How to Show or Hide Administrator Accounts in Windows 11 UAC Prompt

What is UAC?

User Account Control (UAC) is a Windows security feature that prevents unwanted changes to a PC. When a user attempts an action requiring administrator permission, Windows displays a pop-up window asking for the administrator password. This prompt helps protect the computer's stability and security.

Why Use This Feature?

Hiding administrator accounts adds an extra security layer in Windows 11. This change requires users to know both the administrator username and password for access. Showing administrator accounts speeds up password entry when the correct account is already known.

Method 1Using Local Group Policy Editor (🪟 Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education)

Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education users can control whether administrator accounts appear on the User Account Control (UAC) prompt. This setting lets you decide if a list of admin accounts shows up or if you need to type the username manually when the UAC prompt appears.

1. Open the Local Group Policy Editor %%ADMIN%%
   Press Windows key + R to open the Run box. Type gpedit.msc and press Enter.
2. Navigate to the correct folder
   In the window that opens, go to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Credential User Interface
3. Click on the Credential User Interface folder
   You'll see it listed on the left side.
4. Find and open the setting
   On the right, find and double-click Enumerate administrator accounts on elevation.
5. Choose your option
   You'll see three choices:

   • Enabled: Shows all administrator accounts in the UAC prompt.
   • Disabled: Hides the admin accounts. You must type the admin username and password.
   • Not Configured: Same as Disabled. Admin accounts are hidden.
6. Save your changes
   Click OK to save.
7. Restart your computer
   Your PC needs to restart for the changes to work.

Method 2Using Registry Editor (All 🪟 Windows 11 Editions)

Windows 11 Home users and others can show or hide administrator accounts on the User Account Control (UAC) prompt by using the Registry Editor. This method involves making specific changes to the Windows Registry to achieve the desired outcome for the UAC prompt.

Editing the registry requires care, as mistakes can lead to system issues. Please follow each step precisely. If you're not comfortable with this, consider backing up your registry first.

1. Open the Registry Editor %%ADMIN%%
   Press Windows key + R. Type regedit and press Enter.
2. Navigate to the correct location
   Go to this path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\CredUI
3. Create the folder if needed
   If the CredUI folder doesn't exist, you need to create it. Right-click on Policies. Choose New > Key. Name it CredUI.
4. Create a new value
   Right-click on the right side of the CredUI folder. Choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
5. Name the new value
   Name it EnumerateAdministrators.
6. Set the value
   Double-click the new EnumerateAdministrators value. Set Base to Decimal. Then enter one of these numbers:

   • 0 to hide administrator accounts in the UAC prompt.
   • 1 to show administrator accounts in the UAC prompt.
7. Save and close
   Click OK and close the Registry Editor.
8. Restart your computer
   Your PC needs to restart to see the changes.

What Happens When You Change This Setting?

When you change this UAC setting, the prompt will either show a list of admin accounts or a blank field. Hiding accounts means you'll need to manually enter the full admin username and password whenever the UAC prompt appears.

Summary

You can manage if the Windows 11 User Account Control (UAC) prompt displays administrator accounts or asks for manual username entry. Use the Local Group Policy Editor for Windows 11 Pro and higher, or the Registry Editor for all editions, including Home, to make these changes.

• Use the Local Group Policy Editor for Windows 11 Pro and above.
• Use the Registry Editor for all Windows 11 editions, including Home.
• Always restart your PC after making these changes for them to work.

User Account Control (UAC) is a security feature in Windows 11 that helps prevent unauthorized changes to your computer. To understand UAC better or learn how to run applications with administrator rights, consult dedicated guides explaining these processes.

Change UAC Behavior for Standard Users in Windows 11

How to Run an App as Administrator in Windows 11

How to Open the Registry Editor in Windows 11

If you have questions or want to share tips, feel free to leave a comment below!