Even if you log in with an administrator account, UAC makes you run most apps with standard user privileges until a system-level change is requested. The underlying mechanism hasn't changed drastically from Windows 10, but Windows 11 adds tighter integration with Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) and Smart App Control on supported hardware.
If you’re coming from Windows 10, you’ll feel right at home. The real reason to keep it on is the same as always: uac windows 11
| Level | Behavior | Security | Annoyance | |-------|----------|----------|------------| | (Top) | Notify before any change by apps or you. Secure desktop always. | Highest | High (even changing display settings prompts) | | Default (2nd from top – recommended ) | Notify only when apps try to make changes. You changing Windows settings doesn't prompt. | High | Low to medium | | Notify only when apps try to make changes (no dimming) | Same as default but without Secure Desktop. | Medium (vulnerable to UI spoofing) | Low | | Never notify (Bottom) | Disables UAC entirely. | None (apps can silently admin) | Zero | Even if you log in with an administrator
Leave UAC at the default level. If prompts bother you, raise the notification slider to the second position from bottom (no dimming), but never turn it off completely. The real reason to keep it on is