Breaking the news that you’re removing local admin rights from your users’ workstations is never going to be popular. Users who’ve grown comfortable with unlimited system access won’t exactly throw a party when you announce the new security restrictions.
Still, this conversation is happening in IT departments everywhere. Many organizations know the security nightmare that permanent admin rights create, and they’re taking action. But how do you tell users without sparking a workplace revolt?
Why Users Resist Losing Admin Rights
Before diving into the “how,” let’s understand the “why” behind user resistance. Most users don’t wake up thinking about ways to compromise network security. They just want to do their jobs without unnecessary roadblocks.
From their perspective, admin rights mean freedom. They can install that new productivity app they heard about, troubleshoot their own printer issues, or update software without waiting for IT approval. Take away those rights, and suddenly they feel like they’re working with one hand tied behind their back.
Many users also interpret the removal of admin rights as a statement that the organization doesn’t trust them. They might think: “I’ve been using this computer responsibly for years. Why are they treating me like a security risk now?”
Understanding these concerns helps you frame the conversation in a way that addresses their real worries rather than dismissing them.
The Wrong Way to Announce Admin Rights Removal
Some IT teams handle this announcement with zero tact. They send out a company-wide email that reads something like: “Effective immediately, all local administrator privileges have been revoked for security purposes. Contact IT for assistance with software installations.”
This approach creates several problems. First, it provides zero context about why the change is happening. Second, it offers no alternative solution for users who legitimately need elevated access. Third, it makes IT look like the department of “no” without explaining the bigger picture.
The result? A flood of frustrated support tickets, productivity complaints, and users trying to find workarounds that might actually make your security posture worse.
Setting the Stage for Success
The most successful admin rights conversations happen well before any technical changes take place. Start by building awareness about cybersecurity challenges. Share statistics about ransomware attacks, explain how malware spreads through compromised admin accounts, and help users understand their role in keeping the company secure.
The goal is creating context so users understand the bigger picture. When users understand that 90% of successful cyberattacks involve some form of social engineering or credential compromise, they start to see admin rights restrictions as protection rather than punishment.
Consider running a “Security Awareness Month” campaign before making any admin rights changes. Use real-world examples of companies that suffered breaches due to compromised admin accounts. Make it clear that these risks are real and current, happening to organizations just like yours.
The Conversation Framework
When it’s time for the actual conversation, structure it around three main points: the problem, the solution, and the support.
1. Start with the problem, but make it relevant –Don’t just say “admin rights are a security risk.” Explain what that means for your specific organization. Maybe it’s the rising cost of cyber insurance, compliance requirements from your industry, or recent attacks on similar companies. Make it concrete and relatable.
2. Present the solution as an upgrade that improves their workflow – This is where your Privileged Access Management (PAM) strategy becomes crucial. Don’t just take away admin rights and leave users hanging. Show them how the new system makes their lives easier.
3. Emphasize the support you’re providing – Make it clear that this change comes with enhanced support, not reduced support. Users need to know they won’t be left stranded when they need to perform legitimate admin tasks.
Addressing Common Concerns
Be prepared for pushback and have clear answers ready for the most common objections.
“What if I need to install software quickly?”
Explain how your PAM solution provides immediate elevation for approved applications, often faster than the old process of requesting IT assistance.
“What if the system doesn’t work when I’m working remotely?”
Demonstrate how modern privilege management solutions work seamlessly whether users are in the office or working from home.
“Can I still do my job effectively?”
This is the big one. Show specific examples of how their daily tasks will work under the new system. Better yet, if possible, let key users test the new system before the full rollout.
Communication Timing and Channelss
Don’t try to handle this entire conversation in a single email or meeting. Plan a multi-stage communication strategy that builds understanding over time.
Start with leadership announcements that frame the change as a strategic business decision. Follow up with department-specific sessions where managers can address role-specific concerns. Provide detailed documentation and FAQ resources that users can reference when questions arise.
Consider creating short video tutorials showing exactly how the new privilege elevation process works. Sometimes seeing the actual workflow helps users realize that the change won’t be as disruptive as they initially feared.
Making It Personal (Without Being Invasive)
Help users understand that this change protects them personally too, not just the organization. Explain how compromised work computers can lead to personal data exposure, and how admin rights restrictions protect their own information along with company data.
You might say: “This change protects both company and personal data. Your personal files, saved passwords, and private information on your work computer are also at risk when malware gets admin-level access.”
Running a Pilot Program
If you’re facing significant resistance, consider implementing a pilot program with a smaller group of users first. Choose participants who are generally tech-savvy and open to change. Their experiences can become testimonials when you roll out the changes more broadly.
Many organizations find that involving early adopters in the configuration process can help create buy-in across the organization. Users who helped test and refine the system became advocates for the change rather than opponents.
Admin By Request offers a Lifetime Free Plan for up to 25 endpoints, perfect for testing with a pilot group before organization-wide rollout.
Following Through on Your Promises
The admin rights conversation doesn’t end when you flip the switch on admin rights removal. Monitor support tickets closely during the transition period. If users are struggling with specific workflows, address those issues quickly and communicate the solutions broadly.
Track metrics like support ticket volume, user satisfaction scores, and productivity indicators. When the numbers show that the transition is going smoothly, share those wins with your user community.
The Power of Invisible Security
Privileged Access Management solutions really shine when users barely notice their admin rights are gone. Admin By Request EPM takes this approach by making privilege elevation feel natural and seamless.
The system intercepts elevation requests and handles them automatically for approved applications. Users simply right-click and select “Run as Admin” just like they always have. Behind the scenes, the system checks if the application is pre-approved and grants temporary elevation without prompts. Machine learning automatically approves applications after they’ve been manually approved several times, while AI approval can instantly approve software based on vendor and application popularity scores.
For applications that do need manual approval, users see a simple request dialog, provide a brief reason for the elevation, and continue working while the request gets processed. Most requests get approved within minutes, and once approved, that application can be configured for automatic elevation in the future.
This invisible approach transforms what could be a frustrating security restriction into a barely noticeable workflow improvement. Users maintain their productivity while your organization gains comprehensive audit logs, malware protection, and granular control over privileged access.
If you’re interested in seeing how simple privilege management can be, book a demo today.
