When using Windows 10, you might have noticed that some programs require administrator privileges to run properly. This feature can be useful for some applications, but it can also be a potential security risk if misused. If you want to disable the program run as administrator feature on Windows 10, this guide will provide you with an overview of the steps required to do so.
Before we dive into the process, let’s first discuss why someone might want to disable this feature. When a program runs as an administrator, it has access to sensitive parts of your system that regular user accounts do not. This means that any malicious software that gains access to the program could potentially cause significant damage to your system. Additionally, programs running with elevated privileges could modify system files, registry keys, and other important settings without your knowledge.
Furthermore, some programs might not require administrator privileges to function correctly. Running programs with elevated privileges unnecessarily can slow down your system, and increase the risk of security breaches. For example, running a media player or a web browser with elevated privileges is usually unnecessary.
So, with those potential downsides in mind, let’s move on to the steps required to disable program run as administrator on Windows 10
Why Disable Program Run as Administrator on Windows 10?
Running programs with administrator privileges is a common practice on Windows 10. However, this feature can be a security risk if not used correctly. In this section, we will discuss some of the potential downsides of having all programs run as administrator and explain why someone might want to disable this feature.
Firstly, running programs as administrator can be a potential security risk. This is because programs running with elevated privileges have access to sensitive parts of your system, such as system files and registry keys. This means that if a malicious program gains access to a program running as an administrator, it could cause significant damage to your system.
Secondly, running programs with administrator privileges unnecessarily can slow down your system. This is because programs running with elevated privileges use more system resources than those running without them. So, if you’re running many programs with administrator privileges, your system could become sluggish.
Thirdly, some programs might not require administrator privileges to function correctly. Running programs with elevated privileges unnecessarily can increase the risk of security breaches. For example, running a media player or a web browser with elevated privileges is usually unnecessary.
Steps to Disable Program Run as Administrator on Windows 10
Now that we’ve discussed why you might want to disable program run as administrator on Windows 10, let’s dive into the steps required to do so. The process is relatively straightforward and can be done through the properties window of the application.
Find the Application’s Icon
Locate the program you wish to disable program run as administrator for. Right-click on the application icon and select “Properties” from the context menu.
Open the Properties Window
Once you’ve opened the properties window, click on the “Compatibility” tab.
Disable the Run as Administrator Feature
In the compatibility tab, scroll down until you find the “Settings” section. Uncheck the box next to “Run this program as an administrator” and click “Apply” then “OK” to save the changes.
Verify Changes
To verify that the changes have taken effect, try running the application. It should now run without administrator privileges.
Step 1: Right-click on the application icon and select “Properties” from the context menu.
Step 2: Click on the “Compatibility” tab.
Step 3: Uncheck the box next to “Run this program as an administrator” and click “Apply” then “OK” to save the changes.
Step 4: Verify that the changes have taken effect by running the application.
By following these simple steps, you can disable the program run as administrator feature on Windows 10. It’s essential to remember that some programs may require administrator privileges to function correctly, so only disable this feature for applications that you’re confident do not require elevated privileges.
Alternatives to Disabling Program Run as Administrator on Windows 10
While disabling program run as administrator on Windows 10 can be an effective way to maintain the security of your system, there may be situations where you still need to run an application with elevated privileges. In this section, we will discuss some alternatives to disabling the program run as administrator feature on Windows 10.
Run as Administrator on a Case-by-Case Basis
Instead of disabling the program run as administrator feature for all applications, you can choose to run specific applications as an administrator on a case-by-case basis. To do this, right-click on the application icon and select “Run as administrator” from the context menu.
Use the User Account Control (UAC) Feature
User Account Control (UAC) is a security feature in Windows 10 that helps prevent unauthorized changes to your system. When UAC is enabled, you will receive a prompt asking for permission before any program can make changes to your system. You can configure the level of UAC protection in the Control Panel by selecting “System and Security” and then “Security and Maintenance”.
Use a Virtual Machine
If you’re concerned about the security of an application, you can run it in a virtual machine. A virtual machine is an isolated environment that allows you to run an operating system within another operating system. By running the application in a virtual machine, you can protect your system from any potential security threats.
Use a Standard User Account
If you’re not comfortable with running applications as an administrator or using a virtual machine, you can create a standard user account. Standard user accounts do not have administrator privileges, which means that any program running on the account will not have access to sensitive parts of your system.
How to Disable Program Run as Administrator on Windows 10
If you’re concerned about the security risks of running applications with administrator privileges on your Windows 10 system, you can disable the program run as administrator feature for specific applications. The process is straightforward and can be done through the properties window of the application. Follow the steps below to disable program run as administrator on Windows 10:
Find the Application’s Icon
Locate the program for which you want to disable program run as administrator. Right-click on the application icon and select “Properties” from the context menu.
Open the Properties Window
Once you’ve opened the properties window, click on the “Compatibility” tab.
Disable the Run as Administrator Feature
In the compatibility tab, scroll down until you find the “Settings” section. Uncheck the box next to “Run this program as an administrator” and click “Apply” then “OK” to save the changes.
Verify Changes
To verify that the changes have taken effect, try running the application. It should now run without administrator privileges.
Why Disable Program Run as Administrator on Windows 10?
Disabling program run as administrator on Windows 10 can help improve the security of your system. When an application is run with administrator privileges, it has the ability to make changes to the system that can be harmful or even malicious. Some malware programs also require administrator privileges to infect your system.
By disabling program run as administrator, you can prevent unauthorized changes to your system and reduce the risk of malware infections. This is especially important for systems that are used by multiple users, such as in a workplace or public computer lab.
Additionally, running applications with elevated privileges can also cause compatibility issues with some applications. Disabling program run as administrator can help resolve these issues and ensure that all applications run smoothly on your system.
While disabling program run as administrator can improve security and prevent compatibility issues, it’s important to remember that some applications may require elevated privileges to function correctly. Therefore, it’s recommended to only disable this feature for applications that you’re confident do not require administrator privileges.
In conclusion, disabling program run as administrator on Windows 10 is a simple and effective way to improve the security of your system and prevent compatibility issues. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily disable this feature for specific applications. However, it’s important to remember that some applications may require elevated privileges to function correctly, so only disable this feature for applications that you’re confident do not require administrator privileges.