3 Easy Ways to Fix MMC.exe Blocked in Windows PC
Discover how to fix this issue with our detailed solutions below
- MMC.exe has been built-in to every version of Windows since 2000, but some users received the MMC.exe blocked for your protection error.
- If MMC.exe is blocked in Windows 10, you will not be able to run Computer Management.
- One solution to this problem is to disable SmartScreen, as indicated in our guide below.
- It can also be the case that the administrator blocks MMC.exe, and the solution is to change that in Group Policy.
You might be greeted with an error message that reads an administrator has blocked you from running this app mmc.exe.
Much like a clarification, the error also states that this app has been blocked for your protection mmc.exe, and it stops you from accessing Computer Management.
However, fret not; this error is not too big of an issue and it can be taken care of with just a few tweaks to the settings. But first, let’s get a bit more context for a better understanding.
What is MCC.exe, and what does it do?
MMC.exe is the executable file of the Microsoft Management Console (MMC) app. It’s a legitimate Microsoft process that supports many native tools such as the Device Manager, Event Viewer, and AD frameworks.
Now, many of you expressed concern about the mmc.exe being a virus. It is not. However, hackers tend to name the files carrying malicious code in manners that can be easily mistaken for names describing legitimate processes.
The purpose of this scheme is to avoid being detected. So, if you have suspicions, it’s best to run a malware scan.
You also wanted to know if deleting MMC.exe is an advisable measure. Well, it’s not recommended to do so with any Windows system processes as they all fulfill specific roles and help your PC function adequately.
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However, we get that the mmc.exe blocked by administrator error can be frustrating. So here’s how to solve it in 2 easy steps.
Why is MMC Exe blocked?
The mmc.exe blocked for your protection error may be brought on by the settings in your Group Policy. To resolve this issue, you will need to make a few adjustments, which will be detailed further down in this article.
Below are some of the other variations of this issue reported by other users:
- Device Manager blocked for your protection
- Your administrator has blocked this application Android phone
- An administrator has blocked you from running this app mmc.exe server 2016
Without further ado, let’s jump right into the list of solutions our team of experts provided to fix mmc.exe errors. Follow along!
How do I fix MMC.exe if the administrator blocks it?
1. Disable SmartScreen
- Launch the Windows Security Center. You can do this simply by clicking on the shield symbol along the right of the Taskbar.
- Click App & browser control from the list of options on the left.
- Click the Reputation-based protection settings option.
- Select the Off setting for Windows Defender SmartScreen applicable to each aspect; such as Check apps and files, SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge, and SmartScreen for Microsoft Store apps.
- There is going to be a warning message shown about your device being at risk once you have turned the SmartScreen protection off; (You shouldn’t be bothered by it if you are ready to take the risk).
- Consent to any confirmation box that shows up. The mmc.exe blocked by administrator error in Windows 10 will be fixed.
There are chances that SmartScreen blocks Computer Management. To fix Mmc.exe blocked for your protection error, disable SmartScreen and see if it works.
If your PC is used by another user who enjoys administrator status, you will have to ensure that the account has Computer Management in Group Policy enabled. Follow the next solution to see how you do it.
2. Enable Computer Management in Group Policy
- Open the Run dialog box by pressing Windows and R simultaneously. Type mmc and press Enter (This will launch the Local Group Policy Editor window).
- From the list of options on the left, click User Configuration, and select Administrative Templates. Then click Windows Components, choose Microsoft Management Console, and Restricted/Permitted snap-ins.
- In the right panel, right-click Computer Management and select Edit.
- Select Not Configured or Enabled and click OK.
Mmc.exe blocked for your protection error can be caused by your Group Policy settings, and to fix it, you need to make a few changes, as described above.
Restart your PC, and you should have the Mmc.exe blocked for your protection error in Windows 10 resolved.
3. Disable user account control temporarily
- Press Windows, then type uac and open the top result that says Change User Account Control settings.
- Next, move the slider down to Never Notify and click OK. The mmc.exe blocked by UAC issue will be fixed.
User Account Control, sometimes known as UAC, is a feature that lets enterprises deliver better-managed desktops and stops viruses from harming personal computers.
With UAC, applications and tasks will never operate in the security context of an administrator account unless an administrator explicitly permits administrator-level access to the system. But, of course, an administrator can only do this.
How do I fix mmc.exe blocked by the administrator in Windows 11?
Because each of the fixes above is also relevant to Windows 11, you must implement each. The steps will be similar in both OSs.
Check out our guide on changing the administrator account in Windows 11 in case you need to become one to follow the solutions above.
Is mmc.exe a virus?
Snap-ins are a host component object model utilized by MMC, which stands for Microsoft Management Console. These are the many different management snap-ins accessible from the Control Panel, such as the Device Manager.
These management snap-ins typically provide a graphical user interface (GUI), allowing users to make changes to the Windows Registry manually.
This mechanism is included in all contemporary iterations of Windows, thus it shouldn’t be causing any issues for users.
On the other hand, if you are not currently running a snap-in but still see this process in the Task Manager, it is a possibility that it is a virus masquerading as an otherwise legal service. If this is the case, we recommend you check out our list of 11 best virus removal tools.
This app has been blocked for your protection mmc.exe error can be annoying, but we hope you managed to fix it with one of our solutions.
If you have any other suggestions, we would be happy to read them in the comments section below.
