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Encountering the error message the requested operation requires elevation on your computer can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to perform a task that seems straightforward. This error typically indicates that the action you’re attempting to execute requires elevated privileges or administrative access your current user account doesn’t possess.
This article discusses what causes the requested operation to require elevation error and five methods to help you fix the issue.
Below we have discussed:
Also read: Why can’t Windows 11 install programs?
What causes this error?
Here are various reasons that might be causing the requested operation require elevation error on your PC:
- Lack administrative privileges
- Wrong UAC settings
- Windows Defender or Antivirus are interfering with the application.
- Outdated device drivers.
How to fix the issue?
Here are five methods that might help you fix the issue:
Run applications as an Administrator
The application might show the requested operation requires an elevation error because it doesn’t have the required permissions. To give it the proper permissions to run the tasks, right-click on the application and then click on the Run as an administrator option in the dropdown menu.
Also read: How to fix PCI XL error?
Disable UAC
The error message might pop up due to the User Account Control (UAC) settings. You can check if UAC is causing the issue by turning it off. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: In the Windows search, type UAC and click on the first search result.
Step 2: In the UAC settings, drag the slider to Never Notify and then click the OK button to disable the UAC.
Disable Windows Defender and Antivirus
At times, your antivirus software or Windows Defender might cause issues with administrative tasks, leading to errors like the requested operation requires elevation. If you suspect this is the problem, it’s a good idea to temporarily turn off your antivirus and Windows Defender and then try the action again.
Check out our article to learn how to disable Windows Defender
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Run Windows troubleshooter
The Windows Troubleshooter is a tool that comes with Windows and is meant to assist in identifying and fixing different system problems. It can automatically address common issues. Here are the steps to run it:
Step 1: Press the Windows + I key to open Settings and click the Update & Security option.
Step 2: In the sidebar, click on the Troubleshoot option and then on the right side, click on Additional Troubleshooter.
Step 3: Click on the troubleshooter you need and then click on the Run the troubleshooter button.
Update device drivers
When your drivers are outdated, they can lead to various problems, including the one you are facing, where it says the requested operation requires elevation. Updating your drivers can stabilise your system and ensure everything runs smoothly. Here are the steps to update drivers:
Step 1: Press the Windows+X and tap on the Device Manager option in the dropdown menu.
Step 2: Find and then expand the device category in which you want to update the drivers, and right-click on the driver.
Step 3:Â Click on the Update driver option in the pop-up menu.
Step 4: In the new window, click on the Search automatically for drivers option.
Also read: Why are the USB ports not working on Windows 11? Quick Fix
