64-bitadministratornotepaduacwindows 7
I have .config files set to open in Notepad++. The files I edit are typically in protected locations (e.g. c:\windows\, c:\program files…, etc..) thus requiring administrator access.
I'd like to be able to double click on a .config file and have Notepad++ open with Administrator privileges. It's fine if the UAC prompt comes up.
Is there a way to do that?
While Molly's answer is close, if you set the "Run this program as an administrator" on the actual .exe itself (Usually at C:\Program Files\Notepad++ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Notepad++), it'll cause any double clicking on an associated filetype to request elevation.
Keep in mind that this may cause the default "Edit in Notepad++" menu item to break with an error of " Error creating process: nppcm.dll needs to be in the same directory as the notepad++ executable " (at least it did on my default install), but right-clicking on the file, pointing to "Open With" and selecting Notepad++ from there will work.
As Notepad is a Windows tool, you may not set "Run always as administrator", but there's a trick. Create a symbolic link and open the properties dialog. Under the link properties, select Advanced (bottom right button) and select "Run link as administrator". This should elevate the process.
I hope this is still the same on Windows 7 (I tested on Windows Vista).
Best Answer
The best way to is to go straight to the folder in which Notepad++ is installed (Program Files for 32 bit Windows and Program Files(x86) for 64 bit Windows), there, find the Notepad++ executable, right-click on it, and select Compatibility, and at the bottom check the box for Run as administrator.
This WILL make your application always pop up with a UAC warning, but you'll always have the ability to edit as administrator.
Good luck!
EDIT: Found this article which allows you to create the shortcut without launching the UAC prompt. It's technically for Windows 10, but should work the same way on Win7+.