- Windows Defender and UAC (User Account Control) software is responsible for protecting users from potential threats.
- If you do not have an administrator account, you can always log in with a hidden administrator account.
- To disable SmartScreen, you must control applications and files, set SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge and Windows Store applications to Disabled.
- Use the command line to install the application you want to install and run it.
An Administrator Has Blocked You From Running This App
Antivirus apps can block you from running an app if you receive “An administrator has blocked you from running this app.” errors.
Contact Your System Administrator For More Info
In order to resolve the problem, I tried opening the Microsoft store on Microsoft Windows 10 Store and it said Contact your system administrator. For more information, contact your system administrator.
Discussion in ‘Microsoft Windows 10 Store’ started by Oliver Leigh Parker, Apr 3, 2022.
In Windows 10, the following error message appeared while running “mmc.exe” (Microsoft Management Console): “User Account Control.” For your protection, this app has been blocked. The administrator has blocked you from running this application. For more information, please contact the administrator. A file with the name mmc.exe has been blocked for your protection. The file originates from the hard drive of this computer. The program location is: “C:\Windows\system32\mmc.exe” “C:\Windows\system32\compmgmt.msc” /s”.
The Windows 10 operating system aggressively protects users from suspicious or potentially malicious software. However, it can also prevent users from installing software that they think is safe. In this case, an error message is displayed: “The administrator has blocked this application from running” or “This application has been blocked for your protection.”
Whenever you try to install a new program on your Windows 10 PC, this particular error is bound to appear. In order to improve the security of Windows 10 against malicious software, Microsoft improved the security with the new Windows 10 update due to the fact that Windows was reportedly quite weak in handling such malware. With the new Windows Defender and SmartScreen, Microsoft blocks third-party executables by default due to the harsh nature of the update.
Downloading or installing applications is prevented by the Windows error message. This error message used to be produced only by anti-virus software installed on previous Windows versions, but now Windows includes built-in Windows Defender and User Account Control software to protect users.
What causes the “Administrator has blocked this application from running” error message?
How To Unblock Apps
The first step is to open the application you wish to allow through the Firewall in order to block it and see it listed on the Allowed Apps screen.
The new Windows 10 update improved the security of Windows 10, causing this error message to appear when you attempt to install new programs. Microsoft wanted to improve Windows’ ability to fight malware. With the new Windows Defender and SmartScreen protectors, Windows blocks third-party executables by default, but apparently the update hurts third-party executables.
Do not ignore the error message when you try to install checked programs and look for malicious applications. Let us see how we can fix this.
How to repair the “Administrator blocked this app from running” message?
We highly recommend that you use this tool for your error. Furthermore, this tool detects and removes common computer errors, protects you from loss of files, malware, and hardware failures, and optimizes your device for maximum performance. This software will help you fix your PC problems and prevent others from happening again:
Updated: April 2024
Enable the hidden administrator account
- The command line should show up in the search bar if you type cmd.
- Choosing Run as administrator from the right-click menu will allow you to run it.
- Press Enter to run the following command when the command prompt appears:
Administrator / active:yes - Your current account should be closed.
- The administrator account should appear on your screen. Log in.
- Install the desired application.
- You should be able to complete the installation without any problems.
- Return to your normal account after switching back.
- As in step 1, type the following command line to disable the administrator account:
Administrator /active:false
Disable Windows SmartScreen
- The command line should show up in the search bar if you type cmd.
- Choosing Run as administrator from the right-click menu will allow you to run it.
- Go to Settings.
- Select “Updates and Security.”.
- From the left menu, select Windows Defender.
- The right pane will open with the Windows Defender Security Center.
- Once you have clicked Application and Browser Control, click OK.
- All SmartScreen settings must be disabled to disable SmartScreen.
- SmartScreen for Windows Store applications and Microsoft Edge should be disabled.
Use the command line to install the application
- You should see a list of results when you type cmd in the search bar.
- By right-clicking the file, you can select “Run as administrator.”.
- For this, type cd at the command prompt followed by the directory where you would like to run the application.
- Using the folder name and extension, enter the name and location of the file you wish to run.
- There should no longer be any problems with the file.
Convert the appropriate account to an administrator account
- The administrator account should be logged in, or a hidden administrator account if you don’t have one.
- Go to Settings. You can do this quickly by pressing the Windows + I keys.
- You can access your accounts by opening the Settings app.
- The Family and Other section can be found in the left pane.
- Change the type of account you want to create by clicking your account in the right pane.
- A window appears in which you can change the account type.
- Click OK to save your changes after setting the account type to Administrator.
RECOMMENATION: Click here for help with Windows errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I eliminate the “Administrator has blocked this application from running” message?
- Activate the hidden administrator account. Open a command prompt as an administrator.
- Edit the properties of the "Encryption Services" service.
- Log out of your current account and log in as an administrator.
- Restore Windows system files. Log in to your current administrator account.
How do I disable administrator rights?
- Go to the Start menu (or press the Windows + X keys) and select Computer Management.
- Then expand "Local Users and Groups", then "Users".
- Select "Administrator", right-click and select "Properties".
- Uncheck "Account disabled" to enable it.
How do I disable the administrator lockout?
- Open the Microsoft Management Console (MMC) and select Local Users and Groups.
- Right-click on the administrator account and select Properties.
- On the General tab, clear the Account is disabled check box.
- Close the Microsoft Management Console (MMC).
Mark Ginter is a tech blogger with a passion for all things gadgets and gizmos. A self-proclaimed "geek", Mark has been blogging about technology for over 15 years. His blog, techquack.com, covers a wide range of topics including new product releases, industry news, and tips and tricks for getting the most out of your devices. If you're looking for someone who can keep you up-to-date with all the latest tech news and developments, then be sure to follow him over at Microsoft.