Turn off Steps Recorder
This registry value belongs to the device-scoped ADMX policy for Windows Steps Recorder (`psr.exe`).
since 0.9.8.11
Purpose
Show registry keys (1)
HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppCompat\DisableUAR
This registry value belongs to the device-scoped ADMX policy for Windows Steps Recorder (psr.exe). When the policy is enabled, Steps Recorder is disabled. When the policy is disabled or not configured, Steps Recorder remains available if the component is present in the installed Windows version.
Steps Recorder documents a sequence of actions performed by a user. Its output can include mouse and keyboard actions, user-interface information, and screenshots. This information can be used by feedback systems and support personnel to understand and reproduce problems.
Notes
Security
Disabling Steps Recorder prevents users from creating action reports and screenshots with this Windows tool. This can prevent potentially sensitive screen content and user-interface information from being captured through Steps Recorder. It does not disable other screen-capture applications or Windows recording features and therefore does not provide a system-wide recording restriction.
Possible side effects
Users can no longer use Steps Recorder to document workflows or problem conditions. Support and development teams might consequently receive less detailed information for reproducing an issue.
Notes
This is a device-scoped policy and therefore affects every user of the computer. Microsoft has listed Steps Recorder as deprecated since November 2023. The component is no longer being updated and is planned for removal from a future Windows release. The registry value has no practical effect on systems where Steps Recorder is not present.
Microsoft documentation
Microsoft Learn: Policy CSP – ADMX_AppCompat – AppCompatTurnOffUserActionRecord
Microsoft Learn: Deprecated features in the Windows client