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Software Updater always prompts end user for Windows UAC admin credentials when installing a software update
Last updated
Issue:
When Elements Endpoint Protection Software Updater feature starts installing an update on a Windows computer, a Windows User Access Control (UAC) prompt is shown and it asks the local end-user to enter admin credentials (username and password) to continue with the update installation. If the end user selects "No" when getting the UAC prompt, they will be asked to reboot or restart the computer.
Resolution:
This Windows User Account Control prompt issue is due to Microsoft introducing in a May 2026 update stricter access regulations for executables whose file description contains the words "update" or "updater". This causes the Windows User Account Control (UAC) to trigger when Elements Software Updater feature initiates installation of an update.
This issue will be fixed in the next Elements Agent version 26.3, which is due to be released at end of June 2026. The Elements Agent product changelogs will be updated when 26.3 has been released to production: https://community.withsecure.com/changelogs-en/kb/categories/178
Unfortunately there is no good workaround currently for this issue. Disabling the automatic installation task could help to minimize local users from receiving the UAC prompt when installation starts.
An automated task can be temporarily disabled from the Elements profile by following these steps:
- Log in to the Elements portal
- Navigate to the Security configurations > profiles page
- Select the profile that is in use on the devices
- Go to the Automated tasks settings page
- Disable the automatic installation task from the Active column
- Click Save profile