User Account Control (UAC)

Windows Vista (2006) introduced the concept of User Account Control (UAC). With UAC the administrator does not run with administrative permissions except when he/she explicitly requests it for a specific task. Requesting permissions is called elevating the task.

A command console window (CMD.EXE) that has elevated permissions is called an administrative console. An administrative console allows you to type in and run privileged commands that can modify system settings in Active Directory.

How to Open an Administrative Console

Windows Server 2008: To open an elevated administrator command console use the following procedure:

1. Click on the Start Orb (lower-left)
2. Navigate to All Programs -> Accessories -> Command Prompt.
3. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
4. A popup message box will appear, Windows needs your permission to continue. Click on Continue.

Windows Server 2012: To open an elevated administrator command console use the following procedure:

1. Hold down the Windows Logo key and press X.
2. A popup menu will appear (lower-left). Click on Command Prompt (Admin).
3. A message box will appear, Windows needs your permission to continue. Click on Continue.

This will open an elevated administrator command console. You can verify that the console is elevated by looking for the word “Administrator: ” in the title bar.