Windows Has Blocked Access to This File: How to Fix it

Reconfigure the file properties to get things running

Fix » Windows 10

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by Ivan Jenic 

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Key notes

  • When Windows has blocked access to a file, it's generally one that poses a threat to the PC.
  • There have been instances when Windows Security incorrectly flagged a file as a threat, even when it belonged to a critical process.
  • To fix things, change the file properties or edit the Group Policy, amongst other solutions.
fix windows has blocked access to this file error

Windows 10 is an amazing platform, but sometimes you won’t be able to access certain files due to an error, with the message reading, To help protect your computer, Windows has blocked access to this file.

This issue can hinder your work, and in today’s article, we’re going to show you how to fix this pesky error once and for all.

How do I unblock files on Windows 10?

1. Change file properties

  1. Right-click on the file that Windows has blocked, and select Properties.properties
  2. In the General tab, check the Unblock option under the Security section, and click OK to save the changes.

That’s it! One of the easiest ways to fix things when Windows has blocked access to a file is to unblock it manually.

2. Run the file anyway

  1. When the error message appears, click on More info.more info to fix windows has blocked access to this file
  2. Click on Run anyway, and you will be able to open the file or app.

3. Edit Local Policy settings

Tip icon Tip
The Local Group Policy Editor is only available on Pro and Enterprise editions of Windows. Users running the Home edition will have to manually install the Group Policy Editor.
  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type gpedit.msc and hit Enter.
  2. From the options on the left, select User Configuration, expand Administrative Templates, choose Windows Components, and then click on Attachment Manager.
  3. Double click the Do not preserve zone information in file attachments policy.
    Enable 'Do not preserve zone information in file attachments' if PC has blocked access to this file
  4. Select Enabled.
    enable do not preserve zone information PC has blocked access to this file
  5. Click on Apply and OK.
  6. Restart your PC.

This way, Windows won’t tally the file attachments with their zone information anymore, and Windows has blocked access to this file error shouldn’t appear anymore.

Before you leave, check the best antivirus for Windows and get one today if Windows Security keeps blocking files.

If these methods worked for you, feel free to let us know using the comments section below.

Ivan Jenic

Ivan Jenic Shield

Windows Hardware Expert

Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting. When he's not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.