Windows 7 has way better options for managing UAC (User Account Control) so that you don’t get lots of popup messages all the time, but it still has some annoying characteristics that you may not want.
For example, ever do something on your computer and notice that your whole desktop dims? Basically, whenever a UAC message pops up, the entire screen is dimmed and kind of grayed out!
Personally, I can see that popup from a mile away and don’t need my entire desktop dimmed so I can just view this UAC message. The dimming is called secure desktop in Windows 7 and can be turned off.
What’s nice is that you can turn off secure desktop (the dimming) without having to change your UAC settings.
Method 1 – Registry Hack
The easiest way to turn off secure desktop is to simply change one registry value. Make sure to backup your registry before doing this.
Type in regedit in the search box on the Start Menu and click on regedit in the programs list.
Now browse to the following registry key below:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
Now double-click on PromptOnSecureDesktop in the right-hand pane and change the value from 1 to 0.
Method 2 – Group Policy
The second way to disable secure desktop is to type in secpol.msc in the search box and click on secpol in the programs list.
Now expand Local Policies, then Security Options. Scroll down until you see the option User Account Control: Switch to the secure desktop when prompting for elevation.
Now double-click it and choose Disabled. Then click OK and you’re done. Now when you get messages from UAC, your screen will no longer become dim or gray out. Enjoy!