How to Prevent Users From Installing Programs

A single PC in a household or office becomes several with the implementation of user accounts and fast-user switching in Windows. That expandability, though, can also introduce many threats in the form of unauthorized software installations and malware (virus, spyware and Trojan). Owners and system administrators might find it difficult to hover and monitor every user to prevent software installations while the PC is in use. Instead, if you have Windows, you can turn on a feature that will give you control over user accounts' ability to install programs.

• 1

  Click "Start." Type "UAC" in the search box at the bottom of the "Start" menu. Press "Enter" to open the "User Account Control Settings" window.

• 2

  Move the cursor to the slider on the left side of the page.

• 3

  Pull the slider up to the "Always Notify" setting.

• 4

  Click the "OK" button to prevent users from installing programs in Windows.