Windows Server 2025 User Account Control (UAC) approval mode for the built-in Administrator must be enabled.

UAC is a security mechanism for limiting the elevation of privileges, including administrative accounts, unless authorized. This setting configures the built-in Administrator account so that it runs in Admin Approval Mode.

Satisfies: SRG-OS-000373-GPOS-00156, SRG-OS-000373-GPOS-00157

UAC requirements are not applicable for Server Core installations (this is the default installation option for Windows Server 2025 versus Server with Desktop Experience).

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\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System\

Value Name: FilterAdministratorToken

Value Type: REG_DWORD Value: 0x00000001 (1)

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> Security Options >> User Account Control: Admin Approval Mode for the Built-in Administrator account to "Enabled".