How to Assign a Different User Name to a Program Shortcut

Do you have different users on one computer? Perhaps a user sometimes needs to run a certain program with their user name, but does not want to log off from the current user for whatever reason. These steps will show you how to assign a different user name to a program shortcut. This will allow the alternate user to execute the program under their user name.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer using Microsoft Windows

1. Click “Start” and then click “My Computer.” Alternatively, double click “My Computer” from your desktop.

2. Double click the drive where Windows is installed on your computer. Most typically, this will be your C Drive.

3. Double click the “Program Files” folder.

4. Double click the folder of the program you want to assign the user name to. Right click the program’s executable file and click “Create Shortcut.”

5. Right click your new shortcut, and click “Properties.” The program’s “Properties” dialog box will open.

6. Click on the “Shortcut” tab. Click “Advanced” and then select the check box for “Run With Different Credentials.”

7. Click “Apply” and “OK.”

Tips & Warnings

• Executable files have the file extension .EXE.
• When for “Run With Different Credentials” is checked you can right click the program file and click “Run” and then specify which user name to use.