Enterprise Software

Taking a closer look at UAC prompts

By // September 16, 2009, 6:46 AM PST

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  • Did you know that UACs have color code schemes?

    As you know, Windows Vista has a built-in security feature called User Account Control (UAC for short) that is designed to reduce the potential for security breaches. UAC forces all users, even administrators, to request permission via the UAC prompt in order to perform tasks that require administrative privileges. Standard users must be able to provide an Administrator user name and password and Administrators must simply consent to the operation.

    While this is all pretty familiar territory to Vista users, that fact that there are actually four types of UAC prompts each with a different color scheme isn't. Sure we've all encountered UAC prompts, but most of us think of them in generic terms. Seriously, who among us has actually taken the time to look at the color scheme of a UAC? We usually just click a button as fast as we can to move past the prompt. However, like the Homeland Security color levels, each of the successive UAC color coding schemes is designed to convey a greater sense of warning.

    In this gallery, I'll take a closer look at each type of UAC prompt and point out the different color schemes.

  • Windows need your permission to continue

    The Windows need your permission to continue is probably the most commonly encountered UAC. This UAC is displayed when a Windows component that exists within the Windows system directory structure and is digitally signed by Microsoft needs administrative privileges to continue. As you can see, the UAC has a multicolored shield on a blue/green background and the component is clearly defined as being a part of the operating system.

    Images by Greg Shultz for TechRepublic

  • A program needs your permission to continue

    The next most commonly encountered UAC is A program needs your permission to continue. This UAC Is displayed when an executable that is digitally signed by a third-party developer needs administrative privileges to continue. As you can see, this UAC has a yellow shield with an exclamation point on a grey background and the icon, description, and publisher of the program is displayed in the dialog.

    Images by Greg Shultz for TechRepublic

  • An unidentified program wants access to your computer

    When an executable that that is unsigned is accessed, the An unidentified program wants access to your computer UAC is displayed. As you can see, this UAC has a yellow shield with an exclamation point on a yellow background and the executable is shown using a generic icon along with the publisher being listed as unidentified.

    Images by Greg Shultz for TechRepublic

  • This program has been blocked for your protection

    When you attempt to run an executable file that has been specifically blocked by an administrator, you’ll see the This program has been blocked for your protection UAC. In order to convey the seriousness of this warning, the UAC has a red shield with an X on a red background.

    Images by Greg Shultz for TechRepublic

Did you know that UACs have color code schemes?

As you know, Windows Vista has a built-in security feature called User Account Control (UAC for short) that is designed to reduce the potential for security breaches. UAC forces all users, even administrators, to request permission via the UAC prompt in order to perform tasks that require administrative privileges. Standard users must be able to provide an Administrator user name and password and Administrators must simply consent to the operation.

While this is all pretty familiar territory to Vista users, that fact that there are actually four types of UAC prompts each with a different color scheme isn't. Sure we've all encountered UAC prompts, but most of us think of them in generic terms. Seriously, who among us has actually taken the time to look at the color scheme of a UAC? We usually just click a button as fast as we can to move past the prompt. However, like the Homeland Security color levels, each of the successive UAC color coding schemes is designed to convey a greater sense of warning.

In this gallery, I'll take a closer look at each type of UAC prompt and point out the different color schemes.

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By Greg Shultz

Greg Shultz is a freelance Technical Writer. Previously, he has worked as Documentation Specialist in the software industry, a Technical Support Specialist in educational industry, and a Technical Journalist in the computer publishing industry.