microsoft/PowerToys

[CmdPal] Allow running `.exe`s as administrator

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#39,049 opened on Apr 23, 2025

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CmdPal - All AppsHelp WantedIssue-TaskProduct-Command Palette

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Description

Description of the new feature / enhancement

After searching for an .exe file with the file search mode, it should be possible to run it as administrator.

This functionality is currently present in PowerToys Run by searching the .exe's name and pressing Ctrl + Shift + Enter.

Scenario when this would be used?

Several applications run portably as .exe files in their own directory without formally registering as installed programs with the OS. It should be possible to launch these as administrator.

Supporting information

This is functionality that is present in PowerToys Run and should ideally be present in Command Palette if the latter is to replace the former.

Contributor guide

Research direction
Study how PowerToys Run implements Ctrl+Shift+Enter to run as admin, then add similar functionality to Command Palette file search results.
Tech stack
csharp
Domain
desktop
Issue type
Feature
DifficultyEstimated implementation difficulty for a new contributor, from 1 for very small changes to 5 for expert-level work.
2
Estimated timeA rough time range for an experienced contributor to investigate, implement, test, and prepare a pull request.
1-3 hours
Activity statusHow available the issue appears right now: fresh, active, stale, blocked, or waiting on maintainer input.
Active
ClarityHow clearly the issue explains the expected change, acceptance criteria, and next step.
Clear
Prerequisites
C#GitWindows development
Newbie friendlinessA 1-100 score estimating how approachable this issue is for first-time contributors.
60