Logging in to a PC as a standard user is great for security, but not so convenient if you regularly have to run programs which need admin rights.

RunAsTool is a portable tool which makes it quick and easy to launch applications with the rights they need.

Launch the program, enter an administrator password, drag and drop any executables into a launcher area, and they’re displayed as icons.

At a minimum you could then run the program at any time, double-click an icon, and watch as the application is automatically launched in your chosen account.

Drag and drop an application and it’s displayed as an icon in the Launcher area

If you need to take more control then it’s possible to tweak an application’s target file, working directory, initial window state, and the rights to assign (administrator, default, limited user).

There’s also an optional “Limited Mode”, ideal for supporting standard users.

Turn Limited Mode on and standard users will be able to automatically launch anything you’ve configured as an administrator (or with some other rights), but they won’t be able to tweak that application’s settings, or add new applications themselves.

RunAsTool’s interface is basic. You can’t drag and drop application icons to rearrange them, for instance, which we quickly found annoying.

The program is also a compact, convenient and no-strings free way to run applications as another user, though, and if that sounds interesting then it’s worth a few minutes of your time. Go take a look.