Even when you are running as administrator, certain programs and scripts still trigger the UAC prompt. If you are a frequent user of a program and know it is safe, this becomes a nuisance. A previous tip showed how to create a shortcut to get around this problem but the procedure takes quite a few steps. Here is another approach that is provided by a small free utility. It will create the shortcut for you in a jiffy.
The program is called ElevatedShortcut for Windows 7 and Windows 8 and is from WinAero. It is portable and needs no installation. There are two executables provided, one for Windows 7 and one for Windows 8. I have used it in Windows 7 and 8, 64-bit, with no problem.
Click the executable file and you get the interface shown in the figure below. Ironically, opening the utility itself triggers the UAC prompt because of its nature. I haven't tried it but I suppose you could create a shortcut for itself to avoid UAC. In any event, using it to create a new shortcut or to modify an old one is very quick and easy.
- Click the button "New shortcut" shown in the figure above and you get the straightforward window shown in the figure shown next.
- An Explorer dialog can then be opened by clicking the button on the right of the "Target path" line. From there you select the program file that the shortcut is for.
- After the chosen program is entered in the "Target path" line, enter any command line arguments that are needed. Generally, you can ignore this but a script might need an entry.
- Click the button on the right of the line for "Folder to store shortcut". From the Explorer dialog that opens, select the location you want. I show the Desktop as an illustration in the figure below.
- Click “OK” and you’re done.
In similar fashion, you can elevate a previously existing shortcut with "Modify shortcut". You can also remove a previously elevated shortcut.
And there you have it – no more UAC.
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This tips section is maintained by Vic Laurie. Vic runs several websites with Windows how-to's, guides, and tutorials, including a site for learning about Windows and the Internet and another with Windows 7 tips.
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Comments
I tried creating a new shortcut and modifying an existing shortcut. Neither of them worked. I just get a flash of a black box, and then nothing.
I failed to mention the I tried this on Win 7.
I just tried making elevated shortcut(s) (new and modified)on my laptop (running Win 7) with the same results as I described on my desktop. A black box flashes by and then nothing.
No, an administrative account.
Windows 8 system. Tried this on the program Search Everything which I use all the time. I made the elevated icon per instructions but it doesn't work. Killed it and tried again. Same result. What am I missing? This is about as simple as it gets but for some reason I am stuck.
It does work just fine! I forgot that when Everything installs unless you opt out it will run at Startup. Uninstalled, reinstalled and now it works fine. I just did it for Auglogics too and will use it everytime I get UAC popping up. Good program. Bad me.
I have found UAC to be an absolutely worthless nuisance, and turning it off is the first thing I do with an install. Just use a good AV, don't go to p0rn etc. sites, and there'll never be a problem. Karma, I think that's called.
I'm with Vic on this. It is irresponsible to give average users the impression that they should just turn-off UAC. IMHO, it would be far better to point out that there are several options available in configuring UAC, and these should only be selected to match the experience of the user.
If a user falls into the habit of just "clicking through" the UAC prompt, then IMHO, they are likely to be the same type of user who don't "read the screen". Case in point is an experienced user knows that not reading the screen could cause them to install unwanted bundled components during a software download. IMHO, developing habits that contribute to letting your guard down is not a good thing.
Am I doing something wrong here?
I tried the link above for WINAERO and it took me to VisualBee, where, after bypassing a pile of software it wanted to add to my pc, it downloaded VisualBee for Miscrosoft PowerPoint, and something called a VisualBee V.1 toolbar!!
I used REVO UNINSTALLER to remove both, and the toolbar wouldn't go away when I opened my CHROME browser.
This is the 2nd instance where I downloaded software from a TECHSUPPORT email, and it loaded junk! I can't believe the gurus there are putting this stuff out for the community to use?
Or am I doing something WRONG?
I must have clicked on something else! Amazing..tried it again and all's well. I'm no rookie at this, but I must have been careless somewhere along the way on this one! Thanks...and sorry for misleading YOU!
now how do I pin this to the taskbar?
I meant the shortcut that I created, not the actual program