microsoft / microsoft/PowerToys

Add setting to run 'File Locksmith' as Administrator by default

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Needs-Triage Product-File Locksmith
Dominant language
C
Stars
139k
Forks
8.6k
PR merge metrics
PR metrics pending

Description

### Description of the new feature / enhancement

File Locksmith runs with a lower privileged account permissions on activation but there are many processes that can't be scanned and a restart as Administrator is required so that a full process scan can be carried out. So I would like to have a Run as Administrator check box added to the File Locksmith settings in PowerToys so that it always runs as Administrator by default

### Scenario when this would be used?

Most of the times I've needed to use this is because the file locks have been caused by a system process so running as Administrator by default would speed up identification of the culprit

### Supporting information

_No response_

Contributor guide

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First steps

  1. Read the whole issue, then the project's contributing guide.
  2. Comment on the issue to say you are picking it up — it saves two people doing the same work.
  3. Fork the repository and make your change on a branch.
  4. Open a pull request that references the issue number.

Research direction

Start with the File Locksmith settings and activation entry points in PowerToys. Add a setting that controls whether File Locksmith runs as Administrator by default, and verify that enabling it permits full process scans without requiring a restart.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
c
Domain
desktop
Issue type
Feature
Difficulty
3/5
Estimated time
1-2 days
Activity status
Quiet
Clarity
Mostly clear
Newbie friendliness
55/100

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