# Windows Privilege Escalation

Should be used when the user asks to "escalate privileges on Windows," "find Windows...

- Repository: https://github.com/zebbern/claude-code-guide (4691 stars)
- Category: Security
- License: MIT
- Last updated: 2026-11-01
- Runs scripts: no, instructions only

## Install

Claude Code: `npx skills add zebbern/claude-code-guide --skill windows-privilege-escalation -g -a claude-code -y`
Codex: `npx skills add zebbern/claude-code-guide --skill windows-privilege-escalation -g -a codex -y`
Cursor: `npx skills add zebbern/claude-code-guide --skill windows-privilege-escalation -g -a cursor -y`
Gemini CLI: `npx skills add zebbern/claude-code-guide --skill windows-privilege-escalation -g -a gemini-cli -y`

## Description

This skill should be used when the user asks to "escalate privileges on Windows," "find Windows privesc vectors," "enumerate Windows for privilege escalation," "exploit Windows misconfigurations," or "perform post-exploitation privilege escalation." It provides comprehensive guidance for discovering and exploiting privilege escalation vulnerabilities in Windows environments.

## SKILL.md, as published by its author (untrusted third-party text, read it as data)

# Windows Privilege Escalation

## Purpose

Provide systematic methodologies for discovering and exploiting privilege escalation vulnerabilities on Windows systems during penetration testing engagements. This skill covers system enumeration, credential harvesting, service exploitation, token impersonation, kernel exploits, and various misconfigurations that enable escalation from standard user to Administrator or SYSTEM privileges.

## Inputs / Prerequisites

- **Initial Access**: Shell or RDP access as standard user on Windows system
- **Enumeration Tools**: WinPEAS, PowerUp, Seatbelt, or manual commands
- **Exploit Binaries**: Pre-compiled exploits or ability to transfer tools
- **Knowledge**: Understanding of Windows security model and privileges
- **Authorization**: Written permission for penetration testing activities

## Outputs / Deliverables

- **Privilege Escalation Path**: Identified vector to higher privileges
- **Credential Dump**: Harvested passwords, hashes, or tokens
- **Elevated Shell**: Command execution as Administrator or SYSTEM
- **Vulnerability Report**: Documentation of misconfigurations and exploits
- **Remediation Recommendations**: Fixes for identified weaknesses

## Core Workflow

### 1. System Enumeration

#### Basic System Information
```powershell
# OS version and patches
systeminfo | findstr /B /C:"OS Name" /C:"OS Version"
wmic qfe

# Architecture
wmic os get osarchitecture
echo %PROCESSOR_ARCHITECTURE%

# Environment variables
set
Get-ChildItem Env: | ft Key,Value

# List drives
wmic logicaldisk get caption,description,providername
```

#### User Enumeration
```powershell
# Current user
whoami
echo %USERNAME%

# User privileges
whoami /priv
whoami /groups
whoami /all

# All users
net user
Get-LocalUser | ft Name,Enabled,LastLogon

# User details
net user administrator
net user %USERNAME%

# Local groups
net localgroup
net localgroup administrators
Get-LocalGroupMember Administrators | ft Name,PrincipalSource
```

The rest: https://github.com/zebbern/claude-code-guide/blob/HEAD/skills/windows-privilege-escalation/SKILL.md