Note

This collection contains links to detailed information about User Account Control (UAC) for the IT professional. If you need help and how-to information for using UAC at home, see the following: What is User Account Control? (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=159927) What are User Account Control settings? (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=159926) When should I allow programs to make changes to my computer? (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=159928) Turn User Account Control on or off (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=159929)

UAC is a security component that allows an administrator to enter credentials during a non-administrator's user session to perform occasional administrative tasks. UAC also can also require administrators to specifically approve administrative actions or applications before they are allowed to run.

UAC was introduced in Windows Vista. In response to customer feedback, UAC in Windows 7 implements a number of improvements, including reduced number of consent or credential prompts. For more information about UAC changes in Windows 7, see What's New in User Account Control.

Note
Except where noted, the design of UAC is consistent between the server and client operating systems.

Product Evaluation

Getting Started

Planning and Architecture

Technical Reference

Troubleshooting