Installers cannot elevate, have to run as admin

In Win8 Pro x64 (and now with 8.1) shortly after installing Windows I couldn't run any installer from a web browser or by just double-clicking the file. I have to right-click and "Run as administrator"

The error messages vary but they all are variations on a theme of unable to access something.

I usually have UAC off but the UAC setting doesn't matter. I am an administrator. I am using Start8 and ModernMix if it matters. I've Googled and found nothing that worked but I don't remember exactly what I've tried.

This is how it is designed in Windows 8/8.1, the UAC is never complete disabled.

The only account which does not desire a password is the built-in administrator.

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorial...rator-account-enable-disable-windows-8-a.html

Please find more information about the UAC here:

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/5509-user-account-control-uac-change-settings-windows-8-a.html

It is not recommended to run the built-in Administrator and will come with limitation for example; not being able to use store apps.

Cheers,
Harry

I know that UAC is never completely off in 8/8.1. But the system is not working as designed.

I have a VirtualBox Windows 8 VM with UAC "off". If I open IE in it, download an installer, and click "Run", the program runs and installs.

In my real system if I open IE, download an installer, and click "Run", I get an error message. I have to click "Save", go to Downloads, right-click and Run as administrator.

Just curious: A 3rd party anitvirus installed?

Upgraded from Win7?

No 3rd party AV, just Windows Defender. Clean install of 8, upgrade to 8.1.

Hi Jon,

Can you try creating a new user and login with the new user and try download something from Internet explorer.

elevated command prompt:
:winkey: + X
:winkey: + A

enter command:
NET USER username "password" /ADD

add your desired username and password

Cheers,
Harry