How to disable User Account Control in Windows

In Windows, UAC (User Account Control) provides extra security by preventing administrative rights to programs unless approved by the user. When entering locations that allow you to adjust system settings, you may receive a prompt similar to the following, with the option to continue or cancel.

User Account Control
Windows needs your permission to continue
If you understand this action, continue.

For example, you may get the prompt above when opening the Windows registry, Device Manager, an Administrative Tools feature or managing user accounts.

Select your version of Windows below and follow the instructions to disable UAC in Windows and prevent the UAC prompts from appearing.

Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11

Follow the steps below to disable UAC in Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, or Windows 11.

1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Click or double-click the User Accounts icon.
3. In the User Accounts window, click Change User Account Control settings.

4. Move the vertical toggle bar down to the Never notify position at the bottom in the User Account Control Settings window, then click OK.
   
   In the future, to enable UAC again, move the vertical toggle bar up to one of the three other positions, depending on your preference.
5. After following the steps above, reboot your computer for the UAC changes to take effect.

• Windows needs your permission to continue.
• A program needs your permission to continue.
• An unidentified program wants access to your computer.
• This program has been blocked.

Windows Vista

To disable UAC in Windows Vista, follow the steps below.

1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Click or double-click the User Accounts icon.
3. In the User Accounts window, click the Turn User Account Control on or off option.

4. In the User Account Control Settings window, uncheck the Use User Account Control (UAC) to help protect your computer option and click OK.
   
   In the future, to enable UAC again, check this option instead of unchecking it.
5. After following the steps above, click Restart now in the pop-up window to reboot your computer and allow the UAC changes to take effect.

• Windows needs your permission to continue.
• A program needs your permission to continue.
• An unidentified program wants access to your computer.
• This program has been blocked.