Configure UAC Behaviour for Admin Approval Mode via GPO

User Account Control (UAC) is a fundamental security feature in Windows environments. It helps mitigate the impact of malware by requiring approval for changes to the system, even when made by administrators. This article provides a comprehensive guide for system administrators on creating a Group Policy Object (GPO) to configure UAC to request approval for elevation, even for administrators, enhancing security in a Windows network environment.

Understanding UAC and Admin Approval Mode

UAC helps prevent unauthorized changes to the operating system by prompting for confirmation or administrative credentials. Admin Approval Mode extends this protection to accounts with administrative privileges, ensuring that all significant changes are explicitly authorized.

Prerequisites

• Administrative Access: You need administrative privileges in your Active Directory (AD) environment.
• Group Policy Management Console (GPMC): This tool must be installed and accessible.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Access Group Policy Management Console

Open GPMC by searching for “Group Policy Management” in the Start menu or by executing gpmc.msc.

Step 2: Create or Edit a Group Policy Object

• To create a new GPO, right-click on the desired domain or OU and select “Create a GPO in this domain, and Link it here…”.
• To modify an existing GPO, locate it under the appropriate domain or OU, right-click on it, and choose “Edit”.

Step 3: Navigate to UAC Settings

In the Group Policy Management Editor, go to: Computer Configuration → Policies → Windows Settings → Security Settings → Local Policies → Security Options.

Step 4: Configure UAC Policy

• Locate and open the policy “User Account Control: Behavior of the elevation prompt for administrators in Admin Approval Mode”.
• Set this policy to “Prompt for consent” or “Prompt for credentials” based on your organizational security policy.
  • Prompt for consent: This option will prompt administrators to approve elevation requests without entering a password.
  • Prompt for credentials: This requires administrators to enter their credentials to approve elevation requests.

Step 5: Apply and Enforce the GPO

• Click “OK” or “Apply” to enforce the new settings.
• Link the GPO to the relevant OU(s).
• The policy will be applied at the next Group Policy refresh cycle. To apply it immediately, use gpupdate /force on the client machines.

Advanced Configuration and Use Cases

1. High-Security Environments: In environments where security is paramount, such as in financial or government sectors, enforcing admin approval for UAC can significantly enhance security.
2. Compliance and Regulatory Standards: Certain regulatory frameworks may require stringent user account control settings. This configuration can help in meeting those compliance standards.
3. Different Policies for Different User Groups: You might need more stringent UAC settings for users with access to sensitive data, while others may have standard settings.

Security Considerations

• Balancing Security and Usability: Ensure that UAC settings do not hinder productivity. Overly aggressive UAC prompts can lead to ‘click fatigue’, causing users to approve prompts without proper scrutiny.
• Regular Policy Review: Continually evaluate the effectiveness of the UAC settings and make adjustments as needed to align with evolving security practices and organizational needs.
• User Training: Educate users about the importance of UAC prompts and encourage them to be vigilant when approving elevation requests.

Troubleshooting

• Policy Not Applying: If the GPO does not seem to be taking effect, use tools like Resultant Set of Policy (RSoP) or gpresult to diagnose and troubleshoot.
• Operational Issues: If the UAC settings lead to operational challenges, consider revising the policy or providing additional guidance and training to affected users.

Conclusion

Configuring UAC to require admin approval for elevation changes via Group Policy is an effective way to enhance security across a Windows network. By following the steps outlined in this guide, system administrators can ensure that all elevation requests, even those initiated by administrators, are properly scrutinized, thereby maintaining a secure and controlled IT environment.