11 Fixes for the “This App Has Been Blocked” Error on Windows
The Windows operating system allows you to use a lot of different applications, and installing them is usually straightforward. However, some people encounter an error message that says “This App Has Been Blocked for Your Protection” when they try to open the Device Manager or another app, or when they try to install a new app on their Windows computer.
There are a few common reasons why this error occurs, such as not having the necessary permissions, having an antivirus program that is causing issues, or having certain SmartScreen settings enabled. Fortunately, there are eleven methods you can try to fix this error and get your apps working again.
11 Fixes for the Error on Windows
1. Restart Your PC:
Before diving into more complex solutions, try a simple restart of your computer. Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve many minor software-related issues.
2. Grant Administrator Privileges to the App:
One common reason for the “This App Has Been Blocked” error is the lack of necessary administrator privileges. To fix this, right-click on the app’s shortcut or executable file and select “Run as administrator” from the context menu.
3. Temporarily Disable User Account Control (UAC):
User Account Control can sometimes interfere with the app’s execution. Temporarily disabling UAC can help you determine if it’s causing the error. To do this, search for “User Account Control” in the Windows search bar, slide the slider to the lowest setting, and restart your PC.
4. Switch to the Built-In Admin Account:
If you’re using a user account that doesn’t have administrator privileges, switching to the built-in admin account can help resolve the issue. Follow the instructions provided by Microsoft to switch to the built-in admin account temporarily.
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5. Check System Services:
Certain system services are crucial for app execution. If these services are not running properly, it can lead to the “This App Has Been Blocked” error. Open the Services Manager by pressing Windows + R, typing “services.msc,” and hitting Enter. Ensure that services like “Windows Update,” “Application Identity,” and “Windows Installer” are set to “Automatic” and running.
6. Unblock the App From Antivirus Program:
Sometimes, antivirus programs can mistakenly block legitimate apps, triggering the error message. Check your antivirus program’s quarantine or blocked items and unblock the app causing the issue.
7. Remove a 3rd Party Antivirus Program:
If the error persists, consider temporarily removing any third-party antivirus programs installed on your PC. Sometimes, these programs can conflict with Windows and cause app blocking issues. Exercise caution and ensure that you have other security measures in place before removing the antivirus program.
8. Tweak SmartScreen Settings:
SmartScreen is a security feature in Windows that can sometimes block legitimate apps. Adjusting the SmartScreen settings to a more permissive level can help resolve the issue. Open the Control Panel, search for “SmartScreen,” and select the “Change SmartScreen settings.” Choose the “Warn” or “Off” option, and apply the changes.
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9. Tweak Group Policy Editor Settings:
For advanced users, modifying the Group Policy Editor settings can provide a solution. Open the Group Policy Editor by pressing Windows + R, typing “gpedit.msc,” and hitting Enter. Navigate to “Computer Configuration” > “Windows Components” > “Windows Defender Antivirus” > “App and Browser Control.” Disable the policies related to blocking potentially unwanted applications.
10. Reset Windows Update Components:
Issues with the Windows Update service can sometimes lead to app blocking errors. Resetting the Windows Update Components can help resolve underlying update-related problems. Microsoft provides a dedicated support article with instructions on how to reset Windows Update components.
11. Use System Restore:
If all else fails and you suspect recent changes or updates are causing the “This App Has Been Blocked” error, you can try using the System Restore feature to roll back your PC to a previous time when the apps were working fine. Open the System Restore tool from the Control Panel and select a restore point before the error occurred.
Conclusion:
Encountering the “This App Has Been Blocked” error on Windows can be frustrating. However, with these eleven effective fixes, you now have multiple options to troubleshoot and resolve the issue. Start with the simpler methods and gradually move towards the more advanced ones until you find the solution that works best for you.
