In a computer running Windows 10 multiple user accounts can be created. Each user can log into their own account where they will have their own folder, libraries and desktop.
Normally, users do not need to run applications as different users. The only exception is when an application requires administrator privileges. In this case, a user who wants to run an application as an administrator usually right-clicks on the application and selects "Run as administrator" from the context menu.
But it is not uncommon for an administrator in a company to want to see the behavior of an application when it runs with the rights of a simple user - employee of the company. But also a home user (eg a father) may want to run an application as another user (son or daughter) to see his behavior.
Of course you will think that it is not a big deal. All he has to do is log out and then login with the details of the user he wants. Lots of clicks, lots of hassle. The work can be done much more simply, with two only clicks, as long as you know the capabilities of Windows 10. The option is there, but since it is not needed often, it is not obvious. Let's see how.
The magic Shift key
Step 1: Find the EXE or one shortcut in the application you want to run.
Step 2: Hold down the Shift key and right click on the file.
The context menu will now have an additional option. "Run as a different user". Select it.
Step 3: From there on follow the known procedure. That is, enter it name user and the password for the user.
Make a special shortcut
If you liked the trick, there is another, alternative. Another way to run an application as a different user is to modify an application shortcut.
Step 1: Create a shortcut for the application.
Step 2: Right-click the shortcut and select Properties from the context menu.
Step 3: Go to the Shortcut tab.
Edit the destination field and enter the following. (modify it and give the username for the user you want to run the application).
runas / savecred / user: DOMAIN \ USERNAME "path to executable"
Missing "Run as a different user" option
Most shift applications have "Run as a different user" option in the context menu, but most do not mean all of them. There are exceptions.
Applications that do not have the "Run as a different user" option are applications that do not create a folder and save their preferences to the user folder under C: \ Users. Similarly, mobile applications probably can not be run as a separate user, as they have never been installed, however, it is worth checking if there is an option.
Conclusion
Running applications as a different user allows you to see how the application works, i.e. what kind of environment it loads and what the settings them for this user. If a user can't start an application, you can check how the application runs in your own user account, and load those settings for the other user. It's a pretty simple way to deal with problematic apps.
change username