201cThe requested operation requires elevation\u201d problem we are dealing with here. Updating your drivers can help improve stability and ensure that your system is running smoothly. You can update your system drivers<\/a> using Device Manager:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Type Device Manager <\/i> into your search bar and select the corresponding result.<\/li>\n
- Expand the category of the device whose driver you want to update.<\/li>\n
- Right-click on the device and select the Update driver<\/i> option.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\r\n\r\n![\"Right-click]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/p>\n- \n
- Choose the Search automatically for drivers <\/i> option. The on-screen instructions will help you proceed further.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Choose]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/p>\nWhichever option you go with, updating your drivers in Windows 10 or 11 is essential for proper PC maintenance. In addition to preventing a variety of errors, you get better stability, enhanced hardware compatibility, and access to the latest security patches and performance improvements released by device manufacturers.<\/p>\n
The \u201cThe Requested Operation Requires Elevation\u201d Error: Fixed<\/h2>\n
I hope that this mini-guide on how to fix the \u201cThe requested operation requires elevation\u201d error in Windows helped you resolve it. As we now know, this error typically indicates that administrative privileges are required to perform a specific action.<\/p>\n
To resolve this issue, follow these simple instructions: run the application as an administrator, change the User Account Control settings, or adjust the ownership of the file or folder. You should also try temporarily disabling your antivirus, running the Windows troubleshooter, and checking if you have any outdated drivers. If all else fails, you may consider resetting Windows while keeping your files, which can resolve deeper system problems without a full reinstall.<\/p>\n
Do you know other solutions to this error message? Do not hesitate to share them in the comments section.<\/p>\n
FAQ<\/h2>\n
\r\n\tHow do I check if my account has administrator rights?<\/div>\r\n\t\r\n\t\tTo check if your account has administrator rights, press Windows + I to open Settings, then go to Accounts > Your info<\/em>. Under your name, you\u2019ll see your account type\u2014if it says Administrator<\/em>, you have admin rights. Alternatively, you can open Control Panel > User Accounts<\/em>, and your role will be displayed beneath your username.\r\n\t\t\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/p>\n\r\n\tHow do I make sure a program always runs as an administrator?<\/div>\r\n\t\r\n\t\tRight-click the program\u2019s shortcut or .exe<\/em> file and select Properties<\/em>. Go to the Compatibility<\/em> tab. Under Settings<\/em>, check the box that says Run this program as an administrator<\/em>. Click Apply<\/em>, then OK<\/em> to save your changes. Now, every time you launch the program, it will automatically request administrator privileges.\r\n\t\t\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/p>\n\r\n\tWhat should I do if I encounter this error on a work or school PC?<\/div>\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t<\/p>\nIf you\u2019re on a work or school computer and see this error, it usually means you\u2019re trying to perform an action that requires administrative privileges\u2014and your account doesn\u2019t have them.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s what you can do (same on both Windows 10 and 11):<\/p>\n
- \n
- Do not attempt to bypass restrictions\u2014this could violate your organization\u2019s IT policies.<\/li>\n
- Contact your IT department or system administrator and explain the action you were trying to perform. If it\u2019s a legitimate need, they may run the task for you or temporarily elevate your permissions.<\/li>\n
- If you\u2019re using a personal device managed by work or school, ask if you can switch to a local administrator account for personal use (if policy allows).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/p>\n
\r\n\tHow do I fix the \u201cThe requested operation requires elevation\u201d error without an administrator account?<\/div>\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t<\/p>\n- \n
- Log in with another account that does have administrator rights, if available.<\/li>\n
- Ask the admin user (on a shared PC or in an organization) to either run the app for you or temporarily elevate your account.<\/li>\n
- Use built-in tools that don\u2019t require elevation\u2014for example, certain troubleshooters or Safe Mode (though most still need admin access for system changes).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If you own the device, you might be able to enable the built-in Administrator account (via Safe Mode with Command Prompt), but this still usually requires some level of system access.<\/p>\n
\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/p>\n
\r\n\tCan I fix this issue by resetting my Windows account password?<\/div>\r\n\t\r\n\t\tNo, resetting your Windows account password won\u2019t fix the \u201cThe requested operation requires elevation\u201d error. This issue is related to user permissions, not your password\u2014so unless your account has administrator rights, the error will still appear.\r\n\t\t\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/p>\n\r\n\tWhat do I do if I can\u2019t remember my administrator password?<\/div>\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\tIf you can\u2019t remember your administrator password, you can reset it depending on your account type. For a Microsoft account, go to account.live.com\/password\/reset<\/i><\/a>. For a local account, you\u2019ll need a password reset disk or access to another admin account. If those aren\u2019t available, booting into Safe Mode or using recovery tools may help\u2014but some methods may require technical knowledge or reinstalling Windows. \r\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/p>\n
- Click on the View all <\/i> option in the left sidebar.<\/li>\n
- Find the troubleshooter you need and click Run <\/i> next to it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Click on Other troubleshooters<\/i>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Now go to Virus & threat protection settings<\/i> and click on the Manage settings<\/i> link.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Once you are in the Windows Security window, select the Virus & threat protection <\/i> option.<\/li>\n
- Then click Open Windows Security <\/i>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Click on the Update & Security <\/i> (Windows 10) or Privacy & security <\/i> (Windows 11) option.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Save the changes you made by clicking OK<\/i>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Inside the search box, type Change User Account Control settings<\/i>, then hit
- Type net user administrator \/active:yes <\/i> and press
- To change it, log into an admin account (or switch users if possible) and change your account type via Control Panel > User Accounts > Manage another account <\/i>.<\/li>\n
- Select the Run this program as an administrator <\/i> box.<\/li>\n
- Type your username or click Advanced <\/i> to search for it. After selecting, click OK <\/i>.<\/li>\n
- Click the Advanced<\/i> button.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Once the Properties <\/i> window shows up, go to the Security <\/i> tab.<\/li>\n
- On the left-pane menu, click This PC<\/i>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"Click](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/file-explorer-this-pc.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Select](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/properties-drive.png\")
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\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Click](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Other-trouble-shooters.png\")
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\r\n <\/div>\r\n