Windows Server 2025 must disable the Windows Installer Always install with elevated privileges option.

Standard user accounts must not be granted elevated privileges. Enabling Windows Installer to elevate privileges when installing applications can allow malicious persons and applications to gain full control of a system.

If the following registry value does not exist or is not configured as specified, this is a finding:

Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Registry Path: \SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Installer\

Value Name: AlwaysInstallElevated

Type: REG_DWORD Value: 0x00000000 (0)

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Windows Installer >> Always install with elevated privileges to "Disabled".