Get elevated command prompt to open in my user directory

I changed Command Prompt on my Taskbar so when I click on it, it opens as Administrator.
That sets the default directory as C:\WINDOWS\system32 which I don't like, since any files I create that do not have a path specified will be created there.

I want it to open in my user directory.

When I look at the properties I see Start in: %homedrive%%homepath% which converts to C:\Users\myaccountname yet when I launch the Command Prompt it still goes to C:\WINDOWS\system32.



Any ideas how to make this work?

Create a shortcut with:
C:\Windows\system32\cmd.exe /K cd %USERPROFILE%
and set to run as Admin
OR use the below for any folder

Copy and paste the following in a .reg file then merge to the registry. This will add to right click context menu
Right click ->Open Admin Command here will open the command default to the current folder where the mouse is pointing at. This is more flexible than just your user folder.

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell\runas]
@="Admin Command Here"
"NoWorkingDirectory"=""
"HasLUAShield"=""
"Position"="Top"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell\runas\command]
@="cmd.exe /s /k pushd "%V""

The last part seems to be wrong, extra double quote at end.

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell\runas\command]
@="cmd.exe /s /k pushd "%V""

I changed it to

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell\runas\command]
@="cmd.exe /s /k pushd "%V"

and it works, but opens to my Desktop directory. I'd like to backup one level to my user directory but this is useable, thanks.

I would still like to be able to modify the Command Prompt.

and it works, but opens to my Desktop directory. I'd like to backup one level to my user directory but this is useable, thanks.

I would still like to be able to modify the Command Prompt.

Right click context menu is more flexible. If your file explorer is currently pointing at your USER then it will open as C:\Users\Rich

I edited for the user above:
Create a shortcut with:
C:\Windows\system32\cmd.exe /K cd %USERPROFILE%
and set to run as Admin

Would this work for you? :)

Open Command Window Here as Administrator - Windows 7 Help Forums

topgundcp said:

Right click context menu is more flexible. If your file explorer is currently pointing at your USER then it will open as C:\Users\Rich

I edited for the user above:
Create a shortcut with:
C:\Windows\system32\cmd.exe /K cd %USERPROFILE%
and set to run as Admin

Perfect!!! Thanks (also thanks on eightforums :) )

Brink said:

Would this work for you? :)

Open Command Window Here as Administrator - Windows 7 Help Forums

I had one similar but it was not an Admin Command Prompt.. I like this one better.

Thanks Shawn.

You're welcome Rich. Glad it could help. :)