Windows Commands / IT Support Guides
Understand the current Windows identity with whoami
Permission errors can occur because a command runs under a different account or token than the user expects. Inspect the current identity before changing access rights.
Environment and inputs: Windows 11 · Command Prompt unless PowerShell is specified
Try the diagnostic command
Use the stated shell and platform. Replace sample domains, addresses, services and paths with values from the system you are authorized to support.
whoami
whoami /groups
whoami /privHow to read the result
The basic command identifies the current account. Group and privilege views describe the token of this terminal, including privileges that are present but disabled.
What to do next
Compare the token with the account and role expected for the task. If an administrative operation is authorized, use the organization's approved elevation method and repeat the identity check.
Before you make a change
Membership in an administrative group does not mean every terminal is elevated. Avoid granting broad group membership to fix a single access error.