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Xollom's avatar
Xollom
Iron Contributor
Oct 15, 2026

Win11 Run as different user option missing from the Start menu right-click context menu

When you right-click an app in the Start menu, the Run as different user option no longer appears.

The option is still available when you right-click an executable file directly in File Explorer, but it is not available in the Start menu. Even when using the workaround of pressing Shift + right-click, the option still does not appear in the Start menu.

1 Reply

  • Since Run as different user still works on the executable in Explorer, the missing Start command is not evidence that the underlying feature has stopped working. Microsoft provides a separate user policy controlling whether Start exposes that command for applications that support it. On a supported edition, check User Configuration, Administrative Templates, Start Menu and Taskbar, then enable Show "Run as different user" command on Start. On an organization-managed device, ask IT to check the effective policy rather than changing registry values locally; centralized configuration may determine the result. Microsoft documents that leaving this policy disabled or unconfigured hides the command in Start without preventing other launch methods. Test again with the same desktop application you successfully launched through Explorer. If the policy is enabled but Start still omits it, provide your Windows build, edition and application details. Continue using the working Explorer method meanwhile.