During the software installation process, you often receive the message “This app has been blocked for your protection” on your Windows 10 computer but doesn’t know how to fix it.
Don’t worry, follow the article below to know how to fix the error on laptops and PCs quickly and effectively!
Table of Contents
What is the error?
The error “This app has been blocked for your protection” appears on the computer when the user runs a strange file or application of unknown origin; it is prevented by the Windows Defender SmartScreen feature, built-in from Windows 8 and up (including Windows 10).
Whenever you install an application or a file, SmartScreen will check it against data from Microsoft and warn when it encounters malicious software, helping to avoid installing malicious code (malware) on the device.
How to fix This app has been blocked for your protection
Open Files Blocked By Windows Defender Smartscreen
As we mentioned above, if you are sure that the file you are opening is safe, you can use this method to open files blocked by Windows Defender SmartScreen. The detailed instructions are as follows:
Step 1: You go to the file or program that SmartScreen is blocking.
Step 2: Right-click on that file.
Step 3: Click on Properties.
Step 4: You put an X in the Unblock checkbox.
Step 5: Click Apply.
At this point, the file (or program) that you want to open will be considered safe by SmartScreen and you can open it any time you want. If you have problems during the process, try using Administrator rights and repeat the steps above and the “This app has been blocked for your protection” error on Windows 10 computers will be complete.
Fix This app has been blocked for your protection by disable Windows Defender Smartscreen
If you feel that Windows Defender SmartScreen is an annoying feature, you can still turn it off with the simple steps below:
Step 1: Launch Windows Defender Security Center by entering Windows Security into the Start Menu and selecting the corresponding result.
Step 2: Click the App and browser control button located on the left side of the window. Then click on the Reputation-based protection settings option.
Step 3: In the Check apps and files section, check Off.
Step 4: You check Off in the SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge section.
Step 5: Similarly, you also select Off in the SmartScreen for the Microsoft Store apps section.
From this point on, SmartScreen has been completely disabled. If you still want to receive a warning whenever potentially malicious files or programs are detected, you can select Warn in each SmartScreen section (instead of choosing Off).
See more: How to fix This device cannot start. (Code 10)
Using Local Group Policy
Through Local Group Policy, you will be allowed to turn off approval permission from the administrator. This will allow you to run and install the application on your computer.
The steps are as follows:
Step 1. You press the Windows + R key combination to open the Run window => Enter the command “gpedit.msc” > Click OK.
Step 2: Now a new window will appear, click the drop-down arrow in front of Computer Configuration and follow the following path:
Computer Configuration => Windows Settings => Security Settings => Local Policies => Security Options.
Step 3: In the right pane, scroll to find User Account Control: Run all administrators in Admin Approval Mode > Double-click this item.
Step 4: A pop-up appears, select Disabled > Click Apply > Click OK.
The short article above has just shown you how to fix “This app has been blocked for your protection Windows 10” error by unblocking the opening of files and applications caused by Windows Defender SmartScreen. Good luck.
