Windows 8.1: Cannot Open File Explorer As Different User

[IRJ]

I am following the instructions on this article to accomplish opening file explorer as a different user (admin). It worked the first time I did it, but now I am getting.

Article Below
http://www.nextofwindows.com/windows-8-1-tip-how-to-open-file-explorer-as-different-user/

So, is it possible at all launching a new File Explorer instance that runs a different user credential in Windows 8.1?

Unfortunately, I don’t find a way that does as easy as in Windows 7 but what I do find out is that there is a workaround that at least lets me archive what I want. And here is how:

First of all, launch Command Prompt as different user. Here is how you can do it.

Pin Command Prompt onto Taskbar.
Hold down Shift key, and right click on the taskbar pinned Command Prompt icon.
Choose Run as different user.

And in the new opened Command Prompt window, which has the privilege from the a different user, run explorer.exe to open the File Explorer that runs as a different user.

That’s it. Hope this helps. Leave a comment below if you either find it useful or know another way that is even better.

[JaredBusch]

@IRJ The easiest way I know is to make a new desktop shortcut pointing to explorer.exe

Then shift + right click on the new shortcut.

[IRJ]

Same result

[IRJ]

I am running as a domain admin, and I added the specific account to the local admin group just to be sure.