Knowledge base

January 31, 2025

Administrator Protection in Windows 11: What you need to know

 

Windows 11 continuously introduces new security features to support IT administrators and make systems more secure. One of these enhancements is Administrator Protection¹, designed specifically to protect accounts with elevated privileges from attack and abuse. But what exactly does this mean? In this blog, we dive into the details. 🔍

🌟 Why is Administrator Protection important?

Administrative accounts are a favorite target for hackers because they provide access to sensitive systems and data. Without proper protection, these accounts can be easily abused, with serious consequences such as:

  • Ransomware attacks 🛑
  • Unauthorized access to sensitive data 🔒
  • System instability due to unwanted changes ⚙️

 

 

🛡️ How does Administrator Protection work in Windows 11?

Microsoft has built in several mechanisms to better secure administrator accounts:

  1. Limiting local admin rights:
    • Admin rights are granted only when absolutely necessary, reducing the risk of abuse.
    • Tip: Use a standard account for daily use and only an admin account for specific tasks.
  2. Secured-core PCs:
    • Windows 11 works seamlessly with devices that are “Secured-core,” meaning that hardware and software security go hand in hand.
  3. Multilayer verification:
    • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is crucial to make access to admin accounts extra secure.
    • Good to know: Windows 11 integrates perfectly with Microsoft Authenticator.
  4. Management via Microsoft Intune:
    • Use Intune to enforce central policies, such as restricting access to sensitive functions.

 

Illustration showing the architecture of Administrator Protection

Architecture of Administrator Protection. Source: Microsoft

🛠️ Best Practices for IT Administrators

Want to take maximum advantage of these security features? Here are a few tips:

  • Use the principle of least privilege (PoLP): Give users only the rights they need.
  • Implement Zero Trust security: Don’t trust any user or device without authentication.
  • Monitor actively: Use tools such as Microsoft Defender to detect suspicious activity.
  • Enable Credential Guard: Protect credentials with hardware isolation.

 

 

🚀 What are the benefits to your organization?

With these new security features, Windows 11:

  • Increased protection against attacks 🛡️
  • Simpler management for IT administrators ⚙️
  • Better regulatory compliance
  • Reduced downtime due to security incidents 🔄

 

 

🎯 Conclusion

Administrator Protection in Windows 11 is a powerful step forward in securing critical accounts and systems. By using built-in tools and following best practices, you can protect your organization from modern threats. Take action and make your IT environment more secure! 🔐

 

References

¹https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/windows-itpro-blog/administrator-protection-on-windows-11/4303482

 

 

About the author

My name is Alta Martes, a specialist in Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, with a focus on modern workplace management, cloud security and identity & access management. With years of experience, I help organizations optimize their IT infrastructure and create a secure, efficient digital workplace. 🎯 Need help with your Microsoft 365 strategy?
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Illustratie van Windows 11 met functies zoals administratorbescherming, een schildpictogram en IT-beheerconsole in een professioneel ontwerp.