Microsoft Introduces 'Sudo for Windows' – Simplify Elevated Commands Like Linux

Microsoft's introduction of 'Sudo for Windows' marks a significant evolution in the Windows operating system, bringing a familiar Unix-like command to Windows users. This feature allows users to execute commands with elevated privileges directly from an unelevated console session, streamlining administrative tasks and enhancing user experience.
Understanding 'Sudo for Windows'
Traditionally, Windows users have relied on the 'Run as administrator' option or the 'runas' command to execute programs with elevated privileges. While effective, these methods often require opening new console windows or navigating through multiple prompts, which can disrupt workflow. 'Sudo for Windows' simplifies this process by enabling users to prepend 'sudo' to their commands, thereby executing them with administrative rights within the same console session. This approach mirrors the functionality of the 'sudo' command in Unix-like systems, where users can run commands with the security privileges of another user, typically the superuser.
Enabling and Configuring 'Sudo for Windows'
To utilize 'Sudo for Windows,' users must first enable it:

• Navigate to Settings > System > For Developers.
• Toggle the 'Enable Sudo' option to 'On'.

Once enabled, 'Sudo for Windows' offers three configuration options to tailor its behavior:

• In a new window (forceNewWindow): This default setting runs the elevated command in a new console window, similar to the traditional 'runas' command.
• Input closed (disableInput): Executes the elevated process in the current window but disables additional input, enhancing security by preventing further commands from being sent to the elevated process.
• Inline (normal): Runs the elevated process within the current window, allowing continuous input. While convenient, this mode carries potential security risks, as unelevated processes can interact with the elevated process within the same console window.

Users can select their preferred configuration through the 'For Developers' menu or programmatically via the command line:
sudo config --enable <configuration_option>
Replace <configuration_option> with forceNewWindow, disableInput, or normal as desired.
Security Considerations
While 'Sudo for Windows' enhances convenience, it's crucial to be aware of its security implications:

• Elevated Privileges: Granting elevated privileges can be a double-edged sword. If misused, it could serve as a gateway for malicious entities to execute commands without proper authorization, potentially compromising system integrity.
• User Account Control (UAC) Prompts: The effectiveness of UAC prompts relies heavily on user vigilance. Users must be cautious and discerning when granting elevated privileges to prevent unauthorized actions.
• Open Source Exposure: Microsoft's intention to open-source 'Sudo for Windows' fosters community engagement and rapid development. However, it also exposes the code to potential scrutiny by attackers, necessitating stringent security practices.

To mitigate risks, it's advisable to use the default 'forceNewWindow' configuration unless there's a specific need for the other modes, and the associated risks are well understood.
Comparing 'Sudo for Windows' and 'Runas'
While both 'Sudo for Windows' and the existing 'runas' command allow users to execute programs with different privileges, there are notable differences:

• User Context: 'Runas' allows running programs as any user, including administrators, providing flexibility in user privilege management. In contrast, 'Sudo for Windows' currently focuses on elevating commands to administrator privileges.
• Console Interaction: 'Runas' typically opens a new console window for the elevated process, whereas 'Sudo for Windows' offers configurations to run elevated commands within the same console window, enhancing workflow continuity.
• Password Prompting: 'Runas' can prompt users for a password in the command line, allowing explicit authentication. 'Sudo for Windows' relies on UAC prompts for elevation, streamlining the process but potentially reducing explicit authentication steps.

Alternative Solutions: 'gsudo'
For users seeking additional functionality beyond what 'Sudo for Windows' offers, 'gsudo' by Gerardo Grignoli is a noteworthy alternative. 'Gsudo' provides features such as:

• Session Caching: Reduces the number of UAC prompts by caching credentials for a specified duration.
• Custom Integrity Levels: Allows running commands with custom integrity levels, including as System or TrustedInstaller.
• Flexible Installation: Supports installation via various package managers and is compatible with Windows 7 SP1 through Windows 11.

Users can install 'gsudo' using the Windows Package Manager:
winget install --id gerardog.gsudo
Conclusion
The introduction of 'Sudo for Windows' signifies Microsoft's commitment to enhancing the Windows user experience by integrating familiar Unix-like functionalities. By allowing users to execute elevated commands directly from an unelevated console session, it streamlines administrative tasks and aligns Windows more closely with other operating systems. However, users must remain vigilant about the security implications and configure the tool in a manner that balances convenience with system integrity. For those requiring more advanced features, alternatives like 'gsudo' offer expanded capabilities, ensuring that users have the tools they need to manage their systems effectively.

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Source: XDA I replaced Run as administrator with Sudo for Windows, and it's so much better