Always install with elevated privileges

User Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Windows Installer

Description

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

This policy 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/Remove Programs in Control Panel. This policy 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 policy 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.

Caution

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

Important

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