Fix: An Administrator Has Blocked You from Running This App

The error message ‘An administrator has blocked you from running this app’ typically means User Account Control (UAC) or system security settings have stopped the action to prevent potential threats. This often happens due to Windows SmartScreen filtering, which flags files without valid digital signatures or unsafe ones.

Sometimes, this issue arises due to strict group policies or admin restrictions set to block unauthorized software installation or risky apps.

This measure protects the system from malware, unverified apps, or accidental changes to critical configurations.

Important Note: Before bypassing these blocks, ensure the app is safe and trusted.

1. Disable Windows SmartScreen

Windows SmartScreen prevents unsafe apps from running via UAC but can interfere with trusted apps. Disabling it can help bypass these blocks.

Ensure the app is safe; otherwise, your PC could be vulnerable.

1. Press the Win key and type Settings.
2. Press Enter to open the Settings window.
3. Navigate to Privacy & Security on the left sidebar, then select Windows Security > Open Windows Security.
4. In the Windows Security window, click on App & Browser Control from the left menu. Then, click Reputation-based protection settings.
5. Turn off the toggles for both Check apps and files and SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge.
6. After disabling these options, try running or installing the app with the error message.

2. Disable and Re-enable UAC

If you’re sure the app is safe, you can temporarily disable UAC using the Registry Editor to stop the error. UAC prevents unauthorized changes by third-party or malicious software. Re-enable it after completing the task.

1. Press Win + R simultaneously to open the Run window.
2. Type regedit in the Run window and click OK to launch the Registry Editor.
   
3. In the Registry Editor, paste the following path into the address bar at the top and press Enter:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System

4. Find the file named EnableLUA in the right pane. Double-click it, and change the “Value data” field to 0.
5. Click OK to save changes, then restart your computer to apply them.
6. After restarting, check if the issue is resolved.

3. Run the App via Command Prompt with Admin Rights

You can avoid security blocks by running the app or installer as an admin. This allows the app or installer to access needed files and system settings.

1. Right-click the app or installer file. From the dropdown menu, click Run as administrator.
2. If the issue continues, try other suggested solutions.

4. Temporarily Disable Antivirus

If using third-party antivirus software like Avast, temporarily disable it. Sometimes, antivirus programs block trusted apps due to high resource usage or other reasons. Disabling antivirus temporarily can prevent interference with the app.

1. Right-click your Antivirus Software icon and hover over Manage or Settings.
2. Find the option to disable the antivirus software.
3. Click the disable option, then check if this solves the issue.

If the problem persists, consider creating a new user account and transfer your data. System file issues related to your account settings might be causing this error. Creating a new account can resolve it.