Run Microsoft Edge as a Different User in Windows 10

Running Microsoft Edge as a different user in Windows 10 lets you open a separate browser window with another Windows account’s profile, which is handy for testing, separating work and personal browsing, or troubleshooting extensions. You’ll need a second Windows user account (local or Microsoft) and the Edge executable path. This guide walks you through the exact steps, plus what to do when it doesn’t work.

What You’ll Need

A Windows 10 PC with Microsoft Edge installed (Chromium-based version, which is the default since 2020).
A second Windows user account that you know the password for. It can be a local account or a Microsoft account.
Administrator rights on the current account to run the “Run as different user” command (though you can also use Shift+Right-Click if you have the credentials).

Step-by-Step

Find the Edge executable path. The default installation path is C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\msedge.exe. If you’re unsure, right-click the Edge shortcut on your desktop or Start menu, select “Open file location,” and note the full path.
Open the “Run as different user” dialog. There are two ways:
- Shift+Right-Click method: Hold the Shift key and right-click the Edge shortcut (or the msedge.exe file in File Explorer). In the context menu, choose “Run as different user.”
- Command line method: Press Win+R, type runas /user:COMPUTERNAME\Username "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\msedge.exe" and press Enter. Replace COMPUTERNAME and Username with the target account. You’ll be prompted for that account’s password.
Enter the credentials. In the dialog that appears, type the username and password for the second account. If you used the runas command, you’ll see a command prompt asking for the password. Note: the password is not shown as you type.
Wait for Edge to launch. The new Edge window will open, but it may take a few seconds longer than a normal launch. The title bar may not show the username, but the profile will be separate.
Verify the separate profile. In the new Edge window, click the profile icon (top right) and check that it shows the second user’s name or a different profile than your current one. Also, open edge://version to see the “Profile Path” – it should be under C:\Users\[SecondUser]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Edge\User Data.
Work in the new window. You can now browse, sign into websites, and use extensions independently from your main Edge window. Closing the window ends that session; your main window remains unaffected.

Common Mistakes

Using the wrong executable path. Edge might be installed in a different location if you chose a custom install or are on a 32-bit system. Double-check the path.
Typing the username incorrectly. For local accounts, use just the username (e.g., “TestUser”). For Microsoft accounts, use the email address. If you’re on a domain, use DOMAIN\Username.
Forgetting the Shift key. Right-clicking without Shift doesn’t show the “Run as different user” option. You must hold Shift.
Expecting a separate icon. The new window looks identical to a normal Edge window; only the profile inside is different.

Tips

Create a dedicated shortcut. To avoid typing the runas command every time, create a desktop shortcut with the target: runas /user:PCName\TestUser "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\msedge.exe". You’ll still need to enter the password each time, but it’s faster.
Use Edge profiles instead. If you just want separate browsing data without a different Windows user, Edge’s built-in profiles (Settings > Profiles > Add profile) are simpler and don’t require a second Windows account.
Check for group policy. In some corporate environments, “Run as different user” might be disabled. If the option is missing, contact your IT admin.
Keep the second account’s password handy. You’ll need it every time you launch this way.

Troubleshooting

“Run as different user” is grayed out or missing. This often happens if the shortcut is a Microsoft Store app shortcut. Go to the actual msedge.exe file in File Explorer and use Shift+Right-Click there. If it’s still missing, your Windows edition might not support it (e.g., Windows 10 Home sometimes restricts this). Try the runas command instead.
Edge opens but shows your main profile. This means the runas command didn’t actually switch users, or the second user has the same profile folder. Check the profile path in edge://version. If it shows your user, close Edge and retry, ensuring you enter the correct credentials.
Password prompt appears but won’t accept the password. Verify the username is correct. For Microsoft accounts, the password is the one you use to sign into the account online. If you have two-factor authentication enabled, you may need to use an app password (though this is rare for local Windows sign-in).
Edge crashes or won’t start. Try launching Edge normally first to ensure it works. Then, run as the second user. If it crashes, the second user’s profile might be corrupted. Log into that account directly (switch user) and launch Edge once to create a fresh profile.
runas command says “The user account is not authorized for this operation.” This happens when the second account is a standard user and the current account is an admin. Use an admin account for the runas command, or change the second account’s type to Administrator temporarily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run Edge as a different user without a password?

No, Windows requires a password for the target user account. If the account has no password, you can set one in Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, or use a different account.

Will the second user see my bookmarks and history?

No, the second user gets a completely separate profile. Your bookmarks, history, and cookies are not shared.

Can I run multiple Edge windows as different users at the same time?

Yes, you can launch Edge as user A, then launch another instance as user B. Both windows run simultaneously, each with its own profile.

Is this the same as using Edge’s “New InPrivate Window”?

No, InPrivate is a temporary session within your own profile. Running as a different user uses a different Windows account entirely, which can access files and settings that InPrivate cannot.

Why does Edge open but not show the second user’s profile?

This usually means the runas command failed silently. Check the profile path in edge://version. If it shows your user, close Edge and try again, ensuring the command is correct.

Can I use this method to run Edge as Administrator?

Yes, you can run as an administrator account, but be cautious: running browsers as admin increases security risks. Use a standard user for daily browsing.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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