Fixing UAC elevation when remote controlling via Quick Assist or TeamViewer etc.
A problem when you remote control another user and try to elevate to Administrator, using for instance Quick Assist which is built into Windows 10 and 11, or using TeamViewer, the screen on the admin side will freeze. This is due to UAC Secure Desktop feature kicking in.
The solution is to turn this secure desktop feature off, lowering security a little but at hardly no risk.
Configuration via Intune (MDM)
Create a Settings catalog profile and select the Local Policies Security Options setting User Account Control Switch to the Secure Desktop When Prompting For Elevation and set it to Disabled.
Configuration via Group Policy (GPO)
In the GPO editor, go to Security Settings > Local Policies > Security Options > User Account Control: Switch to the secure desktop when prompting for elevation to Disabled
Turn off UAC in a domain using Group Policies
UAC off = IE protected mode off
UAC settings when remote controlling Windows clients to prevent screen freezing
About Author
Andreas Stenhall
I'm Andreas Stenhall and my work passion is the Windows client in combination with Microsoft 365 security and management services. I do consulting, I produce and teach my own courses, I lecture and I present and my formal work title is prinicipal workplace advisor and architect at Coligo in Stockholm, Sweden. I'm also proud to be an Microsoft MVP since 2009. I have presented at BUILD, TechEd in the US and Europe and regional TechDays. Follow me on twitter @AndreasStenhall.
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