CompTIA Tech+ (FC0-U71)Applications and SoftwareEasy

A technician is installing a new application on a Windows 10 workstation. During the installation, the user account control (UAC) prompt appears, asking for permission to proceed. What is the primary security function of UAC?

  1. ATo prompt users for elevated privileges before making system-level changes.
  2. BTo prevent unauthorized network access to the computer.
  3. CTo encrypt user data and protect it from malware.
  4. DTo ensure all applications are digitally signed by Microsoft.
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. To prompt users for elevated privileges before making system-level changes.

User Account Control (UAC) is a security feature in Windows that helps prevent unauthorized changes to the operating system. It prompts users for permission or an administrator password before allowing applications to make changes that require elevated privileges.

Why the other options are wrong

  • B. This describes the function of a firewall, not UAC.
  • C. This describes functions of encryption software or antivirus/anti-malware, not UAC.
  • D. While digital signatures are important, UAC's primary role is not to verify them, but to manage privilege elevation.

User Account Control (UAC)

A security feature in Windows operating systems that helps prevent unauthorized changes to the computer by prompting users for administrative approval before allowing actions that require elevated privileges.

  • Requires user consent for system-level changes.
  • Runs applications with standard user privileges by default.
  • Helps mitigate malware and accidental configuration errors.

Memory trick: UAC: User Asks Control.

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