If you have noticed that you can’t execute a CMD command that deals with core system files or settings without administrator permissions. In this case, when you try to run the “sfc /scannow” command, you get the output “You must be an administrator running a console session in order to run the SFC Utility.”
From here you can see the need for authority, which allows to temper the PC’s system settings. In this article, we are going to discuss issues related to administrator permissions. How does it affect console sessions? And solutions to fix this issue?
What Causes Error “You Must Be An Administrator Running A Console Session”?
The error occurs when you try to access or temper system files through command. If the Command Prompt is launched by double-clicking or simply typing in ‘cmd’ in the search bar then press the Enter Key.
Then the CMD will be opened in normal mode. In normal mode, any command involving changes in system files or settings will be invalid. And the output will be shown as “You must be an administrator running a console session.”
What Must You Be An Administrator Running A Console Session SFC(scannow command)?
First of all, you need to have basic knowledge about the SFC utility. SFC stands for System File Checker. The system file checker tool is used to scan and fix corrupt system files and is used in combination with DISM commands.
Since SFC runs a system scan for broken files it deals with system files and tempers with them. And in the previous section, we have known that administrative privileges are required to deal with system files. And SFC tool is used for scanning and fixing system files.
Is “Run As Administrator” Or Command Prompt: Administrator Mode Safe?
By default, the PC will run apps in user mode and prevent potential threats from negatively affecting the system settings. So, when you open the Command Prompt in administrator mode, you are giving it special permissions to make changes to the system.
Depending on the actions it could also be hazardous to the PC, but sometimes it is necessary to use administrator privileges for certain programs or utilities to work.
How To Fix You Must Be An Administrator Running A Console Session
1. Launch Command Prompt As Administrator (Admin Mode)
- Press the Windows Start button to launch the Start Menu.
- Type in “cmd” in the search bar, and press Enter.
- In the search result box, right-click on the Command Prompt option and choose the “Run as administrator” option.
- Or, you can select the Command Prompt option, then press the ‘Ctrl + Shift + Enter’ key.
- When the UAC(User Account Control) window appears, click on Yes.
2. Make A Desktop Shortcut Of The Elevated Command Prompt.
You can also make a configuration, whenever you open the Command Prompt, it will open in admin mode.
- Open the location of the CMD.
- Type in “cmd” in the search bar of the Start menu. Then, right-click on the result option and select the “Open file location” option.
- For older Windows versions, navigate to Start-> All Programs-> Accessories.
- Now, send the shortcut of CMD to your Desktop screen. Right-click on the CMD and select Send to-> Desktop(create shortcut).
- Right-click on the CMD shortcut version. Then, select Properties.
- Go to the Shortcut tab, then click Advanced button.
- In the “Advanced properties” window, tick the option “Run as administrator”.
- Click on “Ok”, then on “Apply” and save the changes.
Conclusion
Dealing with the system files of windows requires administrator privileges. So trying to run commands like the “sfc scannow” or “DISM scan” will lead to the following output “You must be an administrator running a console session…”. In this case, you need to access the CMD in admin mode.
You can access CMD(Admin) by launching it through the “Run as administrator” option. Or, if your work requires you to access CMD(Admin) frequently, you can make a shortcut of CMD on your Desktop and make elevated CMD as default. This will make the CMD run as administrator whenever it is opened.a
