You Must be an Administrator Running a Console Session

The SFC utility may not always run in your command prompt without first checking for any potential errors that you may have caused. Occasionally, even when using a straightforward command like “sfc /scannow,” there may be a number of errors.

The error message “You must be an administrator running a console session in order to use the SFC utility” is the common issue that the majority of users encounter when they attempt to use this command, and this is what we will be focusing on in this article.

What Results in This Error When the User is Asked to be the Administrator?

This error shows that you are attempting to access system files via command prompt, which requires administrator privileges or permission.

A command prompt will launch in normal mode if you simply double-click it or right-click it and choose open. But if you choose Run it as administrator from the context menu, the CMD will launch as an elevated command prompt.

You must open CMD in elevated mode whenever you need to make changes or run system files. Here is a solution on how to go about doing that.

Utilizing Administrator mode in Command Prompt

The elevated command prompt, or command prompt running with administrator permission, is always required to run the SFC Utility command. SFC Utility is one of the system commands, so running it as an administrator grants the CMD access to and use of your system files. Follow these steps to accomplish that.

1. You must be in CMD when you see this error, so close it.
2. Open CMD, the Start menu, or conduct a search using the search bar.

Please take note that it will be: Accessory > All Programs > Start

3. Right-click CMD.
4. Click on “Run as administrator.”
5. To confirm User Control, click “Yes.”
6. Press “sfc /scannow” to begin the scan.
7. The system check will begin.

Added benefit: Making Elevated CMD the Default

By performing the actions listed below, you can force CMD to always run as administrator whenever it is opened:

1. Open CMD, the Start menu, or type something in the search bar.

Please take note that it will be: Accessory > All Programs > Start

2. Click CMD in the context menu and choose “Open File Location.”
3. Next, select “Send to > Desktop” from the context menu of the “CMD” shortcut.
4. Next, select “Properties” from the shortcut’s “right-click” menu.
5. Select “Advanced” from the shortcut tab.

6 Select “Run as administrator” now.

7. Select “OK” to save the property settings.
8. This shortcut will now run as administrator whenever you open it.

Running Command Prompt as Administrator Causes a Problem

If this error still occurs when you run the command prompt as an administrator. You could try using NSudo, a third-party programme. You will essentially be granted TrustedInstaller permissions.

1. Download NSudo.
2. After downloading it, right-click it and choose to run as administrator.
3. Select the “Enable all privileges” option when the programme is launched.
4. Next, enter “cmd” in the run box and click “Run.”
5. Once Command Prompt has been launched, attempt to run the “sfc /scannow” command once more.
6. Verify to see if the problem is still present.