Microsoft Introduces Sudo Command to Windows 11: A Game-Changer for Users

In a move that has garnered excitement within the tech community, Microsoft has introduced the sudo command to Windows 11 as part of the recent 2024 Update. Traditionally, sudo is most recognized as a hallmark feature of Linux, allowing users to execute commands with elevated permissions—essentially the digital equivalent of giving someone the keys to the kingdom. Let’s dive into what this means for Windows users and how you can leverage this powerful tool on your own system.

What is Sudo and Its Importance​

For those unfamiliar, sudo stands for "superuser do." It enables regular users to run specific commands with the security privileges of a superuser or root user. In the past, Windows users had to go through a cumbersome process to run commands requiring administrative access, often needing to launch the Command Prompt or PowerShell as an administrator. This could become tiresome, especially for developers or tech enthusiasts who frequently need elevated command line capabilities.

The Evolution of Command Scripting in Windows​

Historically, Windows embraced different paradigms of user privilege management. Commands like runas were available, but they required explicit user context settings—leading to potential security oversights and user frustration. With the incorporation of sudo, Microsoft is aligning its operating system with the common practices found in Unix-based environments, allowing for a more intuitive and secure execution of elevated tasks without the need to launch new windows every time.

How to Set Up Sudo on Windows 11​

Getting started with sudo on your Windows 11 device involves a few straightforward steps. Although sudo is included in the Windows 11 version 24H2, it’s not activated by default, which means you’ll need to do a little preliminary configuration.

Enable Sudo via the Settings App​

• Open the Settings App: Navigate to the Settings in Windows 11.
• Go to System > For Developers: Scroll down to find the For Developers section.
• Enable Sudo: You’ll see an option toggled off by default—turn it on! This enables sudo across your system.
• Configuring Behavior: Click the arrow next to the toggle to configure how sudo behaves when running applications. You can choose one of three options:
• In a new window: Runs the command in a new elevated window where you can execute further commands.
• With input disabled: Opens a new window that’s not receptive to additional input.
• Inline (recommended): Executes the command in the same terminal window and displays output there.

Setting Up Sudo Using Command Line​

If you prefer the command line approach, simply follow these instructions while in an elevated Command Prompt or Windows Terminal:

 sudo config --enable

Replace with your desired setting:

• forceNewWindow to run in a new window
• disableInput for running without input
• normal for inline execution

How to Use Sudo in Action​

Once you have sudo set up, using it is just as simple as using it in Linux. Just prepend your command with sudo, like so:

 sudo netstat -ab

This command displays active connections and their associated applications—a vital tool for network troubleshooting or just out of pure curiosity regarding your system's activity.

Caveats and Considerations​

As with all tools, sudo does come with some limitations in its current iteration on Windows:

• Compatibility Issues: Not all commands will work perfectly with sudo. Some PowerShell commands may not recognize sudo, resulting in a "command not found" error. For instance, operations for installing or removing AppX packages might need to be executed differently.
• Security Enhancement: While sudo enhances usability by easing the access of elevated commands, using it carelessly could lead to security risks. It’s crucial to remember that commands run with sudo operate with elevated privileges, making it easier to inadvertently execute harmful commands.

Wrapping It Up​

The inclusion of sudo in Windows 11 is a significant enhancement, catering to both casual and advanced users by streamlining the way tasks requiring administrative privileges are executed. Microsoft’s foray into adopting a feature loved by Linux users showcases a thoughtful approach to user experience, aligning Windows closer to Unix-like operating systems while maintaining its unique identity.
As user demand continues to shape the development of Windows features, it's exciting to think about the continuous improvements we might see in the future, enhancing the command-line experience even further. So, whether you're a coding guru or a newbie looking to elevate your command line game, it's time to welcome sudo into your Windows arsenal!
What are your thoughts on the introduction of sudo? Are there specific tasks you’re excited to simplify? Jump into the comments and let's discuss!
Source: XDA You can use sudo in Windows 11, too — here's how