If you are a Windows 10 user, then you can run File Explorer as an administrator in order to manage its contents more effectively. This is done by using the following steps:

  1. Open the Start menu and type “cmd”.
  2. Type “netstat -an” and hit enter.
  3. The netstat output will show you all of the network connections and their status. You will see a list of networks, including your own, as well as other networks that you are connected to. If there is a network connection that is not listed, it means that File Explorer is not running as an administrator and cannot access it. To make File Explorer run as an administrator, add the following line to your system registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\FileServices\File Explorer

Open File Explorer With Admin Rights Using the EXE File

To open File Explorer with admin rights using its .exe file, you’ll need to first open File Explorer normally. You can do this by pressing the Windows+E keyboard shortcut, or by clicking the File Explorer icon in the taskbar. Is it missing from your taskbar? Learn how to pin File Explorer to the Windows 11 taskbar.

Next, locate File Explorer’s EXE file in the “This PC > Windows (C:) > Windows” file path. Right-click the File Explorer app and then select “Run as Administrator” in the context menu.

A new instance of File Explorer will open with administrative privileges.

RELATED: What Does “Run as Administrator” Mean in Windows 10?

Open File Explorer With Admin Rights Using the Task Manager

You can also open File Explorer with admin rights using Task Manager. Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Escape on your keyboard. Once open, click “More Details” at the bottom of the window.

Task Manager will expand, displaying various information about currently-running apps. Click the “File” tab in the menu bar, and then click “Run New Task” in the drop-down menu that appears.

The Create New Task window will appear. Type “explorer.exe” in the text box next to Open, check the box next to “Create this task with administrative privileges,” and then click “OK.”

File Explorer will then open with admin privileges.

With File Explorer running with elevated privileges, you can now search for whichever app or file you want to access. Be sure the file or folder you’re looking for isn’t hidden, though.

RELATED: How to Show Hidden Files on Windows 11