Windows 8 Run as Administrator by default?

keogh · 28 Jun 2013 at 11:01

Hi Guys,

If, for example, I want to edit my hosts file (C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\etc\hosts) I cannot by default as it tells me I don't have permission. So I have to run as administrator to make the changes.

It also doesn't allow me to copy certain files across the system cos of administrator privs etc.

I have UAC turned right off, but it obviosuly has some hidden admin rubbish going on. Is there anyway to completely turn off UAC so I can edit/move/delete any files I want without have to specifically says "Run as Administrator"?

I never had this issue on Windows 7, when UAC was off I could do anything, so this is a little annoying that MY PC is telling me what I can and can't do.

Any help appreciated!

VaderDSL · 28 Jun 2013 at 11:05

I understand the frustration, but surely the benefits (security) vastly outweigh the inconvenience.

Removing all forms of security like UAC etc. surely increase the risk from malicious software?

Although saying this, not sure if you've seen this thread?

http://www.eightforums.com/system-s...e-windows-8-understand-you-administrator.html

keogh · 28 Jun 2013 at 11:17

VaderDSL said:
I understand the frustration, but surely the benefits (security) vastly outweigh the inconvenience.

Removing all forms of security like UAC etc. surely increase the risk from malicious software?

Although saying this, not sure if you've seen this thread?

http://www.eightforums.com/system-s...e-windows-8-understand-you-administrator.html

Ahh that is what I wanted. I hear what you're saying, but I have never had an issue in the past (Windows 7) so I'm happy to take the risk.

cheers

theheyes · 28 Jun 2013 at 11:27

You can't turn it completely off in Windows 8. That's the difference you're noticing coming from 7.

Raumarik · 28 Jun 2013 at 11:57

It's a shame people see this as an inconvenience when it's one of the best things that Windows 7/8 brought to the PC.

KIA · 28 Jun 2013 at 14:32

Run favourite editor as admin > edit file > done.

keogh · 28 Jun 2013 at 15:04

KIA said:
Run favourite editor as admin > edit file > done.

How would I accomplish this via editing a file directly though? I know I could right click sublime text and run as admin, then find the file, but what if I go to the .txt file (for example) in windows explorer and open it from there?

There is no option there to edit as administrator is there? Don't want to navigate to the file from the app really.

DeathStorm · 28 Jun 2013 at 15:28

keogh said:
How would I accomplish this via editing a file directly though? I know I could right click sublime text and run as admin, then find the file, but what if I go to the .txt file (for example) in windows explorer and open it from there?

There is no option there to edit as administrator is there? Don't want to navigate to the file from the app really.

The same thing should happen under Windows 7 but regardless of that how often do you really need to edit this file?

Run notepad as an admin and open the file, copy the folder from the top of explorer if navigating a few folders within other applications is somehow a problem.

keogh · 28 Jun 2013 at 16:02

DeathStorm said:
The same thing should happen under Windows 7 but regardless of that how often do you really need to edit this file?

Run notepad as an admin and open the file, copy the folder from the top of explorer if navigating a few folders within other applications is somehow a problem.

Never happened in W7. The above was an example, the more annoying thing it when it tells me I can't copy a file/folder from one place to another.

I tried to copy a file from a network drive to a folder in Program Files and Windows was having none of it, just errored on me about permissions. So I had to copy to the desktop, then from the desktop to the correct folder, that would get tiresome!

The network drive was in my Trusted sites/local intranet sites as well.

Anyway, the policy change mentioned above is good enough for me!