The messages or pop-up boxes that request permission to make changes on your computer are called User Account Control or UAC. This was introduced in Windows Vista as a way for people to stop malware from doing damage to their PC.

However, the problem is that when any program wants to change a file on the PC, whether the user ran it or it was run from another program, the message appears. This then irritates you, the user, because you want to run the program, and you knew it would make changes — so why ask you?

It is sort of like buying a car wash, and then the car wash asking before it starts “Do you want your car to get wet?”

Windows 7 has improved the UAC so it does not ask you as often, but it still is too much for many people.

To change how often you see UAC messages, go to Control Panel, then go to System and Security. Now, choose Change User Account Control Settings in Action Center. The slider in the left will probably be in the next to top position. Move it down one position. You can move to the bottom and get no messages, but you will never know when changes are occurring. I would suggest trying the next to bottom position, and if still not happy, moving it to the bottom position. Then click OK and close Control Panel.

Now you will receive fewer UAC pop-up boxes asking your permission to make changes on your computer with programs you run.

Thanks Lynn for the question.

Send your questions to Dwight Watt at dwight@dwightwatt.com. He teaches at a technical college in northwest Georgia and does consulting work for businesses and individuals. His website is dwightwatt.com.