How to Enable Administrator Protection on Windows 11

In the modern threat landscape, the greatest risk to a Windows PC often isn't a flaw in the operating system, but the misuse of its own powerful administrative privileges. Administrator Protection in Windows 11 is a fundamental platform security feature designed to counter this exact threat. This guide explains what Administrator Protection does and how to turn it on in Windows 11.

What Is Administrator Protection

Administrator protection is a platform security feature in Windows 11 designed to ensure users run with the least privilege needed, elevating to admin rights only when necessary and only with the user's explicit approval. This feature operates on the principle of least privilege, keeping users in a deprivileged state and granting just-in-time elevation rights only when needed.

Before any action that needs administrator privileges — such as installing software, modifying system settings, changing the registry, or accessing sensitive data — Administrator protection requires the user to verify their identity through Windows Hello integrated authentication.

How to Enable Administrator Protection

Enabling this feature is straightforward and can be done in three ways: through the Windows Security, the Local Group Policy Editor, or directly via the Registry Editor.

Method 1:  Using the Local Group Policy Editor

If you are using a version of Windows that includes the Group Policy Editor, you can enable it there.

Step 1. Open Group Policy Editor

Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.

Step 2. Navigate to the Correct Policy

In the editor, go to:

Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > Security Options

Step 3. Configure the Policy

1. Double-click User Account Control: Configure type of Admin Approval Mode.

2. Change the Local Security Setting to Admin Approval Mode with Administrator protection to enable the feature, then click Apply and OK.

Method 3: Using the Registry Editor

This method is ideal for users on Windows Home edition, which does not include the Group Policy Editor.

Warning: Modifying the Windows Registry can cause serious system problems if done incorrectly. It is highly recommended to back up your registry before proceeding.

Step 1. Open Registry Editor

Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

Step 2. Navigate to the Correct Key

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System

Step 3. Configure the Value

1. On the right side, locate TypeOfAdminApprovalMode.

• If it doesn’t exist, empty space on the right side and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value then name it TypeOfAdminApprovalMode.

2. Double-click TypeOfAdminApprovalMode and set Value data to 2.

Conclusion

Enabling Administrator Protection is a smart, proactive security measure for any Windows 11 user. While it may not impact the day-to-day experience of the average user, its value lies in its ability to close a critical security loophole for the most powerful account on the system.