0
0
Microsoft is testing a built-in "sudo" command in Windows 11 to simplify running commands with administrative privileges in the terminal, bringing a well-known Linux and macOS capability to Windows.
What is "Sudo" and Why Does Windows 11 Need It?
For those unfamiliar, "sudo" stands for "superuser do" and allows users to execute commands with elevated permissions by prefixing the command with "sudo". This avoids having to launch an entire terminal or PowerShell window as administrator.
Sudo has long been a staple on Linux and macOS systems for tasks like:
- Installing or uninstalling software
- Editing system files
- Changing OS or hardware settings
- Running updates/patches
Adding native sudo support makes this same flexibility available to Windows 11 users and developers via the command line.
Where to Find Sudo in Windows 11
In current Windows 11 preview builds, sudo can be enabled through the Developer Settings panel under Privacy & Security:
There are also settings to control the behavior when running sudo commands:
- In a new window - Opens the command in a separate terminal window
- With input disabled - Blocks keyboard/mouse input while sudo command runs
- Inline - Allows the sudo command to run in the current terminal window
How Will Sudo Improve the Windows 11 Experience?
Integrating sudo into Windows 11 delivers a number of benefits both for average users and developers:
- Simplifies command line admin tasks - No longer need to relaunch terminals/PowerShell as admin
- Enables automation scenarios - Script elevated tasks without pops/prompts
- Brings Linux/macOS familiarity - Common syntax for developers to elevate commands
- Less reliance on UI - Admin tasks can be handled fully in the CLI
Overall native sudo support stands to make Windows 11 friendlier and more flexible environment for power users and devs working in the terminal.
When Can We Expect Sudo in Windows 11?
Currently sudo is only available in internal Windows 11 preview builds and isn't functional yet. Given this early state, it's unlikely sudo will ship with the Windows 11 2024 Update (codenamed Sun Valley 3) this fall.
However, Microsoft could introduce this capability in point releases afterwards, or target it for the 2025 Windows 11 release.
As sudo matures and nears public availability, we'll post further guides for getting started and using it for administrative command line tasks in Windows 11.
Summary
- Sudo is coming natively to Windows 11 to enable running privileged commands from the terminal
- It will provide Linux/macOS-like elevated capabilities without switching users or environments
- Internal builds have sudo in Developer Settings but it's non-working currently
- This opens automation and devops scenarios by scripting admin commands in Windows
Hopefully sudo helps streamline development and CLI-based IT workflows in future Windows 11 updates. We'll share updates as this long-requested capability progresses towards release.
FAQs
What is the sudo command used for?
Sudo allows running commands with admin/root privileges from the terminal without switching users or opening separate admin windows.
How do you use sudo on Windows 11?
When released, prefix any command with "sudo" to run it with elevated permissions e.g. sudo net stop wuauserv
What's the difference between sudo and Run As Administrator?
Sudo doesn't require launching an entirely separate command prompt or PowerShell prompt, and is built for automation/scripting elevated tasks.
Can you already get sudo on Windows 10 or 11?
Currently sudo is only available in internal Windows 11 preview builds and is not yet functional, so there is no public support.
Will Microsoft adopt sudo on Windows by default?
Given inclusion in internal builds, it seems Microsoft plans to ship native sudo support in upcoming Windows 11 releases.
