Windows 11 includes runas specifically for this.

Windows 11 includes runas specifically for this.

If the second local account is named sarah, for example:

runas /user:.\sarah “C:\Path\To\Program.exe”

The .\ means an account on this local computer, rather than a Microsoft/domain account.

For example, to run Notepad as Sarah:

runas /user:.\sarah “notepad.exe”

Windows will prompt:

Enter the password for .\sarah:

Type Sarah’s Windows password. Nothing will appear while you type the password; that’s normal.

If the program needs command-line arguments

For example:

runas /user:.\sarah “"C:\Program Files\MyProgram\program.exe" --option”

From PowerShell

You can also use:

Start-Process “C:\Path\To\Program.exe” -Credential “.\sarah”

That gives you a graphical username/password credential prompt.

Useful shortcut

You can also Shift + right-click an .exe or shortcut and select Run as different user, then enter:

.\sarah

and that account’s password.