FIX: Error 740, The requested operation requires elevation

Milan Stanojevic
by Milan Stanojevic

Deputy Editor


Computer errors are a common occurrence, and Windows 10 users have reported “CreateProcess Failed Code 740” error on Windows 10. So what is this error and how can we fix it on Windows 10?

How do I fix the requested operation requires elevation error?

Createprocess Failed Code 740 failed message can prevent you from running certain applications, and speaking of this error, here are some similar issues that users reported:

  • Unable to execute file createprocess failed code 740 – This message can appear if your antivirus interferes with your system. Simply disable your antivirus or reinstall it and the problem will be resolved.
  • Error 740 the requested operation requires elevation Windows 10 – This issue can occur if you don’t have the necessary privileges to run certain applications. To fix that, simply run the application as an administrator.
  • Createprocess failed code 740 Windows 10, 8, 7 – This problem can occur on any version of Windows, but you should be able to fix it using one of our solutions.
  • Setup unable to execute file createprocess failed code 740 – In some cases, the application you’re trying to run might not be compatible with Windows 10, but you can fix that using the Compatibility Mode.

Solution 1 – Check your antivirus

Setup unable to execute file createprocess failed code 740

Having a good antivirus is important if you want to protect your PC from online threats, however, your antivirus can sometimes interfere with your system and cause various errors to occur.

Sometimes your antivirus can interfere with your applications and cause Createprocess Failed Code 740 to appear.


You want to check if your firewall is blocking some apps? Follow the simple steps from this guide to find out.


To fix this issue, it’s advised that you open your antivirus settings and disable certain antivirus features. If that doesn’t help, you might have to disable your entire antivirus or in some cases even remove your antivirus completely.

For the Norton users, we’ve got a dedicated guide on how to completely remove it from your PC. There’s a similar guide for McAffe users, as well.

If you’re using any antivirus solution and you want to completely remove it from your PC, be sure to check out this amazing list with the best uninstaller software you can use right now.

If removing the antivirus solves the problem, you should consider switching to a different antivirus solution. If you want a reliable antivirus that won’ interfere with your system in any way, you should definitely consider using Bullguard.


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Solution 2 – Run the desired application as administrator

Users report that this error occurs when you don’t have enough privileges to run the certain application on Windows 10, and if you have this error on your computer, make sure that you’re using an administrator account on Windows 10.

In addition, you can always run the desired app as an administrator in order to resolve this issue. To do that, follow these simple steps:

  1. Find the app that is giving you “CreateProcess Failed Code 740” and right click it.
  2. Choose Run as administrator from the menu.
    Createprocess failed code 740 Windows 10

Nothing happens when you click on Run as administrator? Don’t worry, we’ve got the right fix for you.


Your application should now start without any problems. As you can see, this is a simple workaround, but the only downside is that you’ll have to repeat this process every time you want to run that specific app.

Of course, you can set to permanently run a specific application as administrator by following these instructions:

  1. Locate the application that is giving you “CreateProcess Failed Code 740” error and right click it.
  2. Choose Properties from the list.
  3. When Properties window opens, navigate to the Compatibility tab.
  4. Make sure that you check “Run this program as an administrator”.
    Setup unable to execute file createprocess failed code 740
  5. Click Apply and OK to save the changes.

After you’ve done that, the set application will always run with administrator privileges and “Createprocess Failed Code 740” error will be fixed.


Solution 3 – Turn off User Account Control

User Account Control is designed to inform you if you’re making any changes to your computer that might require administrator privileges. These changes include installing new software, or changing system settings.

Some users would say that disabling User Account Control comes with slight security risk because you won’t get notifications if you are installing new software or if you are making any system related changes. To disable User Account Control, do the following:

  1. Press Windows Key + S and enter user account control. Select Change User Account Control settings from the list.
    Error 740 the requested operation requires elevation Windows 10
  2. Move the slider all the way down and click the OK button.
    Error 740 the requested operation requires elevation Windows 10

Once you disable User Account Control, the issue should be resolved and you won’t see Createprocess Failed Code 740 error anymore.

Most users don’t know what to do when the Windows key stops working. Check out this guide and be a step ahead.


Want more info on how to manage User Account Control on Windows? Check out this in-depth guide.


