How to bypass UAC using Task Scheduler

I got used to working within the command line and this particular error saying “The requested operation requires elevation (Run as administrator)” appeared quite often. I had to close my session, rerun the console as an Administrator, and confirm the User Account Control (UAC) to proceed with the work. Quite frustrating if you ask me.

So instead of disabling the UAC, which I don’t recommend, I will show you how to bypass it by creating a simple task using the Task Scheduler. Since I’m using Cmder as my default command-line tool I’ll show you how to always run Cmder as an Administrator without the hassle. Keep in mind that the process I’m about to show you should work with any kind of program that requires elevation.

Step 1
Click on the start button, type Task Scheduler, and press enter.
You can also press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box and type in taskschd.msc.

Open Task Scheduler using the Run dialog.

Step 2
Select the Task Scheduler Library folder and on the Actions pane click on New Folder… action.

Step 3
Select the newly created folder and on the Actions pane click on Create Task… action.

Step 4
In the General tab of the Create Task window type in the name of the task. Remember the name as you’ll need it later. A description is optional but recommended. Under the security options check the Run with highest privileges checkbox.

General options for a task.

Step 5
Switch to the Actions tab and click on the New… button. Keep the action set to Start a program and browse for the program you want to run without the UAC. A new action should appear in the actions list after you click on the OK button.

Create a new action.

Step 6
After you’ve finished setting up your task click on the OK button and a new task should appear in your previously created folder with the status of Ready. You can now close the Task Scheduler.

Task properties collected by Task Scheduler.

Step 7
To run the task you’ll have to create a shortcut. Right-click anywhere in the File Explorer and select New > Shortcut. In the Create Shortcut window enter the following text. You should keep the quotes otherwise, the task won’t run. Keep in mind that the task folder and the task are separated with a backslash \.

C:\Windows\System32\schtasks.exe /run /tn "YourFolder\YourTask"

Creating a shortcut for the task.

Click on Next, give your shortcut a name, and press Finish.

Step 8 (optional)
Customize your shortcut with an icon or other settings by right-clicking on it and selecting the Shortcut tab in the Properties window.

Changing the shortcut’s icon.

That’s it. Whenever you want to run your program without the UAC bothering you simply double-click on the shortcut. Repeat this process for any additional programs you might have.

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