Fix: This App Has Been Blocked by Your System Administrator
Outdated applications may become incompatible with your PC
- You will likely get this app has been blocked by your System Administrator error message while trying to launch an application if it is harmful to the computer.
- As a precaution, Windows Defender may flag an app as malicious and thus, prevents you from accessing its content.
- Administrator privileges may be required to access the app and if you don't have it, the app will be inaccessible.
Some of our readers have recently reported that they come across an error message that reads this app has been blocked by your System Administrator while trying to launch an application on their Windows PC.
Whenever you come across this issue, it is possible that the app is harmful to the device. We’ve compiled potential fixes to avoid the error in this article.
Why is this app blocked by System Administrator?
There can be several reasons why you’re getting this app has been blocked by your System Administrator error message. Below are some of them;
- Windows Defender or SmartsScreen has blocked the app – This error message may appear for security reasons if any application appears to pose a risk to your desktop. Your Windows PC comes pre-installed with Windows Defender and SmartScreen which scans your computer for malicious software and phishing attacks.
- Third-party Antivirus Software – The issue is similar if you’re using a third-party antivirus program that might assume the app you’re trying to download is infected.
- Applock enabled by Administrator – Only the Windows Professional edition is affected by this problem. It is likely that the administrator of the domain network to which your computer is linked has set specific Applock policies that limit the downloading of programs.
- Access Restricted by Administrator – There may be restrictions on the updates and features you can use if Windows is running under the default account rather than an administrative account.
- Outdated Application – Another reason for this problem could be that the software has been withdrawn by the developers or that the current version of Windows does not support your application.
Now that you know some of the potential reasons behind the error, the next section will provide you with simplified step-by-step instructions on how to fix the issue.
What can I do if I get this app has been blocked by your System Administrator?
Before engaging in any advanced troubleshooting or settings tweaks, users should ensure they perform the following preparatory checks;
- Restart your PC.
- Ensure that the application is safe to download and will not affect your PC.
- Disable the security settings hindering the launch of the app.
Having confirmed the above checks and if you still require further assistance, you can explore the advanced solutions provided below.
1. Unblock the App from the Properties
- Right-click on the app and select Properties from the context menu.
- Once the window opens, navigate to the General tab. At the bottom of the page, check the box next to the Unblock option.
- Click on Apply followed by OK to save the changes.
- Now, launch the app.
Expert tip:
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Some PC issues are hard to tackle, especially when it comes to missing or corrupted system files and repositories of your Windows.
Be sure to use a dedicated tool, such as Fortect, which will scan and replace your broken files with their fresh versions from its repository.
Some files are blocked by Windows’ security function, particularly those downloaded from the internet. In this scenario, before the app launches, you must unblock your app file from Properties.
2. Disable SmartsScreen temporarily
- Press the Windows button, search for Windows Security, and launch it.
- Now, click on the App & browser control icon. Next, click on the Reputation-based protection settings link.
- Under Check apps and files, select off.
- Select off under the Smart Screen for Microsoft Edge.
- Under Smart Screen for Microsoft Store apps, select off.
- Now, try downloading the app again and check if the problem is fixed.
- Then, turn on the SmartsScreen following the steps above.
Disabling the SmartScreen for a period will allow for the application to download without any hindrance. However, do this only if you’re sure the app is safe.
3. Disable third-party antivirus software or make app exception
- On your PC’s notification tray, right-click on the antivirus software.
- Select Disable. Then, proceed to make an exception for your app.
- Launch the Windows Security.
- Under Virus and Threat Protection settings click on Manage Settings.
- Next, click on the Add or remove exclusions link.
- To select the file which you want to download, click on the + Add an exclusion icon.
- Finally, click on OK.
If turning off the SmartScreen still doesn’t let you download the app, third-party antivirus software may be blocking it. The software allows you to either disable the application or set an exception just for it.
4. Run the app as an Administrator
- Right-click on your app’s shortcut and click on Properties.
- Navigate to the General tab. Copy the path displayed as the location of the app and close Properties.
- Click on the Start icon and type command prompt, and select Run as administrator.
- Next, paste the app’s copied path by pressing Ctrl + V. Then, press Enter.
- Command Prompt will now launch your app as an administrator.
To fix this app has been blocked by your System Administrator, you can run the file as an administrator. In case you encounter problems with command prompt, you can explore our dedicated guide to fix it.
Also similar to this issue is a report that an administrator has blocked you from running this app. You can explore it for further assistance.
Make sure you work your way through the steps provided in this article from start to finish to know what works best for you.
If you have any questions or suggestions on what to do if users get this app has been blocked by your System Administrator error message, please don’t hesitate to use the comments section below.
Still experiencing issues?
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If the above suggestions have not solved your problem, your computer may experience more severe Windows troubles. We suggest choosing an all-in-one solution like Fortect to fix problems efficiently. After installation, just click the View&Fix button and then press Start Repair.
