2

Shield Icon

Just installed windows 10 and I get these annoying shield icons whenever I create shortcuts to a desktop. What is causing it and how can I disable it for all icons?

Edit: after suggested methods still unsolved... Why does windows make it so complicated?
Edit2: I FINALLY FOUND THE SOLUTION!!

P.S. If you're on Home edition, I don't think you have Local Security Policy editor available. Also if the icons remain the same just right click go to properties, change icon, select any icon and press ok.

Edit3: Found the solution but ran into bigger issue. When I try to open any windows related app it says: This app can't be opened using the built-in administrator....can't even open pictures...
What a shame Windows 10

Community
  • 1
Giancarlo
  • 223

1 Answers1

-2

The shield icon indicates that a program may only be started using elevated privileges (read: administrator access).

This is part of the User Account Control (UAC).

If you really want to disable it, open your start menu, type UAC and open the first and only result, which should be the User Account Control Settings.

You'll find a slider to adjust the security settings. Drop it down to the lowest setting to essentially restore Window's classic behavior of never asking.

Keep in mind that disabling UAC will put you at severe higher risk from malware such as ransomware. Do so at your own risk.

Mario
  • 4,296
  • I already did that as soon as I installed windows... – Giancarlo Jul 22 '16 at 07:04
  • Oh I think I got it, The programs which were installed prior to me disabling the UAC still have that shield overlay, but newly installed programs don't have it anymore. – Giancarlo Jul 22 '16 at 07:12
  • @Giancarlo That shouldn't actually be the case. It really just depends on the individual program. – Mario Jul 22 '16 at 08:00
  • 1
    This answer to question clears the UAC Badge without removing a single security feature. – Don't Root here plz... Jul 22 '16 at 09:52
  • yeah....I still get that icon, it depends on program...so annoying... – Giancarlo Jul 22 '16 at 16:50
  • -1 for recommending disabling an important security feature to make the desktop prettier. – Xiong Chiamiov Jul 23 '16 at 00:02
  • @XiongChiamiov F*** this security feature, I dind't ask for it to be there. I'm in control of the computer, I decide what programs I want to install, I'm the manager of this computer, I'm the one who knocks. I don't like it when windows does something without my consent. I will do everything to disable this bu*****t.. – Giancarlo Jul 23 '16 at 06:39
  • 1
    @XiongChiamiov To be honest I assumed this is about the UAC prompt. As mentioned, I'm aware this has no influence on the icon overlay. Also there's a clear warning about this. – Mario Jul 23 '16 at 16:14
  • "I'm in control of the computer, I decide what programs I want to install" -- That's the problem, you're not: you're explicitly disabling the tool that prevents software from pretending to be you and installing things without your consent. You really need to understand what UAC is before disabling it. – Xiong Chiamiov Jul 25 '16 at 18:00