AutoHotkey Hotkeys Not Working in Admin Windows

How to fix it

// try these in order, the most common fix is first

1. FIX 1Run the script with UI Access

   Copy steps
   1. 01Install AutoHotkey under C:\Program Files (use the installer, not a portable copy)
   2. 02Right-click the script and choose Run with UI access
   3. 03Or use `Run '*UIAccess "Your script.ahk"'`
   Did this fix it? Yes No

2. FIX 2Run the script as administrator

   Copy steps
   1. 01Right-click the .ahk file and choose Run as administrator
   2. 02Note that programs the script launches also run elevated
   3. 03Use Task Scheduler with highest privileges to avoid UAC prompts at startup
   Did this fix it? Yes No

3. FIX 3Check for conflicting tools

   Copy steps
   1. 01Close launchers or key tools that may grab keys
   2. 02Retest with only your script running
   Did this fix it? Yes No

Symptoms

Hotkeys, hotstrings and Send work everywhere except Task Manager, installers or apps run as administrator.

Why it happens

• C-01UAC/UIPI prevents non-elevated programs from hooking or automating elevated windows
• C-02Target app started with Run as administrator
• C-03Another launcher or tool blocking key events while elevated

// this guide also covers

• autohotkey not working admin
• autohotkey uac
• autohotkey ui access
• autohotkey task manager hotkey

Other AutoHotkey errors

• AutoHotkey v1 Script Not Working in v2
• AutoHotkey Error: This Line Does Not Contain a Recognized Action
• AutoHotkey Flagged as Virus by Antivirus
• AutoHotkey Anti-Cheat Errors and Bans in Games
• AutoHotkey Send and Click Not Working in Games
• AutoHotkey Modifier Key Stuck (Ctrl, Alt, Shift, Win)
• AutoHotkey Hotkeys Not Working on Non-English Keyboard Layouts
• AutoHotkey Script Slow or Laggy Under High CPU