Fix: An administrator has blocked you from running this app

The error message “An administrator has blocked you from running this app” typically occurs when Windows blocks an application from running due to security settings. This message indicates that the operating system’s User Account Control (UAC) or Microsoft Defender SmartScreen has determined that the application may pose a security risk.

The most common cause is strict UAC settings or a conflict with third-party antivirus software. Even users with administrative privileges may face this issue, particularly in environments with domain policies or specific system configurations.

Solution 1: Using the Hidden Administrator Account

Even though you are probably the only user of the PC and even if you are confident that you have administrator permissions, you will still need to use an alternate Administrator account to install a program.

1. Type “Command Prompt” in your Search bar, right-click on it, and select “Run as administrator”.
2. Copy and paste the following command in Command Prompt and press Enter. You should see the “The command completed successfully” message in no time.

net user administrator /active:yes

3. Sign out of your current session by clicking on the Windows logo in the lower-left part of your screen. Click on the account logo and select “Sign out”.
4. Sign in to your Administrator account and wait for a couple of minutes.
5. Locate the file you want to install and install it without any problems.
6. Sign out of the Administrator account and go back to your original account.
7. To disable this hidden Administrator account, you will need to access Command Prompt with admin rights and paste the following command:

net user administrator /active:no

Solution 2: Disabling Windows SmartScreen

Windows SmartScreen is a built-in component in all Windows operating systems starting from Windows 8. It is cloud-based and serves to protect your computer. However, it may prevent certain executable files from opening in order to protect you. That is why you will need to disable it or work around it in order to install some apps.

1. Locate the file you want to run or install, right-click on it, and select Properties.
2. Locate the checkbox next to “Unblock” and check it.
3. This should bypass SmartScreen since we have marked this file as safe.
4. Try running the file now.

If the issue persists, you might consider disabling Windows SmartScreen briefly in order to run the file. Please re-enable it again or you risk exposing your Windows PC to malware.

1. Open Windows Defender Security Center by searching for it or by right-clicking on the shield icon in the right part of your taskbar and selecting “Open”.
2. Expand the menu on the right by clicking on top of it and open “App and browser control”.
3. Locate the “Check apps and files” section and turn it Off.
4. Try running the file now.

After you have finished installing or running a file, make sure to re-enable Windows SmartScreen by following the same steps. This time, click on “Block” in the “Check apps and files” section.

Solution 3: Running the File via Command Prompt

Running Command Prompt with admin rights can give you more control over your PC. We are going to use this to run this problematic file and bypass the “An administrator has blocked you from running this app” error.

1. First of all, locate the problematic file, right-click on it, and select Properties.
2. Copy the full location of the file.
3. After that, run Command Prompt with admin rights by right-clicking on it and selecting this option.
4. Paste the location of your file and add the name of the file with .exe at the end.
5. Press Enter and check whether it will run.

Solution 4: Disabling Antivirus

If you are using third-party antivirus software on your computer, it is possible that it might be blocking you from accessing the files, and the “An Administrator has Blocked you from running this app” error message might be triggered. Therefore, it is recommended to disable the antivirus software installed on your computer and check to see if the issue goes away. If it does, add an exception for the application that you are trying to run or keep the antivirus disabled.

For Disabling

1. Right-click on the “Antivirus” icon in the system tray.
2. In most antivirus software, there is an option to disable the antivirus from there.
3. If no option is available, search the web for directions to disable your antivirus.

Adding an Exception

1. Open the antivirus software and click on the “Scan” option.
2. Click on the “Add an Exception” option and select the “Add Folder” option.
3. Select the folder in which the application has been installed.
4. Try to run the application and check to see if the issue persists.