How to Run Device Manager as Administrator in Windows 11

Device Manager is a built-in Windows tool used to manage hardware devices, update drivers, enable or disable components, and troubleshoot hardware issues. In most cases, Device Manager opens with standard privileges, but certain actions—such as uninstalling system drivers, changing protected device settings, or resolving permission-related errors—require administrator access.

Windows 11 does not provide a clearly labeled “Run as administrator” option for Device Manager like regular apps. However, you can still open it with elevated (administrator) privileges using several reliable methods explained below.

How to Run Device Manager as Administrator in Windows 11

Follow the methods below. Any of these will open Device Manager with full administrator rights.

1. Run Device Manager Using Windows Terminal (Admin) (Recommended)

This is the most direct and reliable method.

1. Right-click Start
2. Select Windows Terminal (Admin)
3. Click Yes on the User Account Control prompt
4. In the terminal window, type the following command and press Enter:

devmgmt.msc

This launches Device Manager with administrator privileges.

2. Open Device Manager from Run Dialog as Administrator

You can elevate the Run command manually.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
2. Click File > Run new task
3. Type:

devmgmt.msc

4. Check Create this task with administrative privileges
5. Click OK

Device Manager will now open in admin mode.

3. Use Command Prompt (Admin)

Command Prompt can also be used to launch Device Manager with elevation.

1. Press Windows + S
2. Search for Command Prompt
3. Right-click it and select Run as administrator
4. Click Yes when prompted
5. Type the following command and press Enter:

devmgmt.msc

This opens Device Manager with full access.

4. Use PowerShell (Admin)

PowerShell works the same way as Command Prompt.

1. Press Windows + X
2. Select Windows Terminal (Admin)
3. Make sure the PowerShell tab is active
4. Type:

devmgmt.msc

5. Press Enter

Device Manager will open with elevated permissions.

5. Create an Administrator Shortcut for Device Manager

If you frequently need admin access, this method saves time.

1. Right-click on the Desktop
2. Select New > Shortcut
3. Enter the following location:

devmgmt.msc

4. Click Next and name the shortcut (for example, Device Manager Admin)
5. Click Finish
6. Right-click the shortcut and select Properties
7. Open the Advanced button
8. Check Run as administrator
9. Click OK and Apply

Now Device Manager will always open with admin rights using this shortcut.

How to Confirm Device Manager Is Running as Administrator

Device Manager itself does not display an “Administrator” label, but you can confirm elevation by behavior.

1. Try uninstalling a system device driver
2. Try disabling a protected hardware component
3. If no permission error appears, it is running as administrator

Standard mode usually shows access-denied warnings.

Why You Might Need Device Manager as Administrator

Running Device Manager with admin rights is useful when:

1. Uninstalling or reinstalling system drivers
2. Fixing driver access denied errors
3. Enabling or disabling hidden devices
4. Resolving hardware permission issues
5. Managing system-level devices

Without elevation, many actions are blocked.

Final Thoughts

Running Device Manager as administrator in Windows 11 is necessary for advanced hardware and driver management tasks. While there is no direct “Run as administrator” option in the Start menu, using Windows Terminal, Task Manager, or an elevated shortcut provides full access reliably.

For frequent troubleshooting or driver work, creating a permanent admin shortcut is the most convenient option.