Windows Server 2025 must disable the Windows Installer Always install with elevated privileges option.
Severity | Group ID | Group Title | Version | Rule ID | Date | STIG Version |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| high | V-278121 | SRG-OS-000362-GPOS-00149 | WN25-CC-000430 | SV-278121r1181069_rule | 2026-02-20 | 1 |
Description
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.
ℹ️ Check
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)
✔️ Fix
Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Windows Installer >> Always install with elevated privileges to "Disabled".