Windows recently set up is repeatedly requesting elevated access controls.
Windows recently set up is repeatedly requesting elevated access controls.
Hey everyone, I just received a brand-new SSD and performed a clean Windows 10 installation because a family member installed a really bad virus on my old drive. Now, whenever I try to open programs like Wiztree, CEMU, or any other with an unknown publisher, the UAC popup appears every time. This wasn’t the case during my last PC use two days ago, nor during the previous Windows 10 setup when running those same apps. I understand that disabling the prompt is an option, but since this whole situation started because of a nasty virus, I’m unsure about turning it off completely. Still, I’m willing but very cautious. So far, I haven’t adjusted any security settings after the fresh install. I don’t know why it worked differently on Friday compared to now. Any advice would be appreciated—thanks in advance!
Is this latest version still available? Did you reset the CMOS? Please note: If the malware possesses root kit features, it might have altered certain components beyond just the hard drive. The storage isn’t limited to the drive alone—there are additional lower-level elements involved. Such changes are challenging, though not impossible.
Add user account settings in the Windows search and launch it. Choose the desired security setting. Reboot the computer to apply the changes.
I haven’t made any changes after the latest update, and I didn’t reset the CMOS. The thought of a rootkit scares me—it feels like I’d have to replace the whole system. The attacker got remote control over my computer, which is how I found out it was there.
Rootkits need to reside in modifiable storage, allowing changes. Such threats are uncommon. Unupdated systems run outdated software.
I think the hard drive isn't the only spot with editable memory. The CMOS and BIOS also contain writable areas, located on the motherboard rather than the drive itself. It might depend on the software version in use. It could still be worth trying.
Roger that, it seems like upgrading might be the best option now. I was already annoyed by the poor input/output on my current device and have been searching for a reason to switch. I think a rootkit shouldn’t affect the other parts of my system, so it’s not a complete disaster. Thanks again! This has been the most frustrating malware encounter of my life. The person involved has now been blocked from my devices.
They chose to reduce the UAC prompt's sensitivity to "off," because no higher setting eliminates it. I experimented with this recently, but I thought cutting out a security layer entirely could be risky if I wasn’t confident about handling the malware.