How to Run as a Different User Without a Password

Saving user credentials can easily fix this problem

Windows 11 » How To

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by Milan Stanojevic 

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run as different user without password

Many users want to know how to run as different user without a password, and in today’s guide we’re going to show you a few simple ways to do that, so let’s get started.

How do I run as a different user without a password?

1. Allow accounts to have blank passwords

  1. Press Windows key + R and type secpol.msc. Click OK.
    secpol msc run window 
  2. Next, go to Local Policies and select Security Options.
    security options local security policy window
  3. Locate Accounts: Limit local account use of blank passwords to console logon only and double-click it.
    accounts local limit account use of blank passwords
  4. Set it to Disabled.
    limit local account use of blank passwords disabled
  5. Lastly, change the password to blank for the user account you want to use.

While this is a simple solution, it’s a security risk and it should only be used on home computers.

2. Use savecrd parameter

  1. Open Command Prompt.
  2. Type the following command, but be sure to replace WindowsReport and the path of the application: runas /savecred /user:WindowsReport “C:\Example\test.exe”
    runas savecred command in Terminal
  3. When asked, enter the credentials.

The credentials will now be saved and you won’t have to enter them again.

How do I always show run as a different user?

  1. Press the Windows key + R and type regedit. Click OK.
    Regedit run window
  2. Navigate to the following key: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\runasuser
    runasuser path in registry editor
  3. Next, locate the Extended value, right-click it and choose Delete.
    extended delete registry
  4. Delete the Extended value in the following keys as well: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\cmdfile\shell\runasuser
    HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\batfile\shell\runasuser
    HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\mscfile\shell\runasuser
    HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Msi.Package\shell\runasuser

As you can see, it’s easy to run as a different user without a password, and you just have to change the security policy or save the credentials of the other account.

To learn more about this feature, check how to use Run as a different user on Windows 11. If you ever encounter Access denied with Run as user command, we have a special guide that addresses that.

More about the topics: Windows 11 guides

Milan Stanojevic

Milan Stanojevic Shield

Windows Toubleshooting Expert

Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He's a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology. Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he's one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.