Windows Security Alert: ‘This App Has Been Blocked’ – What to Do  

Have you ever encountered the message “This app has been blocked for your protection” while trying to run a program on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer?

This common security feature, implemented by Microsoft to safeguard your system, can sometimes be confusing or frustrating for users.  

In this article, we will explore what this message means, why it appears, and how to navigate safely in Windows 10 and Windows 11 environments.  

Here are some quick and general methods to fix the issue: ‘This app has been blocked for your protection.

• Run as Administrator: Right-click the app and try “Run as administrator.” This gives the program more permissions, which might be all it needs.

• Switch to an Administrator Account: If you’re not on an administrator account, consider switching to one (if you have access) to install or run the program.

• Check the App Source:  Make sure you downloaded the app from a reputable source. Unreliable sources might  contain malware.

However, these are just quick fixes. To fully understand and resolve this issue, continue reading the blog to learn the underlying reasons and find more detailed solutions to fix this problem:

What are the reasons for the Windows Security Alert: ‘This App Has Been Blocked for Your Protection’ ?

There are a few main reasons why you might see the Windows security alert “This application has been blocked for your protection”:

• Unrecognized application source: First and foremost, Windows Defender SmartScreen, a security feature, can block applications downloaded from untrusted websites or unknown publishers. This is a good security measure to prevent malware or potentially harmful programs from running on your system.

• Lack of administrator permissions: Secondly, if you are trying to run an application that requires administrator privileges but you are not logged in as an administrator, Windows may block it. Consequently, this prevents unauthorized changes to your system.

• Damaged or malicious application: Furthermore, in some cases, the application itself may be corrupted or contain malware. As a result, Windows might detect this and block it to protect your system from damage.

• Outdated Windows Security Definitions: Additionally, if Windows Defender definitions are not up to date, it may flag a legitimate application as suspicious because it does not recognize it.

• User Account Control (UAC) Settings: Lastly, UAC is a security feature that asks you for confirmation before running programs that could make changes to your system. Therefore, depending on your UAC settings, it could block certain apps even if they are not necessarily harmful.

Also check: How to start Windows 11 in safe mode ?

How to fix This App Has Been Blocked for Your Protection issue ?

Seeing “This App Has Been Blocked for Your Protection” in Windows 10 or 11 can be frustrating. However, here are several methods to try and get your app running safely, with detailed steps for each:

Before we begin: First and foremost, it’s crucial to be cautious. This message exists to potentially block harmful applications. Therefore, only proceed with these methods if you trust the app source and understand the potential security risks involved.

Run as Administrator (Simple & Often Effective)

• To start, locate the application file (usually a .exe file).

• Next, right-click on the file.

• Then, select “Run as administrator” from the context menu.

• As a result, this gives the program more permissions and might be all it needs to run smoothly.

Switch to an Administrator Account (If Applicable)

• Alternatively, if you’re not currently using an administrator account, consider switching if you have access. Consequently, administrator accounts have more privileges and might allow you to install or run the program without issues.

Check the App Source (Important Security Step)

Before trying other methods, make sure you downloaded the app from a reputable source. After all, unreliable sources might  contain malware. Here’s what to consider:

• Firstly, official websites of software developers.

• Secondly, trusted online stores like Microsoft Store.

• Lastly, websites with good reputations and positive user reviews.

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Advanced Methods (Use with Caution)

These methods adjust system settings that impact security. Therefore, only proceed if you absolutely trust the app source and plan to re-enable security measures afterward.

Modify User Account Control (UAC) Settings (Windows 10 & 11)

• To begin, search for “Local Group Policy Editor” in the Start menu search bar.

• Next, navigate to the following location within the editor:

• Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > Security Options.

• Then, find the setting named “User Account Control: Run all administrators in Admin Approval Mode”.

• Subsequently, double-click on this setting.

• After that, select the radio button next to “Disabled”.

• Following this, click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.

• Finally, restart your PC.

• Importantly, remember to re-enable this setting later by following the same steps and choosing “Enabled” in step 5.

Note: Disabling UAC entirely is not recommended for security reasons. However, here’s how to adjust it:

Modify Registry (Windows 10 Only – Advanced Users Only)

• First, search for “Registry Editor” in the Start menu search bar.

• Next, right-click on “Registry Editor” and select “Run as administrator”. (Important for making changes)

• Then, navigate to the following location within the registry editor: HKEY_LOCAL_ MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System

• After that, in the right pane, locate the value named “EnableLUA”.

• Subsequently, double-click on “EnableLUA”.

• In the “Value data” field, enter “0” (zero).

• Then, click “OK” to save the changes.

• Finally, restart your PC.  

Note: Remember to change the value back to “1” (one) later by following the same steps and entering “1” in step 6.

Warning: Editing the registry can cause system instability if done incorrectly. Proceed with extreme caution and create a system restore point before making any changes.  

Use Windows PowerShell

• Firstly, press Windows + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).

• Next, in the PowerShell window, type the path of the executable file and press Enter.

• For example: Start-Process “C:\path\to\your\application.exe” -Verb RunAs

Unblock the File

• To begin, right-click on the file that is blocked.

• Then, select Properties from the context menu.

• Next, in the Properties window, go to the General tab.

• After that, check the Unblock box at the bottom (if it is available).

• Finally, click Apply, then OK.

Update or Reinstall the Application

• First, visit the official website of the application to check for updates.

• Then, download and install the latest version of the application.

• If the issue persists, uninstall the application:

• To do this, press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl, and press Enter.

• Next, find and select the application, then click Uninstall.

• Lastly, restart your computer and reinstall the application.

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Conclusion  

Encountering the “This app has been blocked for your protection” message in Windows 10 or 11 can be frustrating. However, it’s an important security feature designed to keep your system safe.

Throughout this article, we’ve explored various solutions, ranging from simple fixes like running as administrator to more advanced methods involving system settings. Above all, remember to always prioritize your computer’s security when addressing this issue.

Before attempting any fix, first ensure you trust the app’s source and understand the potential risks involved. To begin with, start with the simpler methods like running as administrator or checking for updates.

Only if these initial steps don’t work should you proceed to more advanced solutions, and even then, only if absolutely necessary. Finally, don’t forget to re-enable security features afterward, as this is crucial for maintaining your system’s protection.

Reference:  

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