Summary

This article explains how to disable User Account Control (UAC) option in Windows Vista.

Warning!

User Account Control (UAC) feature was introduced to reduce the exposure and attack surface of the operating system by requiring that all users run in standard user mode. This limitation minimizes the ability for users to make changes that could destabilize their computers or inadvertently expose the network to viruses through undetected malware that has infected their computer. By disabling UAC, your system becomes vulnerable to attack. The steps provided below is for informative purposes only.

For more information about the User Account Control feature, visit the following page:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/windowsvista/security/uacppr.mspx

Disabling User Account Control (UAC)

Method 1

  • Click Start, type MSCONFIG and press Enter
  • Select the Tools tab
  • Scroll down the listing and select Disable UAC
  • Click the Launch button located at the bottom
  • The System Configuration utility (MSCONFIG) now launches the following command-line:
  • User Account Control is now disabled. After disabling UAC, the following Notification balloon appears:

Note: If you plan to run the above command line manually, you need to run it from an elevated Command Prompt. Otherwise you'll get an Access is Denied error message when modifying the registry value.

Opening an elevated Command Prompt window

To run a command at an elevated command prompt, follow these steps:

  • Click Start, click All Programs, click Accessories
  • Right-click the Command Prompt shortcut, and then click Run as Administrator
  • At the Command Prompt, type the command that you want to run, and then press ENTER.

Method 2

  • Click Start, type control userpasswords and press Enter
  • Click Turn User Account Control on or off
  • Uncheck Use User Account Control (UAC) to help protect your computer and click OK
  • Restart Windows for the changes to take effect.