What is WDAGUtilityAccount in Windows 10 and Windows 11?

If you've ever opened Computer Management or used the net user command in Windows 10 or Windows 11, you may have noticed a system account named WDAGUtilityAccount. Let’s break down what this account is and why it exists.

Why Does WDAGUtilityAccount Exist?

WDAGUtilityAccount is a built-in system account associated with Windows Defender Application Guard (WDAG). This feature is designed to protect your system from potential threats encountered while browsing the web or using untrusted applications. WDAG creates an isolated environment, shielding your operating system from malware, even if it manages to infiltrate the browser or another application.

The primary purpose of the WDAGUtilityAccount is to handle tasks related to this isolated environment, operating with minimal privileges to maintain security. The account is only activated when Application Guard is used and remains disabled by default during normal Windows operation.

Can You Delete or Disable WDAGUtilityAccount?

Unlike regular user accounts, WDAGUtilityAccount is not intended to be deleted or modified. Attempting to remove this account can lead to issues with the functionality of Windows Defender Application Guard and other dependent system components. In most cases, the account remains inactive and does not pose any security risk to your system.

Disabling this account is also not recommended, as it may impact the functionality of Application Guard. However, if you want to check the status of the account, you can run the following command in Command Prompt as an administrator:

net user WDAGUtilityAccount

This command will display information about the account status. By default, it is in a disabled state (Account active: No).