User Account Control (UAC) in Windows

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What is User Account Control (UAC) in Microsoft Windows operating systems ?

This article applies to:

Platform(s): Windows 7, Vista

User Account Control (UAC) is a security component in Windows Vista and Windows 7 operating systems. UAC enables users to perform common tasks as non-administrators and as administrators without having to switch users, log off, or use Run As.

Installing and Running a Program with UAC Enabled

Since installing some applications on a system requires an administrator access token, a mechanism is in place within the operating system to automatically detect the launch of a setup installer. When an application setup is detected, UAC displays an consent prompt for the user to validate the installation process. Following installation, the application will not require the user to provide consent or credentials, unless it is an administrative application.

Consent Prompt

The consent prompt is presented when a user attempts to perform a task that requires a user administrative access.
'Windows needs your your permission to continue. If you started this action, continue'

Click Continue, to carry on with the task that user initiated.

Steps to turn off UAC

There are different ways to turn off UAC. One of the easiest way is to disable UAC via Control Panel
Note: Turning off UAC reduces the security of your system. We do not recommend leaving UAC disabled.

Click Start and then open Control Panel
In the Control Panel, click User Accounts and Family Safety
Click User Accounts
Click Turn User Account Control on or off

Clear the check box beside the Use User Account Control (UAC) to help protect your computer option to turn off UAC.

Click OK
When prompted, restart the computer. Note that the changes will affect all users on the computer.

Turn on UAC

To re-enable UAC, select the check box for Use User Account Control (UAC) to help protect your computer option, then click OK.