Visual Studio 2012 Tips Part 3 – Run Visual Studio 2012 as Admin in Windows 8

Visual Studio Ultimate 2012 Start Page

If you are using Windows 8 and you need to run Visual Studio as Administrator, you could always Right Click on the shortcut, then right click on the Visual Studio icon and then select Run As Administrator. But do you really want to do this each and every time you need to run Visual Studio?

Run Visual Studio 2012 As Administrator

Well as always, some very clever folks out there came up with a solution (see reference below) that I am reproducing here. First of all, navigate to devenv.exe at the following file path:

[Program Files]Microsoft Visual Studio 11.0Common7IDE

This is the main executable for Visual Studio 2012.

Right click devenv troubleshoot compatibility

Right click the exe and select ‘Troubleshoot compatibility’ from the context menu.

Troubleshoot Program Compatibility

Next, select ‘Troubleshoot program’ from the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter.

The program requires additional permissions

Then, make sure you check ‘The program requires additional permissions’ check box. Click Next.

Test Compatibility settings forthe program

On the next screen, click on the ‘Test the program…’ button. This will launch Visual Studio.

Visual Studio Ultimate 2012 Starts as Administrator

After Visual Studio has started, you will see that you have started it with Administrator privileges.

Troubleshooting has completed is the problem fixed

Close Visual Studio and click Next. Then, click on “Yes, save these settings for this program’ option.

Resolving Issues Saving Settings Generating Report

The Program Compatibility Troubleshooter will then save your settings. After it has completed, close it. From now on, Visual Studio will always Run as Administrator. Remember, with Administrative access, a program has unlimited access, so use it wisely.

Reference: Abhijit Annaldas

Dirk Strauss

As a seasoned software developer with a long-standing career in C# and Visual Studio, I have had the privilege of working with a number of companies and learning from some of the most talented individuals in the industry. In addition to my professional experience, I have authored multiple books on topics such as C#, Visual Studio, and ASP.NET Core. My passion for programming is unwavering, and I am dedicated to staying current with the latest technology and sharing my expertise with others.