Admin By Request (ABR) is a program that allows users to request elevated Administrator privileges to perform tasks on their machine without needing an actual local admin or domain admin account to do so.

Once the Admin By Request program is installed onto your machine, you will be able to request Admin access. To request Admin access, you have one of two options:

  • Single-Purpose Request (installing/uninstalling software; opening a program as an administrator)

  • 15-minute Admin Session (altering system files; performing multiple or more complicated admin tasks)

    (Note: Single-purpose is adequate for most admin functions. For all others, a 15 minute Admin Session is renewable if needed.) 


How to request single-purpose admin rights

First, identify what you need to accomplish that requires administrative access.

In this example, the admin function we’re modeling is a simple program installation (though this process works for any single purpose admin functions).

  1. Initiate the admin request by performing a task that requires administrative rights. In this instance, that means running a software installer, as seen in the following image.
    Screenshot of example executable file


  2. Upon initiating a feature that requires admin rights, you will get a pop-up window that looks like this:
    warning NOTE: If the ABR window doesn't appear, you may need to right-click the program and select "Run as Administrator."
    Screenshot of popup window to request administrator access. User is prompted to supply an email address and a reason for requesting administrative access


  3. In the ABR pop-up, enter your email address as well as a reason (at least two words) for the request. Click OK.


  4. Another dialogue box will appear, stating that the request has been sent. Click OK.
    Screenshot indicating the request for administrative access has been sent for approval


  5. Your request will be sent to the VCEA IT team for review. Upon review, the IT staff will either approve or deny your request. In the event of a denial, IT will reach out to you to explain, usually to seek clarification. However, most routine requests will be approved in a matter of moments after having put in the request.


  6. Once your request has been approved, a window will appear at the bottom-right of the screen.
    The approval window looks like this:
    Screenshot indicating request for administrative access has been approved. User is asked if they still want to run the executable. Valid responses are yes and no.


  7. Click yes, and then a code of conduct screen will appear:
    Screenshot of code of conduct disclaimer


  8. Click OK to begin your single-purpose admin request.  In our example, this means that the software installer will open, and we can continue through the installation process as desired.
    Screenshot of installer window

How to request and use a 15-minute Administrator session


15-minute Administrator sessions are under greater scrutiny than single-purpose requests.

Typically, sessions are granted for when you need to perform multiple administrative tasks in a short amount of time.

Please be transparent with what it is you are trying to do, and tell us each admin task you intend to perform.


  1. Open the system tray by clicking on the caret symbol (^) located near the date/time (usually on the bottom right side of the screen by default).
    Once open, click on the green checkmark icon pictured below:
    Screenshot of expanded system tray with a red circle highlighting a green check mark symbol


  2. From there, select the option to request administrator access, seen below:
    Screenshot of request admin session box with a red arrow pointing to Request administrator access text


  3. An ABR dialogue box will appear. Enter your email address as well as a reason (at least two words) for the session. Click OK.
    Note: when providing the reason for a session, be as clear as possible with what you are trying to achieve.
    Screenshot of User Account Control box prompting for an email address and a reason for the administrator session 


  4. Another dialogue box will appear, stating that the request has been sent. Click OK.
    Screenshot of dialog box acknowledging the administrator session has been requested


  5. From here, your request will be submitted to VCEA IT staff for review.
    Upon approval, you will be granted an admin session, you will be able to tell your access is granted by the following pop up screen:
    Screenshot indicating request for administrative access has been approved. User is asked if they still want to run the executable. Valid responses are yes and no.


  6. Prior to beginning your Administrator session, you will need to agree to a code of conduct:
    Screenshot of code of conduct disclaimer


  7. After clicking OK, you will see a 15-minute timer appear in the bottom right corner of your screen. Once this appears, you will have 15 minutes to perform your desired administrative tasks. If your time expires before you're able to finish your tasks, please request another session using the same steps as before.
    Screenshot showing a 15 minute countdown timer and finish button

  8. Note: Sometimes when requesting an admin session, you will be met by a dialogue box that will ask for a username and password. As long as you have an active admin session timer running, you will be able to use your own WSU username and password to authenticate the admin task. See example image below:
    Screenshot of dialog box prompting for credentials

  9. Once you have completed your administrative tasks, click Finish.
    Screenshot showing a 15 minute countdown timer and finish button


Assistance

If you encounter any difficulties or have questions about this article, get in touch with the VCEA IT Helpdesk using your preferred method