Always install with elevated privileges

Directs Windows Installer to use system permissions when it installs any program on the system.

This setting extends elevated privileges to all programs. These privileges are usually reserved for programs that have been assigned to the user (offered on the desktop), assigned to the computer (installed automatically), or made available in Add or Remove Programs in Control Panel. This setting lets users install programs that require access to directories that the user might not have permission to view or change, including directories on highly restricted computers.

If you disable this setting or do not configure it, the system applies the current user's permissions when it installs programs that a system administrator does not distribute or offer.

Note: This setting appears both in the Computer Configuration and User Configuration folders. To make this setting effective, you must enable the setting in both folders.

Caution: Skilled users can take advantage of the permissions this setting grants to change their privileges and gain permanent access to restricted files and folders. Note that the User Configuration version of this setting is not guaranteed to be secure.

Supported on: At least Windows 2000

Registry HiveHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Registry PathSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Installer
Value NameAlwaysInstallElevated
Value TypeREG_DWORD
Enabled Value1
Disabled Value0

This setting must be set for the machine and the user to be enforced.


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Administrative Templates (Computers)

Administrative Templates (Users)