Question
Issue: How to fix "This app has been blocked by your system administrator" error in Windows?
For some unknown reason, Windows started blocking an app I've been using for several months without problems before. Whenever I attempt to open it, I receive an “This app has been blocked by your system administrator” error. Any tips on what is happening, because it seems to be very sudden.
Solved Answer
Applications serve as the backbone of our daily interactions with computers, allowing us to perform tasks ranging from word processing to data analysis. However, a number of users encounter the message “This app has been blocked by your system administrator” when trying to open an application on their Windows system. While this error is commonly associated with a lack of administrative permissions, many users report experiencing it even after using certain apps on their personal computers for extended periods.
The causes for the “This app has been blocked by your system administrator” error can vary. It is possible that a system or security update modified settings that now flag the application as untrustworthy. Alternatively, the application may have been automatically quarantined by an antivirus program or Windows Defender due to an update or detected vulnerability. Company policies and administrator settings may also block specific applications for reasons ranging from security risks to licensing constraints.
Several solutions exist to fix the “This app has been blocked by your system administrator” error. One straightforward approach is enabling the administrator account on the system, granting permission to run the application. Users may also consider adjusting Microsoft Defender settings, specifically the Controlled Folder Access and Real-time Protection features, to allow the application. Disabling SmartScreen, a tool that identifies potentially hazardous applications, can also resolve the issue.
Additionally, some antivirus software has a whitelist feature where users can manually add applications they trust. Users should proceed with caution when making these changes and ensure they trust the source of the blocked application. Another way is to modify the User Account Control (UAC) settings, although this can make your system more vulnerable to potential threats.
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Fix 1. Enable administrator account
Enabling the administrator account gives you full control over the system, including the ability to run apps that might be blocked. This could solve the problem by overriding any restrictions.
- Open the Start menu and type
cmd. - Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
- User Account Control will ask whether you want to make changes – click Yes.
- Type the following command and press Enter:
net user administrator /active:yes - Restart your computer.
Fix 2. Adjust Microsoft Defender settings
Microsoft Defender could be blocking the app because of its security configurations. You can change these settings to allow the application to run.
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security.
- Click on Virus & threat protection.
- Under Manage settings, disable Real-time protection and Controlled folder access.
- Try running the app again.
Fix 3. Disable SmartScreen
SmartScreen is a Windows feature that filters and blocks recognized malicious software. Disabling it might resolve the issue.
- Navigate to Windows Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security.
- Click on App & browser control.
- Select Reputation-based protection settings.
- Under Potentially unwanted app blocking, toggle the switch to the left to disable the setting.
- Do the same with SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge.
- Reattempt launching the app.
Fix 4. Unblock via properties
You can try to unblock the app by simply accessing the properties of the EXE file:
- Right-click on the EXE file that's failing to launch.
- Select Properties and ensure you're in the General tab.
- At the bottom, you should see the Security section – check the Unblock tickmark.
- Click Apply and OK.
Fix 5. Edit Group Policy
- In Windows search, type in Group Policy and press Enter.
- Navigate to the following location:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Store - On the right side of the window, double-click Disable all apps from Microsoft Store option.
- Select Disable.
- Click Apply and OK.
- Open Command Prompt as administrator and type in the following command, pressing Enter after:
gpupdate /force - Restart your device.
Fix 6. Modify User Account Control settings
UAC can block apps from running without administrative approval. Lowering the security level may solve the problem.
- Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Change User Account Control settings.
- Lower the slider to a less secure setting.
- Click OK and restart your computer.
Fix 7. Run the app in compatibility mode
Running the application in compatibility mode can help if the app was designed for an older version of Windows.
- Right-click on the application’s icon and select Properties.
- Go to the Compatibility tab.
- Check the box for Run this program in compatibility mode.
- Select the Windows version you want and click OK.
Fix 8. Reinstall the app
Sometimes, reinstalling the application can resolve any corrupt files that might be causing the issue.
- Uninstall the application from Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program.
- Download the latest version of the app from a trusted source.
- Install the app and try running it again.
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Ugnius Kiguolis is the founder and editor-in-chief of UGetFix. He is a professional security specialist and malware analyst who has been working in IT industry for over 20 years.
