How can I test an application as a normal user when I have admin privileges?

Question

As a developer, I need admin privileges on my workstation. I would like to temporarily assume normal user privileges to test my application and then resume as an administrator. Is this possible?

Answer 1

1. Use "Run as different user"
   • Create a separate standard user account on your workstation.
   • Hold Shift + Right-click on your application and select Run as different user.
   • Enter the credentials of the standard user to launch the application with reduced privileges.
2. Use a secondary standard user session
   • Press Win + R, type runas /user:StandardUser cmd, and press Enter.
   • Enter the password to open a Command Prompt with the standard user account.
   • Run your application from this window.
3. Use Group Policy or local security policy
   • If your company allows, you can use User Account Control (UAC) policies to require elevation only when needed while keeping your primary session as a standard user.
4. Use a virtual machine or sandbox
   • If feasible, run your application in a Hyper-V VM or Windows Sandbox to simulate a normal user environment without modifying your main account.

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hth

Marcin