For years, Linux and macOS users have enjoyed the convenience of the sudo command to run commands with administrative privileges. Now, the sudo experience has finally come to Windows in two popular forms: Microsoft’s official sudo, built into Windows 11, and the feature-rich, open-source gsudo.

But which one should you use? This guide will put them in a head-to-head showdown, comparing their features, security, and best use cases to help you choose the right tool for your workflow.

What are sudo and gsudo?

  • Microsoft sudo: The official implementation of sudo for Windows, introduced in Windows 11 (24H2 and newer). It is open-source and designed to be a simple, secure way to elevate commands.
  • gsudo: A popular, third-party sudo clone for Windows created by Gerardo Grignoli. It is known for its rich feature set, including credential caching and full support for I/O redirection, making it a favorite among power users and for automation.

Round 1: Availability and Installation

Microsoft sudo gsudo
Availability Windows 11 24H2+ only Any version of Windows 10 and 11
Installation Built-in (needs to be enabled) winget install gerardog.gsudo

Microsoft sudo: To enable the official sudo, you must be on a supported version of Windows 11. You can then enable it in Settings → System → For Developers → Enable sudo.

gsudo: gsudo can be installed on any modern version of Windows with a single command: 

winget install gerardog.gsudo

Winner: gsudo is the clear winner here due to its broad compatibility with all modern versions of Windows.

Round 2: Core Features and Usage

UAC Caching

  • Microsoft sudo: Does not support UAC caching. You will get a UAC prompt every time you run a sudo command.
  • gsudo: Supports credential caching. After the first UAC prompt, you can run subsequent gsudo commands without a prompt for a configurable period (default is 15 minutes).

Winner: gsudo, for its convenience and efficiency in interactive sessions.

Input/Output (I/O) Redirection

  • Microsoft sudo: In its default “inline” mode, it has known issues with input redirection (piping). For example, echo "y" | sudo some-command will fail.
  • gsudo: Fully supports I/O redirection, allowing you to pipe data to and from elevated commands seamlessly.

Winner: gsudo, for its superior support for standard shell operations.

Round 3: Security Model

Microsoft sudo gsudo
Default Mode Configurable (inline, new window, or disabled input) Fully interactive in the same window
UAC Bypass Never Never (but caching reduces prompts)
Attack Surface Smaller (built-in system binary) Slightly larger (external binary)

Microsoft’s sudo is arguably safer by default, especially when configured in its forceNewWindow mode, which isolates the elevated process in a new window. gsudo’s credential caching, while convenient, can be a security risk if not managed properly.

Winner: Microsoft sudo, for its more conservative and security-focused default settings.

Round 4: Scripting and Automation

  • Microsoft sudo: The requirement for a UAC prompt on every execution makes it unsuitable for non-interactive automation scripts (e.g., scheduled tasks, CI/CD pipelines).
  • gsudo: Is designed with automation in mind. It can accept credentials in various ways (though this should be done with extreme care) and can be used in non-interactive scripts, making it the go-to choice for automation.

Winner: gsudo, by a large margin.

When to Use Which? A Clear Guide

Scenario Recommended Tool Why
Everyday interactive use on Windows 11 24H2+ Microsoft sudo It’s built-in, official, and secure.
You are on Windows 10 or an older build of Windows 11 gsudo It’s your only option, and it’s a great one.
Heavy scripting and automation gsudo Its support for I/O redirection and non-interactive use is essential.
You need to cache admin credentials for a short time gsudo Its UAC caching is a major time-saver.
You prioritize the highest level of security by default Microsoft sudo Its lack of caching and forceNewWindow mode are safer.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

So, who wins the battle for sudo on Windows? The answer depends on your needs.

  • Microsoft sudo is the safe, simple, and official choice for users on the latest version of Windows 11 who need to occasionally elevate a command. It’s secure and does the job without any fuss.

  • gsudo is the powerful, feature-rich tool for power users, developers, and system administrators. Its compatibility with older Windows versions, UAC caching, and superior scripting capabilities make it an indispensable tool for serious automation work.

For most power users, the recommendation is to install both. Use the official sudo for quick, one-off commands, and turn to gsudo when you need the power and flexibility for your scripts and automation workflows.