Is it possible to install a program without administrator privileges in the system? This question is often asked by users who are faced with restrictions in Windows. Even an experienced computer engineer can find it difficult to figure out how to install programs without administrator privileges in the system. However, solutions to this problem exist. The user is left to choose the most suitable option for himself.
Using Portable Versions
To begin with, you should consider the easiest way to circumvent the restrictions imposed by the administrator. Today there is a huge selection of portable versions of programs that do not require installation for their use. You can even find special selections of the popular Portable software.
Applications are copied to a USB flash drive or other medium, after which they can be launched on any computer with the rights of a regular user. They do not require installation. Users for whom computer literacy is not just an empty phrase know this opportunity. If someone needs to use a popular program, you just need to enter its name in the search engine with the Portable postscript. Google and Yandex will give out a large number of pages where it will be possible to download the corresponding portable version of the application.
Limitations on the use of portable software
And one more small nuance. It should be borne in mind that running the program in the Portable version can take several seconds more. Minor functional limitations are possible. Therefore, if possible, it is recommended to perform a full installation of the application, as provided in the standard scheme. If this option does not suit the user, a portable version of the program will be enough for him to solve everyday tasks.
The proposed solution is suitable for people who need popular software. If we are talking about some specific programs that are used by limited categories of users, then this option will not help. After all, a portable version of such an application will simply be impossible to find.
How to install programs without administrator rights: password reset and privilege escalation
The method involves the use of a special utility. The name of the program is Offline NT Password and Registry Editor. It allows you to work with Windows systems versions XP / 7 / 8/10, as well as Vista. The utility can be downloaded from a USB flash drive, CD or DVD. It can help all those who are looking for an answer to the question of how to install programs without administrator rights. It does not provide a graphical interface, but this fact does not need to be scared.
The application interface is simple and intuitive, although all menu items are made in English. Convenience is added by the fact that the required option is offered to the user by default. After the system administrator password is reset, the installation of programs on the disk will become available in the normal mode.
To use Offline NT PRE, you need to create a multiboot flash drive by downloading the utility image first. Detailed instructions on this subject are abundantly presented on the Internet. You should search by the key “creating a multi-boot flash drive”. Now it’s worthwhile to dwell on working with the application itself.
How to reset the administrator password on Windows and get privileges for installing programs
To reset the administrator password, proceed as follows.
- In the BIOS or UEFI (in the new motherboards) of the computer, the boot from the flash drive is installed (you can also select the desired device by calling the special menu with the F12 key).
- Next, the user needs to boot from the removable drive. Usually, you do not need to use any additional options.
- After the program is launched, the partition number in which Windows is installed is selected. Here you need to navigate by size. If at this stage the user indicates something wrong, nothing bad will happen. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated from scratch.
- Next, the program asks to set the path to the folder in which SAM files are recorded. The default option is: “ X: / Windows / System32 / config ” . This path is immediately offered by the program. If necessary, it can be changed.
- Select item # 1, marked as Password Reset.
- Then click on the “Edit user data and password” category. She also runs at number one.
- Next, the user name or identifier (RID) is entered. It contains the first column. RID is needed when the user name has an incorrect display, or you cannot set it (for example, if it consists of Cyrillic characters).
- Another step for those who are trying to figure out how to install programs without administrator rights in Windows is to select 1 (reset password) or 2 (change password) for the specified administrator. To leave the mode that allows you to edit the password, you need to enter an exclamation mark and click on the Enter button.
- The operation is completed by entering Q and confirming the changes. Now the password has been reset. You can boot Windows and check the result.
After the procedure is completed, it will be possible not only to install any applications, but also to change the installation path, work with system parameters. Any settings will be available.
Alternative Password Reset Methods
For Windows 7 and later, there are alternative ways to change the cherished combination. However, these methods are more time-consuming and not suitable for all users who are trying to figure out how to install programs without administrator rights.
They involve working with the Windows 7 installation disk (a less time-consuming operation) and making specific changes to the registry (a more complicated way). The methods are suitable for qualified users who are well versed in how the operating system works. It makes no sense to use them if you have a simple and functional utility Offline NT Password and Registry Editor, if only for educational purposes.
Pitfalls of circumventing administrative restrictions
If the above procedure is performed on an office computer, the user must understand the degree of responsibility for their actions. After all, computer literacy requires a responsible attitude to the restrictions set by the administrator. And the unauthorized change in system settings violates this concept. Sooner or later, the administrator will detect an unauthorized password change and may punish the offender. Therefore, it is recommended to use military cunning. The password must not only be reset, but a specific combination of characters must be specified. In this case, it will be possible to extinguish the incident with a link to the forgetfulness or mistake of the administrator.