UAC Prompt with elevator.exe in IntelliJ IDEA

Problem

When launching a new project in IntelliJ IDEA on a corporate managed Windows environment, a User Account Control (UAC) prompt is presented for the elevator.exe application. Users who deny the prompt can still use the IDE, but the prompt reappears each time a new project is started.

Cause [Optional]

This behavior occurs because elevator.exe is invoked to add IDE-related directories to Windows Defender's scan exclusions. This ensures optimal IDE performance by reducing interference from security scans on these directories.

Resolution

To resolve this issue efficiently:

1. Identify the directories used by IntelliJ IDEA to store settings, caches, plugins, and logs. These directories are listed here: Directories Used by the IDE.

2. Implement an automated deployment script or group policy in your organization to add these directories to Windows Defender's scan exclusions manually.

3. Once these directories are set as exclusions, elevator.exe will no longer need to run

   Please contact your IT department or refer to JetBrains' support team for assistance if needed.