How to bypass basic security features in Windows

[FrodoSwaggins]

Sometimes, you may be on a work, or school or lab computer and wish to run or install software which is not permitted. Maybe that software is print drivers, maybe it's some crazy gaming shit: I don't care and I can't help you if you get fired for this.

What I do know is that technically, you can often bypass very basic windows software security with a simple command.

Paste the text below into notepad and save the file as a batch file, "starter.bat" NOT a txt text file.

When you need to "install printer drivers" drag and drop your program executable (exe) on to starter.bat

Paste this into notepad:

cmd /min /C "set __COMPAT_LAYER=RUNASINVOKER && start "" "%1"

[gorzek]

Ah man I love the old "run as invoker" trick.

If you really like to have fun, keep a Kali Linux live USB stick on your keychain.

Most computers, even in offices, are not locked with BIOS passwords, or are even set to boot from a USB drive if one is attached.

Most computers also aren't set up to encrypt their Windows drives (and let's face it, almost every desktop you find is gonna be running Windows.)

So you'll be able to get in, mount the Windows drive, harvest whatever you want--or plant anything you want--reboot, and skedaddle.

This is without even getting into hardware you can inconspicuously attach and leave in place.

Of course, all of this information is for research purposes only. We do not endorse criminal activity here!

[FrodoSwaggins]

I'll add to this list, you can often put browsers into developer mode and sideload add-ons and extensions. This is important since a lot of software is browser add-ons at this point. Imagine not being able to add a VPN or password vault on a computer.

If sideloading doesn't work, sometimes it will work if you unpack the extension first, which is pretty easy.

And then, there are at this point multiple app stores available on Windows (Google Play, Microsoft, others). So if the software you need is locked out on one, you might be able to access it on another.

Great tips for research scientists who have to install 3rd party apps all the time.

[gorzek]

Shout out to PortableApps, too: https://portableapps.com/

Back when I was stuck using Windows for work, I used this to sideload apps I wasn't allowed to properly install.

Employees, uh, find a way.