User Account Control (UAC), introduced with operating systems like Microsoft Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 is a security infrastructure that aims to enhance the security of Microsoft Windows by restricting application software to privileges of standard user until administrator authorizes elevation or increase. This helps prevent unauthorized modifications to your computer as well as keeps malware from compromising the OS. User Account Control is also present in Windows 7 as well as Windows Server 2008 R2 in a better and more relaxed version.
Windows User Account Control Settings
The default User Account Control Settings notify every time a program endeavors to make changes to your system, however, you can always change the way and frequency of its notifications. The User Account Control Settings offer 3 options:
- ALWAYS NOTIFY – This option is perhaps the safest setting option which allows you to be notified when programs make changes to the system or to windows settings which require administrator’s permission.
- NOTIFY ME ONLY WHEN PROGRAMS TRY TO MAKE CHANGES TO MY COMPUTER – This option does not allow you to be notified when there’s a change being made to the Windows setting which requires administrator’s permission. It, rather, notifies you only when a change is being made to the computer. This option is, indeed, safe to allow changes for Windows settings without sending you notifications.
- NEVER NOTIFY – It is suggested that you do not go in for this setting as this is the least secure settings option. If you choose this, you won’t be notified for any changes being made to your computer.
How to Turn User Account Control Off or On
It is recommended not to turn off User Account Control Windows 7 or any other OS. However, in case you turn it off, it is better to turn it on again at the earliest. Following the steps below can help you turn on or off the User Account Control.
- Click on the START button, select CONTROL PANEL.
- Click USER ACCOUNTS.
- Choose from an option or alternative- TURN USER ACCOUNT CONTROL ON OR OFF. If the computer prompts you for a password, make sure that you enter the correct password.
- In order to turn on the User Account Control for your computer, click on the check box where is says that you will USE USER ACCOUNT CONTROL FOR ASSISTANCE IN PROTECTING YOUR COMPUTER and then select OK.
This way you can turn on or off User Account Control in Windows7 or other OS mentioned above. In conclusion, this program aims to give you better and safer user experience. There are numerous notorious stuff out there online that can get into your system if you’re not really careful. With the help of User Account Control features, even computer novices can get safety for your computers.