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How to Enable or Disable User Account Control in Windows 11

Geeksdigit Team

June 29, 2026

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User Account Control (UAC) is an important security feature in Windows 11 that helps protect your computer from unauthorized changes. Whenever an app or program tries to make system-level modifications, UAC displays a confirmation prompt asking for your permission. This extra layer of protection prevents malicious software from silently installing itself or changing important system settings.

While UAC improves security, some users find the frequent prompts annoying, especially if they regularly install software or perform administrative tasks. Fortunately, Windows 11 allows you to customize or completely disable User Account Control if necessary. However, turning it off should only be done when you fully understand the security risks.

In this guide, you’ll learn several safe and effective methods to enable, disable, or adjust User Account Control in Windows 11.

What Is User Account Control (UAC)?

User Account Control is a built-in Windows security feature introduced to reduce the risk of unauthorized system changes.

Whenever an application attempts to install software, modify system files, edit the Windows Registry, or change important settings, Windows displays a UAC prompt requesting permission before allowing the action.

If you’re using an administrator account, you’ll simply need to click Yes. If you’re using a standard user account, you’ll need to enter administrator credentials.

UAC helps prevent malware from making changes without your knowledge and adds an important layer of protection to your PC.

Method 1: Enable or Disable UAC Using User Account Control Settings

This is the easiest and recommended method.

1. Press the Windows key.
2. Type Change User Account Control settings.
3. Click the matching result.

You’ll see a vertical slider with four security levels.

Always Notify

This is the highest security level.

Windows will notify you whenever:

• Apps try to install software.
• Programs attempt to make system changes.
• You modify Windows settings.

This provides maximum protection.

Notify Me Only When Apps Try to Make Changes (Default)

This is the default Windows 11 setting.

You’ll receive prompts when applications make changes, but not when you change Windows settings yourself.

Most users should keep this option enabled.

Notify Me Only When Apps Try to Make Changes (Without Dimming Desktop)

This option behaves similarly to the default level but does not use Secure Desktop mode.

The desktop remains active while the prompt appears.

Never Notify

Moving the slider to the bottom disables User Account Control completely.

To disable UAC:

1. Drag the slider to Never notify.
2. Click OK.
3. Accept the confirmation prompt.
4. Restart your computer if prompted.

To enable UAC again, simply move the slider back to one of the higher notification levels.

Method 2: Enable or Disable UAC Using Control Panel

You can also access the same settings through the Control Panel.

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Select User Accounts.
3. Click User Accounts again.
4. Select Change User Account Control settings.
5. Adjust the slider to your preferred security level.
6. Click OK.

This method opens the same UAC configuration window used in Method 1.

Method 3: Enable or Disable UAC Using Windows Registry

Advanced users can configure UAC through the Registry Editor.

Note: Incorrect registry changes can cause system problems. Back up the registry before making changes.

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type:

regedit

3. Press Enter.
4. Navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System

5. Double-click EnableLUA.

To disable UAC:

• Set the value to:

0

To enable UAC:

• Set the value to:

1

6. Click OK.
7. Restart your computer.

Windows applies the new setting after rebooting.

Method 4: Enable or Disable UAC Using Local Security Policy

Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions include the Local Security Policy tool.

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type:

secpol.msc

3. Press Enter.

Navigate to:

Local Policies
→ Security Options

Locate:

User Account Control: Run all administrators in Admin Approval Mode

Double-click the policy.

To enable UAC:

• Select Enabled.

To disable UAC:

• Select Disabled.

Click Apply and then OK.

Restart your computer.

This method gives administrators more control over UAC behavior.

Method 5: Enable or Disable UAC Using Group Policy Editor

Group Policy Editor is available in Windows 11 Pro and higher editions.

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type:

gpedit.msc

3. Press Enter.

Go to:

Computer Configuration
→ Windows Settings
→ Security Settings
→ Local Policies
→ Security Options

Find the following policy:

User Account Control: Run all administrators in Admin Approval Mode

Choose either:

• Enabled to turn UAC on.
• Disabled to turn UAC off.

Click Apply.

Restart Windows.

This method is commonly used in business environments.

Method 6: Enable or Disable UAC Using Command Prompt

Command Prompt allows administrators to modify the registry directly.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

To disable UAC:

reg ADD HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System /v EnableLUA /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

To enable UAC:

reg ADD HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System /v EnableLUA /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

Restart your PC after running either command.

This method is useful for scripting or remote administration.

Method 7: Enable or Disable UAC Using Windows PowerShell

PowerShell provides another command-line option.

Open PowerShell as Administrator.

To disable UAC:

Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System" -Name EnableLUA -Value 0

To enable UAC:

Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System" -Name EnableLUA -Value 1

Restart Windows after changing the setting.

PowerShell is especially helpful for system administrators managing multiple computers.

Method 8: Enable or Disable UAC Using Windows Terminal

Windows Terminal supports both Command Prompt and PowerShell.

1. Open Windows Terminal as Administrator.
2. Choose either PowerShell or Command Prompt.
3. Run the appropriate enable or disable command shown in the previous methods.
4. Restart your computer.

This is a convenient option for users who prefer the modern terminal interface.

Method 9: Create a Shortcut to UAC Settings

If you frequently change UAC settings, creating a shortcut can save time.

1. Right-click the desktop.
2. Select New > Shortcut.
3. Enter:

UserAccountControlSettings.exe

4. Click Next.
5. Name the shortcut.
6. Click Finish.

Double-clicking the shortcut opens the UAC settings window instantly.

Method 10: Restore the Recommended UAC Setting

If you’ve previously disabled User Account Control and want to restore Microsoft’s recommended configuration:

1. Open Change User Account Control settings.
2. Move the slider to:

Notify me only when apps try to make changes to my computer (Default)

3. Click OK.
4. Restart your PC if required.

This setting offers a good balance between convenience and security.

Should You Disable User Account Control?

For most users, the answer is No.

UAC is one of Windows’ most effective built-in security features. It prevents unwanted software from making silent changes to your computer and significantly reduces the risk of malware infections.

Disabling UAC may be convenient for advanced users performing frequent administrative tasks, but it also removes an important security barrier. If malicious software runs while UAC is disabled, it can make system-level changes without warning.

Unless you have a specific reason, it’s best to leave UAC enabled at its default level.

Benefits of Keeping UAC Enabled

Keeping User Account Control active provides several advantages. It helps block unauthorized software installations, protects critical Windows files and registry settings, and alerts you whenever an application attempts to make significant system changes. UAC also reduces the chances of malware gaining administrator-level access without your knowledge.

For businesses and shared computers, UAC is especially valuable because it helps prevent accidental or unauthorized configuration changes made by standard users.

Conclusion

User Account Control is a core security feature in Windows 11 that helps protect your system from unauthorized changes. While you can disable it through Settings, Control Panel, Registry Editor, Group Policy, Local Security Policy, Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Windows Terminal, doing so reduces your computer’s security.

For most home users, the default UAC setting provides the best balance between protection and convenience. If you temporarily disable UAC for troubleshooting or software compatibility, remember to re-enable it once you’re finished to keep your Windows 11 PC secure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to disable User Account Control?

Disabling UAC reduces Windows security because applications can make system changes without asking for permission. It’s generally recommended to keep it enabled.

Does disabling UAC improve performance?

No. Disabling UAC has little to no noticeable impact on system performance.

Why does Windows keep asking for administrator permission?

UAC prompts appear whenever an application attempts to make changes that require administrator privileges. This behavior is normal and helps protect your computer.

Do I need to restart after changing UAC settings?

Some UAC changes, especially when enabling or disabling the feature completely, require a restart before they take effect.