Enable "Allow this app to make changes to your PC" prompt in remote desktop sessions

Question

I have a remote desktop session open. Both systems are Windows 10 Pro. I just installed a program on the remote system that didn't add itself to the path, so I need to add it manually.

However, the edit button is greyed out:

I have noticed that when I open the environment variables applet over the remote session, I never get the prompt to allow the app to make changes to my system, which could explain why I'm not allowed to make changes. I do get this prompt when I'm logged into a local session, and I'm able to edit the path.

How can I enable the admin privileges prompt for remote sessions?

Answer 1

The problem was due to how I was trying to access the path editing app. If you type "path" into the Windows search bar, the first result is "Edit environment variables for your account", and the "Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your PC?" prompt never appears, because you're just editing user settings. You're not allowed to make system-wide changes here.

On the other hand, if you type "environment variables" in the Windows search, the first result is "Edit system environment variables" and the "Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your PC?" prompt correctly appears. Clicking "Yes" allows the system path to be modified.

This behavior is consistent regardless of whether it's a remote or local session. I didn't realize I was typing different search terms.