Is there still reason to use standard user account in Windows OS?

[E-one]

Hi all!

Suppose I'm the only user of the computer. Suppose I have User Account Control activated. Is there or are there still reasons to create and use standard user account for everyday work? As far as I understand, with User Account Control active I have the permissions of a standard user even if I'm logged on as an administrator. If I use administrator account for everyday work does User Account Control give me EXACTLY the same level of protection from viruses and malware and from making accidental system-wide changes as standard user account with active UAC? I don't imply that UAC protects me from viruses and malware. I use proper antivirus software for that.

In other words, do I get the same level of protection when I use administrator account with UAC enabled and when I use standard account with UAC enabled? Is it true that UAC turns an administrator account into what is know as a protected administrator account, basically, an administrator account that runs with standard user account privileges? Or does standard user account with UAC enabled gives me yet higher level of protection over administrator account with UAC enabled?

 

[Papahyooie]

Using an administrator account with UAC basically gives you a prompt to perform administrator actions. Using a regular user account won't let you make administrator actions at all (without an administrator password) so basically, no if you're the only one using the computer there is no point in using limited accounts.

 

[neatfeatguy]

+1

I've got my daughter's computer setup to use a standard account. She's not allowed to install or access system wide settings on the computer. I then run parental controls to limit her access on the internet and times she can be on the computer as well.

So, there are uses for standard user - specifically if you want to help restrict access from other people using your computer.

 

[newtekie1]

The only real difference is when a UAC prompt comes up in a standard user account instead of just having a yes or no button, it will ask for an administrator account username and password.

 

[micropage7]

if you run it by yourself, i guess its the same
but if the other run the pc and youre afraid they gonna mess the pc, better you create admin for yourself and user for anyone who use it

 

[TheMailMan78]

From a security perspective its honestly better to use the computer without Admin rights for everyday use. Even if you are the only one using it. This can cut down on drive by infections and such. HOWEVER if you are a savvy user it isn't normally an issue.

 

[FordGT90Concept]

From a security perspective its honestly better to use the computer without Admin rights for everyday use. Even if you are the only one using it. This can cut down on drive by infections and such. HOWEVER if you are a savvy user it isn't normally an issue.

This, using an admin account, malware is far more likely to get in especially if UAC notifications are completely off.

I find that it is nigh impossible to destroy a computer on the standard user account.

 

[Disparia]

Same deal here. UAC on, my account is admin, the rest are standard.

 

[xvi]

Every month or so, my grandfather tells me "I need you to tune up my 'pooter. I got some stupid outfit poppin' things up." where I go uninstall a hundred or so magic one-click-fix "Free Scan!" programs that try to scare you in to the $69.99 they want to fix all these spooky computer "problems".

I just recently changed his account to a User account and created my own admin account. I hadn't before because I didn't want him to feel like I was taking over his laptop, but after how many times I've had to clean up his machine, he can handle it.

 

[FordGT90Concept]

Exactly, standard user account is excellent for the computer illiterate and the extremely careful administrator.

 

[Nordic]

Every month or so, my grandfather tells me "I need you to tune up my 'pooter. I got some stupid outfit poppin' things up." where I go uninstall a hundred or so magic one-click-fix "Free Scan!" programs that try to scare you in to the $69.99 they want to fix all these spooky computer "problems".

I just recently changed his account to a User account and created my own admin account. I hadn't before because I didn't want him to feel like I was taking over his laptop, but after how many times I've had to clean up his machine, he can handle it.

I am having similar experiences with my uncles. Almost every year I have to reinstall windows on there for them. Maybe I should follow this advice.

 

[Mindweaver]

The standard user account was built to keep the IT Department sane.

 

[E-one]

Thanks to all for taking the trouble to share your opinion. I personally have always had two accounts on my computer – administrator for administrator actions and standard for everyday use. The reason I'm asking is that some legitimate modern programs still require administrative permissions to run them in standard user. I suspect that some legitimate modern programs are unable to install updates in standard user even with administrative permissions. And some programs have limited functionality in standard user account. Last but not least, it's an extra work to set up and administer two accounts for one user of the computer and it takes up more space (relevant for SSD). This is all quite annoying.

As I’m the only user of my computer my only concern is adequate virus protection. I'm well aware of all the everyday hazard associated with using the computer in this day and age. I know how to use and properly configure antivirus software and firewall. So what I’m trying to find an answer to is whether or not UAC turns an administrator account into what is known as a protected administrator account, basically, an administrator account that runs with standard user account privileges. And if not, how much of a benefit for me to use standard user account for everyday work considering that I frequently have to deal with some of my programs constantly requiring administrative permissions to run and some are unable to install updates even with elevated permissions [in standard account].

 

[eidairaman1]

UAc only puts prompts on the screen. Guest/standard acount have many settings disabled. Which those settings are adjusted by the admin.

Thanks to all for taking the trouble to share your opinion. I personally have always had two accounts on my computer – administrator for administrator actions and standard for everyday use. The reason I'm asking is that some legitimate modern programs still require administrative permissions to run them in standard user. I suspect that some legitimate modern programs are unable to install updates in standard user even with administrative permissions. And some programs have limited functionality in standard user account. Last but not least, it's an extra work to set up and administer two accounts for one user of the computer and it takes up more space (relevant for SSD). This is all quite annoying.

As I’m the only user of my computer my only concern is adequate virus protection. I'm well aware of all the everyday hazard associated with using the computer in this day and age. I know how to use and properly configure antivirus software and firewall. So what I’m trying to find an answer to is whether or not UAC turns an administrator account into what is known as a protected administrator account, basically, an administrator account that runs with standard user account privileges. And if not, how much of a benefit for me to use standard user account for everyday work considering that I frequently have to deal with some of my programs constantly requiring administrative permissions to run and some are unable to install updates even with elevated permissions [in standard account].

 

[Jetster]

With a standard user account you can make administrator install with a password prompt. This keeps programs from self installing. At lease with W 7 that's how it works as default.