Privileges provides a quick and easy way to get administrator rights when needed on university-owned Macs for faculty and staff. When you do need admin rights, you can get them immediately by clicking on the Privileges icon in your Dock.
Working as a standard user instead of an administrator adds another layer of security to your Mac and is considered a security best practice.
Click here for some frequently asked questions about Privileges.
Using Privileges
If you are a standard user and want admin rights:
- Launch Privileges
- Click the
Request Privileges
button. - The Privileges dock icon should change to look like a yellow unlocked padlock.
- A Privileges have been changed successfully message should appear.

5. The logged-in account should now have admin rights.
If you are a admin user and want to remove admin rights:
- Launch Privileges.
- Click the
Remove Privileges
button. - The Privileges dock icon should change to look like a green locked padlock.
- A Privileges have been changed successfully message should appear.
5. The logged-in account should now be a standard user account.
