User Account Control (UAC) is designed to prevent unauthorized changes to Windows.
When an action requires administrator-level permissions, UAC prompts you to approve or deny the change. This helps protect your Windows device from malicious software and unauthorized modifications.
You can change the UAC behavior by opening the Control Panel > System and Security > Change User Account Control settings.
Move the slider to your desired level of notification and select OK to save your changes.
Expand the following sections to learn more about each UAC option:
Always notify
- Notify you when programs try to install software or make changes to your device
- Notify you when you make changes to Windows settings
- Freeze other tasks until you respond
Note
This option is recommended if you routinely install new software or visit unfamiliar websites.
Notify me only when apps try to make changes to my computer (default)
- Notify you when programs try to install software or make changes to your computer
- Not notify you when you make changes to Windows settings
- Freeze other tasks until you respond
Note
This option is recommended if you routinely install new software or visit unfamiliar websites, but you don't want to be notified when you make changes to Windows settings.
Notify me only when programs try to make changes to my computer (do not dim my desktop)
- Notify you when programs try to install software or make changes to your device
- Not notify you when you make changes to Windows settings
- Not freeze other tasks or wait for a response
Note
This option is only recommended if it takes a long time to dim the desktop on your computer. Otherwise, it's recommended to choose one of the options above.
Never notify (Disable UAC)
- Not notify you when programs try to install software or make changes to your device
- Not notify you when you make changes to Windows settings
- Not freeze other tasks or wait for a response
Caution
This option isn't recommended due to security concerns.