Quick Answer
The answer is the runas command with the /user:Administrator switch. This is the correct choice because runas is the native Windows command-line tool designed to execute programs with different credentials, specifically allowing you to elevate privileges from within a script without requiring manual UAC prompts. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this tests your understanding of privilege escalation and scripted deployment scenarios, where you must distinguish runas from other commands like net user (which manages accounts) or cd (which changes directories). A common trap is confusing runas with the Start-Process cmdlet in PowerShell, but for standard batch scripts, runas is the expected answer. Memory tip: think of "run as" another user—the command literally says "run as administrator" to get elevated rights.
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of windows command-line tools. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
You are deploying a new application to multiple Windows 10 workstations using a script. The application requires administrator privileges, and you need to run the command with elevated rights from within the script. Which command should precede your installation command?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
runas /user:Administrator
This command runs the subsequent program with administrator privileges, as required for the installation.
net user
Why wrong: net user manages user accounts but does not execute commands with elevated privileges.
cd
Why wrong: cd changes the current directory, unrelated to privilege elevation.
whoami
Why wrong: whoami displays the current user name but does not run commands as another user.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
runas /user:Administrator
The runas command allows you to run a program with different credentials, such as an administrator account, from the command line. It is the standard way to elevate privileges in a script. Other commands either manage user accounts or change directories.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
runas /user:Administrator
Why this is correct
This command runs the subsequent program with administrator privileges, as required for the installation.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
net user
Why it's wrong here
net user manages user accounts but does not execute commands with elevated privileges.
cd
Why it's wrong here
cd changes the current directory, unrelated to privilege elevation.
whoami
Why it's wrong here
whoami displays the current user name but does not run commands as another user.
Common exam traps
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
net user manages user accounts but does not execute commands with elevated privileges.
Detailed technical explanation
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 220-1202 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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FAQ
Windows Command-Line Tools — This question tests Windows Command-Line Tools — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: runas /user:Administrator — The runas command allows you to run a program with different credentials, such as an administrator account, from the command line. It is the standard way to elevate privileges in a script. Other commands either manage user accounts or change directories.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 220-1202 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 19, 2026
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