The System32 folder contains all the operating system files and some critical files of various software installed on your Windows computer.

An elevated Command Prompt lets you run commands with special powers to change important computer settings. You can open an elevated Command Prompt in Windows 11, 10, and 8 through the Power User ...

You can open the Command Prompt on a PC by right-clicking the Start icon, by searching for it, or by opening the Windows System folder.

An elevated PowerShell prompt will now open. You can tell it is elevated as the starting directory will be C:\Windows\System32 and the window title will be 'Administrator: Windows PowerShell'.

Note: When you open a Command Prompt your working directory is your UserProfile folder. When you open an Elevated Command Prompt, your working directory with be C:\Windows\System32 instead.

Method 2: Open Elevated Command Prompt via Power User Menu Opening an elevated command prompt using Power User menu is applicable to Windows 8 or Windows 10 only and not available on older versions.