Using default admin account vs standard user account

TheArchitect77 · 19 Oct 2011

I have always been running admin and even until now I run as admin. But, I have been doing a little bit of research and realize that using a standard account is a safer practice. I have never even used a standard account. Is using a standard account a better practice? Also, how does doing average task such as installing programs and updating work through the standard user account?

Windows i7 920 · 19 Oct 2011

Its safer to always run programs with lower privileges, and run as administrator when needed. Personally, I like my UAC set to the max. Basically, it stops programs from messing with your PC without permission.

TVeblen · 20 Oct 2011

If this is your computer and you are responsible for maintaining it then there is no good reason to set your user account to standard. You are the administrator, you need an administrator account.

At least one user needs to be an administrator. Otherwise you would need to reboot into safe mode and log into the special administrators account in order to do any common maintenance tasks. A royal PIA.

The standard account should be reserved for young children or less-than-trustworthy users of your computer, people you fear my make system changes "for fun", or who just can not help but click on that dancing monkey.

Even then it is far better to teach and train them. They will need to behave as administrators themselves one day.

seavixen32 · 20 Oct 2011

I have a Standard account and an Administrator account.

The Administrator account is used for major changes such as installing or deleting an application, while the Standard account is used for my day-to-day computer use.

Switching between both accounts is no big deal and there are times when you need full administrator privileges.

However, I can't disagree with TVeblen's comment if you are the only user.

TVeblen · 20 Oct 2011

That's a good way to do it Seavixen. No muss, no fuss, just go to Start and switch users.