Easy and secure Temporary bypass of permission restrictions

Many users are familiar with the fact that Windows 10 enforces stricter permission controls. When it comes to system protection programs or accessing certain files and folders, even when logged in as an administrator, you might find yourself without the necessary permissions to read or modify them. The question is: how can you bypass these restrictions while still maintaining system security?

Bypassing UAC Restrictions – Running as Administrator

Tools Used: Runas Command Line

Windows 10 by default enables User Account Control (UAC), which prompts for confirmation whenever a program tries to make changes that require administrative privileges. While this feature enhances security, it can be inconvenient for trusted tools like the Registry Editor or Command Prompt. Some users choose to disable UAC entirely or log in directly with the Administrator account, but both approaches can introduce security risks.

A safer alternative is to run specific programs as an administrator without disabling UAC. To do this, first enable the built-in Administrator account:

1. Open Computer Management by right-clicking on the Start menu.
2. Navigate to System Tools → Local Users and Groups.
3. Select the Administrator account, go to the General tab, and uncheck Account is disabled.
4. Set a strong password for the account.

Note: This account should only be used temporarily and with a complex password to prevent unauthorized access.

Next, create a shortcut to run commands as Administrator:

1. Right-click on the desktop and select New → Shortcut.
2. Enter the following command: C:\Windows\System32\runas.exe /user:administrator /savecred cmd.
3. Name the shortcut Command Prompt (Admin).

The next time you use this shortcut, you'll be prompted to enter the Administrator's password once. After that, it will run without further prompts, allowing you to bypass UAC for trusted applications.

Accessing Restricted System Directories Without Changing Permissions

Tools Used: 7-Zip

Some system directories, such as C:\Recovery, are protected and only accessible by the SYSTEM account. Even as an administrator, you may receive a "Access Denied" error when trying to open them. The usual solution is to take ownership and change permissions, which can be risky.

An easier and safer method is to use 7-Zip. Open it as an administrator, then navigate to the restricted directory. You’ll find that 7-Zip can access and copy files from these locations without altering the original permissions.

Temporarily Elevating Privileges to Modify System Files

Tools Used: WinOwnership

Some system files, like those in C:\Windows\System32, are owned by the TrustedInstaller account. Attempting to rename or delete them often results in "Access Denied" errors. One common workaround is to change the file owner, but this can lead to security vulnerabilities.

A better approach is to use WinOwnership, a tool that allows temporary privilege escalation. Launch the program, select the file you want to modify (e.g., osk.exe), and click Apply to gain full control. Once done, click Undo to restore the original permissions.

This method lets you perform necessary modifications without permanently altering system settings, ensuring your system remains secure.