Launching Word 2013 causes UAC to ask for permission to make changes.

Hello Micheal,

As per the description provided, you receive the UAC prompt when you open Word application from the shortcut option.

Check if Word is running in compatibility mode.

To check follow the steps provided below then try to open Word and verify the status.

1. Start typing the application name Word 2013.

2. The result will be displayed below the search box.

3. Now right click on Word 2013 and click on Open File Location.

4. In the window right Click on Word --> Troubleshoot Compatibility --> Let the phase of detecting issues complete --> It would give you two options --> Select the second option --> Troubleshoot Program.

5. Here you would see several options listed. Uncheck all the option if found enabled.

6. Now save the settings and verify the results.

Let us know the result to assist you further.

Thank you.

Removing the compatibility settings did not fix the problem of it asking for permission and now the problem I had before where when I download a file and try to open the file from the browser the program fails to launch. It says Word has run into an error that is preventing it from working correctly. Word will need to be closed as a result and asks to repair, which now it is not running the repair program, however I have run it in the past to no avail. The issue does seem to only happen when using Google Chrome to open the file.

The compatibility setting that was checked was worked in an earlier version of windows and I believe I had it set on Windows 7.

I also just noticed that currently it is only causing the UAC prompt when launching the program, it does not ask when trying to open a document.

I am currently running Chrome Version 38.0.2125.66 beta-m (64-bit), however I have experienced the launching issue over numerous Chrome versions.

If you start Word in Safe mode, by holding down the CTRL key while starting it, does the problem then occur.  If not, it would suggest that there is an Add-in that is wanting to make the changes to the system.

The thing to do then is disable all of the add-ins and start Word normally and add them back one at a time to identify the one that is causing the issue.

Both problems still occur even in safe mode. The UAC prompt appears before word even tries to start in safe mode. And the problem of failing to launch also happens when trying to open in safe mode. 

Thank you for the reply.

You may create new user account for Windows Operating System then check if the same issue occurs.

Refer to the article mentioned below on how to create new user account:

Windows 8.1: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/create-user-account#create-user-account=windows-8

Let us know the result to assist you further.

Thank you.