Many times we will be working on server by doing a Remote Desktop Connection/Terminal Services Connection. Several times there is a need for opening multiple instances of the same application with a different UserID.

To open multiple instances of the same application we can use RUNAS Command.

Syntax:

C:\>runas /profile/user:Domain\UserID "Fully Qualified App/Executable Path"

Example:

Here is an example for opening SQL Server Management Studio.

• Type the following command on Command Prompt and Hit Enter.

C:\>runas /profile /user:Learning\Datta "D:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\100\Tools\Binn\VSShell\Common7\IDE\Ssms.exe"

• You will be prompted to enter the password for the account "Learning\Datta". Enter the password and Hit Enter.
• This opens up SQL Server Management Studio with the account "Learning\Datta".
  

Note: Please note that when you enter the password the letters or equivalent number of astericks will not be visible to you.

This example illustrates a simple usage of the RUNAS Command. RUNAS command offers options of specifying various other parameters which might be useful at times.