Solution 4 – Run the application in Compatibility mode

Sometimes Createprocess Failed Code 740 error can appear if the application you’re trying to run isn’t fully compatible with Windows 10. However, you might be able to circumvent this issue by using the Compatibility mode feature.

In case you don’t know, Compatibility mode is a feature of Windows that allows you to run older software that isn’t usually fully compatible with Windows 10. To run the desired application in Compatibility mode, you just need to do the following:

  1. Locate the application that is giving you this error, right-click it and choose Properties from the menu.
    Setup unable to execute file createprocess failed code 740
  2. When the Properties window opens, go to the Compatibility tab. Now check Run this program in compatibility mode for and select the desired version of Windows. Click Apply and OK to save changes.
    Unable to execute file createprocess failed code 740

After making these changes, try to run the application again. If the problem still occurs, you might want to try using different compatibility settings.


Solution 5 – Create a new administrator account

According to users, Createprocess Failed Code 740 error can appear if you don’t have the administrative privileges while trying to run a certain application. However, you can fix that issue simply by creating a new administrative account.

This is quite simple to do, and you can do it by following these steps:

  1. Open the Settings app. You can do that by using Windows Key + I shortcut.
  2. When the Settings app starts, go to the Accounts section.
    Createprocess failed code 740 Windows 10
  3. Now go to Family & other people in the left pane. In the right pane, click Add someone else to this PC button.
    Setup unable to execute file createprocess failed code 740
  4. Choose I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
    Unable to execute file createprocess failed code 740
  5. Select Add a user without a Microsoft account.
  6. Enter the username for the new account and click Next.
    Unable to execute file createprocess failed code 740

If you’re having trouble opening the Setting app, take a look at this article to solve the issue.


Windows won’t let you add a new user account? Follow some easy steps and create or add how many accounts you want!


After doing this, you’ll create a new user account. Keep in mind that this new account doesn’t have administrative privileges yet, so you need to convert it to the administrator account. To do that, follow these steps:

  1. Go to Settings app > Accounts > Family & other people.
  2. Locate the account you just created, select it and choose Change account type.
  3. Set Account type to Administrator and click OK.
    Error 740 the requested operation requires elevation Windows 10

Now you have a new administrative account ready. Simply switch to this new account and try to run the application from there. If this method works, you might have to move all your personal files to the new account and start using it instead of your old account.


Learn everything there is to know about the administrator account and how you can enable/disable it right here!


If the previous method seems a bit tedious, you should know that you can easily create a new administrator account using Command Prompt. To do that, just follow these simple steps:

  1. Press Windows Key + X to open Win + X menu. Now choose Command Prompt (Admin) or Powershell (Admin) from the list.
    Unable to execute file createprocess failed code 740
  2. When Command Prompt opens, run the following commands:
  • net user /add WindowsReport
    Error 740 the requested operation requires elevation Windows 10
  • new localgroup administrators WindowsReport /add
    Createprocess failed code 740 Windows 8

Of course, be sure to replace WindowsReport with the desired account name that you want to use. After running these two commands, you’ll successfully create a new administrator account on your PC.

This method is designed for advanced users that have at least some experience with the command line.If you want, you can still use the first and longer method, but if you’re in a hurry, you might want to try the second method.


If you’re having trouble accessing Command Prompt as an admin, then you better take a closer look at this guide.


Solution 6 – Install the latest updates

If you keep getting Createprocess Failed Code 740 error on your PC, you might be able to fix it simply by installing the latest updates.

Microsoft is frequently releasing new updates for Windows, and if you keep having this issue, you might be able to fix it with a Windows update.

By default, Windows installs the missing updates automatically, but you can check for updates on your own by doing the following:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. When Settings app opens, navigate to Update & Security section.
    Createprocess failed code 740 Windows 7
  3. Now click Check for updates button.
    Unable to execute file createprocess failed code 740

Windows will now download the available updates and install them automatically in the background. Once the updates are installed, the issue should be permanently resolved.


Having trouble updating your Windows? Check out this guide that will help you solve them in no time.


“CreateProcess Failed Code 740” error affects a wide range of applications, and users have reported “CreateProcess Failed Code 740” while trying to launch games such as Sleeping Dogs or CrossFire.

As you can see, this error can affect almost any installed application on your computer, and we hope that our solutions will help you fix this problem.

As always, for more suggestions and questions, reach for the comments section below.

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in March 2016 and has been since completely revamped and updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.