How To (Really) Completely Disable UAC on Windows 7
One of the best feature changes in Windows 7 is the greatly improved User Account Control system, with a slider to easily control how much the security feature annoys you. But what if you want to really disable UAC entirely?
Update: After doing some more testing, I’ve realized that dragging the slider to the bottom will set the same registry key. So while setting the registry key will disable UAC, so will dragging the slider to the bottom. The trick is that you need to reboot afterwards!
Unfortunately, there’s no way to completely disable UAC from the user interface—sure, you can drag the slider all the way down to make sure you never see a notification, but UAC is still running behind the scenes, so you have to continue to “Run as Administrator” for any system tool you use.
Disable UAC with the GUI Interface
Head into Control Panel and type UAC into the search box, or do it from the start menu. Then drag the slider down to the bottom.
The other problem is that some software just doesn’t work properly with User Account Control enabled, especially ancient software that you should probably update anyway.
Big Fat Important Note:
Changing UAC security settings is not a good thing, and you shouldn’t do it. These settings are designed to keep you more secure, and prevent the horrible security problems that plagued Windows XP and previous versions.
Disable UAC With a Registry Hack
Since the only way to completely disable UAC in all versions of Windows 7 is a registry hack To disable UAC via the registry, you’ll need to head to the start menu search box and type in regedit.exe and browse down to the following key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
Over on the right-hand side, you should see a setting for EnableLUA, which you’ll want to customize as follows:
- UAC Enabled: 1
- UAC Disabled: 0
You’ll need to reboot for the setting to take effect, whether enabling or disabling.
Disable UAC the Easy Way with a Downloadable Registry Hack File
Just download, extract, and double-click on the included ReallyDisableUAC-Win7.reg file to disable UAC. You’ll need to reboot for the setting to actually take effect.
There’s also an included registry hack file to re-enable it as well.
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Uhm, are you absolutely sure about this?
I just tried to lower the slider to the bottom on a Windows 7 RTM x64, then I rebooted. Back to the desktop, I ran an unprivileged cmd: I had no problem at all running any administrative command (such as mklink).
Why? Because you can? For years Windows had been criticized for it’s (lack of) safety. Finally they get it right: run your computer as a normal user and get ask be asked for elevated rights when necessary. OK UAC is not perfect, but it has improved compared to the Vista-version. And in normal use you shouldn’t be bugged by it too often. Better safe then sorry in my opinion.
@Zane,
Looks like you are right – I didn’t reboot after doing it! Loss of geek points for me =(
Actually there’s another way that involves enabling the admin account and using it as your login but that completely defeats the purpose of the security and should only be used if you know what you’re doing.
Thanks The Geek for your update! Mistakes happen, it’s all about fixing em. You are doing an excellent job!
Is it friendly to say that this is an utterly stupid suggestion? UAC in 7 genuinely adds a modicum of security with a minimum of interference and you are telling everyday users to turn it off! Bizarre.
As Microsoft says:”Not recommended”. Can I add “unless you REALLY know what you are doing and what the consequences are.
I keep my UAC disabled by:
1. Run
2. [type] msconfig
3. [System Confi window opens] Tools Tab
4. [scroll to] Disable UAC
5. click: Launch
6. click: Okay
Done. You will have to live with the RED X warning on your toolbar, but the annoying features are gone.
Hope this helps!
@ Charles Kane … Turning UAC off is actually a very good idea if you know what you are doing, and know what programs are good or not for you’re computer. UAC was designed more for those that are average users that don’t know the more technical side to computers and fall for things like pop ups that have seizure lights telling that your computer is infected so you should hit the okay button to download “malware protection software” LoL..
If you are a gamer especially.. if you don’t turn of UAC… you might as well use your gaming PC as a door stop because you won’t get anywhere.. hehe.. but I’m glad they added this adjusting slider.. at least now you can choose if you still want a little protection instead of Windows Vista option where its either on or off.