Have you ever been using Windows and suddenly seen a screen like this, making you wonder, “What is this?” or “Is it okay to allow this?”
This unfamiliar message, “User Account Control,” is actually a very important feature that helps protect your computer! In this article, we’ll thoroughly explain “User Account Control (UAC)” in an easy-to-understand way for Windows beginners.
What Exactly is “User Account Control (UAC)”?
UAC (User Account Control) is like a “security guard” for your Windows computer, protecting it from “bad things.”
For example, when you try to install new software or make significant changes to your computer’s settings, UAC will ask you, “Are you sure you want to perform this operation?”
Why is this confirmation necessary?
It would be a big problem if malicious viruses or programs secretly changed your computer’s settings or deleted important files without your knowledge, right? UAC checks each operation to prevent such “unauthorized changes” and asks for your permission before proceeding.
What UAC Protects You From (Benefits)
With UAC, your computer is protected in the following ways:
- Protection from viruses and malware: It prevents suspicious programs from infiltrating your computer and causing harm without your permission.
- Prevention of accidental errors: It helps you avoid accidentally deleting important system files or changing settings due to a mistake, preventing system damage or data loss.
- Safe computing environment: You only use administrator privileges when necessary, allowing you to use your computer in a generally safe state.
What are UAC “Notification Levels”?
UAC allows you to set how often and when it displays “confirmation” messages. This is called the “notification level,” and there are usually four stages:
- Always notify (Most Secure!)
- A confirmation message will always appear every time a program tries to make changes or Windows settings are about to be altered.
- The screen dims, and other operations are temporarily paused, ensuring you don’t miss the message.
- This is the highest security setting.
- Notify only when programs try to make changes to my computer (Recommended!)
- A confirmation message appears only when a program attempts to make a significant change to your computer, such as installing new software.
- It will not notify you when you change Windows settings yourself.
- The screen dims, making it easy to notice the message.
- Most people use this setting. It offers a good balance between security and usability.
- Notify only when programs try to make changes to my computer (Do not dim my desktop)
- A confirmation message appears at the same times as in option 2, but the screen does not dim.
- You can continue other tasks while the message is displayed, which might feel a bit more convenient.
- However, you might be more likely to overlook the message, so a little caution is needed.
- Never notify (Dangerous!)
- No confirmation messages will appear, regardless of any changes.
- The UAC security guard is completely absent, significantly increasing the risk of viruses or other malicious software making unauthorized changes to your computer’s settings or deleting important files.
- Unless there’s a very specific reason, you should avoid using this setting.
How to Change UAC Settings
You can change UAC notification levels at any time:
- Click the Start Menu.
- Type “UAC” or “Change User Account Control settings” into the search bar.
- Click on “Change User Account Control settings” from the search results.
- In the window that appears, move the slider up or down to select your desired notification level.
- Click the “OK” button to save your settings.
- Depending on the changes, your computer may need to restart.
Conclusion: UAC is Your Computer’s Ally!
“User Account Control” is a very reliable feature that helps Windows keep your computer safe. It might surprise you when a message suddenly appears, but it’s just your computer asking, “Are you sure you want to do this?”
Generally, the recommended setting, “Notify only when programs try to make changes to my computer,” is perfectly fine. Even if you find the frequent messages bothersome, avoid setting it to “Never notify,” and consider the balance between security and usability when adjusting your settings.
Understand UAC and enjoy a safe and comfortable Windows experience!
