UAC purpose

Restrict a malware or spyware from running in administrator mode.

ELEVATION

The process of getting approval prior to running an application (such as installing software) in administrator mode and prior to  running a system-wide utility (such as Computer Management) is called as elevation.

SECURE DESKTOP

Prior to elevation and display of the User Account Control prompt, by default, Windows 2008 switches to a secure and isolated desktop environment. Other programs and processes continue to run on the interactive user desktop. Only the UAC prompt runs on the secure desktop. A malicious program or user couldn’t gain access to the process being elevated.

 

For Administrator

 

Prompt Consent

Prompt for credential

Elevate without prompt

Administrator runs all applications and tools silently with full administrator privileges.

For standard user

·         Prompt for credential

·         Automatically deny elevation request

You cannot run the administrator application by RUN AS Administrator.

UAC – User Access Control--on

A standard User can run most applications. When a standard user wants to make system-wide changes, UAC notifies you for administrator privilege.

   Add a Microsoft Windows Function or Program

 Install program that is not part of Windows. This program has a valid digital signature.

 Install a program that is not part of Windows. It doesn't have a valid digital signature from its publisher.

The above prompt is governed by User Account Control: Behavior of the elevation prompt for standard users, which is under Computer Configuration\Policies\Windows Settings\Local Policies\Security Options\

 This program has been blocked by system administrator.

UAC notifies you when you run a program which requires administrator-level permission.

 

UAC –User Account Control --OFF

Standard User – XP Compatible Style

 

 

Turn off UAC by Group Policy

User Account Control: Behavior of the elevation prompt for standard users—automatically deny elevation request

User Account Control: Detect application installations and prompt for elevation –Disabled

User account Control: Run all administrators in Admin Approval Mode –Disabled