Discord is a popular communication app for gamers, communities, and general users alike. By default, Discord does not require administrator privileges to run, but if you’ve mistakenly set it to always run as an administrator, it could cause potential issues such as compatibility problems or unnecessary security risks. This guide will show you how to stop running Discord as an administrator on Windows 11.
Why Disable Discord’s Administrator Mode?
Running Discord as an administrator allows the application to access system files and resources that may not be accessible under normal user permissions. While this can be necessary for certain apps, Discord doesn’t typically require admin rights to function properly. Here are a few reasons to disable this feature:
– Security: Running applications with administrator privileges can expose your system to vulnerabilities.
– Performance: Some users report that Discord runs more smoothly without administrative rights, especially when running it alongside other apps.
– Compatibility: Some games or software might conflict with Discord running as an administrator.
Step-by-Step Guide to Disable Discord from Running as Administrator
Method 1: Changing the Discord Shortcut Properties
1. Locate the Discord Shortcut
– Find the Discord shortcut on your desktop or in the Start Menu.
2. Open Properties
– Right-click on the Discord shortcut and select Properties.
3. Go to the Compatibility Tab
– In the Properties window, navigate to the Compatibility tab.
4. Uncheck “Run this program as an administrator”
– Under the Compatibility tab, you’ll see a checkbox that says “Run this program as an administrator.” Uncheck this box.
5. Apply Changes
– Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.
Now, Discord will no longer run with administrator privileges when you launch it from that shortcut.
Method 2: Using the Discord Settings Menu (For Admin Permissions)
In some cases, Discord may request admin privileges when you first install or launch it. If that’s the case, follow these steps to disable the request:
1. Close Discord
– First, ensure Discord is completely closed.
2. Open the Discord Application Folder
– Navigate to the folder where Discord is installed. This is typically found at:
– C:\Users\[Your User]\AppData\Local\Discord.
– If you cannot find Discord here, right-click on the Discord shortcut, and select Open file location.
3. Adjust Compatibility Settings
– Right-click on the Discord.exe file inside the application folder.
– Select Properties, then go to the Compatibility tab.
– Uncheck “Run this program as an administrator”.
– Click Apply, then OK to save the changes.
Method 3: Disable Discord Admin Permissions from Task Scheduler (Advanced)
If Discord keeps asking for admin privileges despite changing settings, it might be set up to launch with administrative rights via the Task Scheduler. Here’s how to remove it:
1. Open Task Scheduler
– Type Task Scheduler in the Windows search bar and click to open it.
2. Navigate to the Discord Task
– In the Task Scheduler window, navigate to Task Scheduler Library > Discord (if it exists).
3. Delete or Disable the Task
– If you see a task for Discord, right-click it and choose either Delete or Disable.
4. Close Task Scheduler
– Exit the Task Scheduler, and restart your computer.
Additional Tips
– Discord Updates: After modifying the shortcut properties or Task Scheduler, check for any Discord updates that might re-enable admin permissions automatically.
– System Administrator Role: If your computer is part of a larger network (e.g., a work or school device), you may need to contact your IT administrator to adjust the settings for Discord.
Running Discord with administrator privileges isn’t usually necessary for the app’s functionality and can lead to issues in performance and security. By following these steps, you can stop Discord from running as an administrator on Windows 11, ensuring better performance and minimizing any potential security risks. Whether you use the shortcut properties, adjust the app folder settings, or tweak the Task Scheduler, these methods should resolve the problem in just a few minutes.