How to Fix “This App Has Been Blocked for Your Protection” on Windows 11

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Basic Fixes

Fix 1: Unblock the App Manually

Did you move files from another computer or external storage? Windows may block opening such files to protect your computer showing the ‘This app has been blocked for your protection ‘ message. Unblock it manually from the app/file properties to access it.

Step 1:Right-click your desired file/app and selectPropertiesfrom its context menu.

Step 2:Enable theUnblockcheckmark under the General tab and clickOK.

Fix 2: Launch the App From the Command Prompt

If you’re unable to open a specific app on Windows, useCommand Promptto launch it.

Step 1:Right-click the app shortcut you can’t launch and selectProperties.

Step 2:Copy the target destination path.

Step 3:Press the Windows key, search Command Prompt, and clickRun as administrator.

Step 4:Paste the copied destination path in the console and pressEnterto launch the app.

Fix 3: Disable Windows Defender SmartScreen

SmartScreen is aWindows Securityfeature that protects your PC against malicious apps, files, and websites by checking them against a Microsoft database. If it incorrectly blocked the app you’re trying to access, disable the SmartScreen feature temporarily and retry opening it.

Step 1:Press the Windows key, searchWindows Security, and click to open it.

Step 2:SelectApp & browser controlfrom the left sidebar, and clickReputation-based protection settings.

Step 3:Toggle offPotentially unwanted app blockingandSmartScreen for Microsoft Store apps.

Fix 4: Disable User Account Control Temporarily

Besides SmartScreen, the User Account Control on Windows 11 may block an app to protect your OS from unauthorized changes. Tweak the Windows registry to disable the User Account Control (UAC) temporarily and unblock the application.

Step 1:Open the Run dialog using the Windows + R shortcut, typeregedit, and press Enter.

Step 2:Approve the UAC prompt, paste the below path in the navigation bar and press Enter.

Step 3:Double-clickEnableLUA, set itsValue datato0, and clickOKto save changes. Reopen your desired app to run it.

Fix 5: Perform a System Restore

Lastly, if the issue persists,restore the systemto its previous settings to fix the ‘This app has been blocked for your protection’ error on Windows 11.

Step 1:Press the Windows + R shortcut to open the Run dialog, typerstrui, and press Enter.

Step 2:Pick a relevant restore point, clickNext, and follow the on-screen instructions to revert your computer to its previous state.

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Last updated on 23 July, 2024

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