How to Prevent the Annoying UAC Prompts from Popping up

When you encounter a prompt while trying to open or move some files or folders, it is most likely due to the User Account Control (UAC) restrictions. The UAC feature in Windows is designed to prevent unauthorized changes to the computer.

In Windows 11, certain system files and folders have UAC restrictions by default to protect the integrity of the operating system. These files and folders are typically located in system directories and require administrative privileges to modify.

While it is an important security measure, the frequent UAC prompts can be annoying, especially for experienced users who understand the risks. Fortunately, there are ways to manage and even prevent these prompts from popping up excessively. While we focus on Windows 11 here, these steps below should largely work the similar in Windows 10 and other versions, too.

Ⅰ Lower the UAC registration level

To reduce the UAC prompts from popping up, you can adjust the UAC settings. Keep in mind that lowering the UAC settings can make your computer more vulnerable to security threats, so only do this if you understand the risks.

Ⅱ Allow full control to a certain file/folder

Using an administrator account to fully control the file or folder that often needs to be modified. This can turn off UAC prompts of the certain file or folder.

Modifying files/folders with UAC restrictions can have serious consequences for Windows stability and functionality, so exercise caution when making these changes.

Step 1. Open the Properties

Find the target file/folder and make sure you have administrative privileges on your Windows account. Right-click on it and select Properties from the context menu.

Step 2. Select Security

In the Properties window, go to the Security tab.

Step 3. Fully control the file

• Click on the Edit button to change its permissions.

• In the Permissions for [the file/folder name] window that pops up, select your user account and tick the Full Control checkbox under the Allow column to grant yourself full control over the file/folder.

• Click Apply to save the changes, and then click OK to close the window.

Wrap up

In conclusion, while the UAC prompts can be annoying, they serve an important security purpose. It's crucial to find a balance that suits your needs without compromising the security of your system. Utilizing the methods outlined above can help prevent the annoying UAC prompts from continuously popping up, but always prioritize the security of your computer when making changes.