What is the function of user account control (UAC) in Windows?

User Account Control (UAC) plays a crucial role in enhancing the security of the Windows operating system by preventing unauthorized changes to the system. When a task or application requires elevated privileges, UAC prompts the user for confirmation or an administrator password. This notification mechanism helps users remain aware of changes that may affect their system, ensuring that they do not accidentally grant permissions to potentially harmful software or actions.

By requiring user consent for administrative access, UAC mitigates the risk of malicious software gaining control without the user's knowledge, thereby safeguarding system integrity. This function focuses on maintaining a secure computing environment by ensuring that any actions impacting the system's configuration or security are actively acknowledged by the user.

The other options do not accurately reflect UAC's primary function. While UAC does not directly offer administrative rights, manage software updates, or create user accounts, it instead serves as a protective barrier that prompts user involvement during critical operations. Its main objective is to empower users with knowledge about what actions require higher-level permissions, fortifying the overall security of the Windows platform.