How to Unblock Publisher on Windows 10

This annoying error code is something that has been bugging users from all around the world, especially the ones who recently upgraded their computers from an earlier version of Windows OS to Windows 10.

This does not happen solely to users who are trying to install a shady or a suspicious program but rather for almost all programs. After the error message appears, there are almost no instructions on how to resolve the issue because even after clicking on the “How do I unblock this options”, users are still unable to change anything.

Fixing this issue can be achieved in various different ways and they are almost always quite straight-forward. The error is quite common and users have reported that the methods written below have helped them resolve their issue immediately. Follow the rest of the article for more info!

Solution 1: Using Command Prompt With Administrator Permissions

This particular method has helped quite a lot of users fix their issue and it involves using the elevated Command Prompt in order to gain access to the file. This method can be achieved in several simple steps and it’s recommended that you try this one out before trying anything else.

1. Use the Windows Key + X key combination in order to open the menu where you should select the Command Prompt (Admin) option. Alternatively, you can right-click on the Start menu for the same effect or you can simply search for Command Prompt, right-click on it and select Run as administrator.

2. Locate the setup file of the program you want to install on your computer, Shift + Right-click on it and select Copy as path.

3. Paste the path in the Command Prompt by using the Ctrl + V key combination and click on the Enter key. The file should execute without problems and you should be able to install it on your computer.

Alternatively, you can open Command Prompt from the folder where you file is located and you can simply run the file from Command Prompt.

1. Right-click on the folder where the file you want to run is located and select the “Open command windows here” option.

2. After Command Prompt opens, copy and paste the name of the file you want to run. Make sure you include the “.exe” extension at the end of the file.

Solution 2: Edit the Properties of the File

Sometimes Windows blocks download executable files if its unable to verify its origin. However, if you are certain that the file you are trying to run is safe to use, you can overrun their security settings by editing the file’s properties.

1. Right click on the file and select Properties at the bottom of the context menu.
2. After you navigate to the General tab you should be able to see the “This file came from another computer and might be blocked to help protect this computer” message.
3. 
4. Select “Unblock” and click Apply in order to apply these changes. Try running the file again.

Solution 3: Using the Internet Explorer

Since some of the most essential Windows 10 settings can still be controlled if you try using Internet Explorer, this problem can also be addressed if you tweak certain settings in Internet Explorer. Follow the steps below carefully in order to try and fix you issue.

1. Open Internet Explorer by locating it in the Start menu. It should be located in the default apps list.
2. On the Tools menu, click Internet Options.

Note: If the menu is not available in the Internet Explorer window, press the ALT key on the keyboard to display the menu.

3. Navigate to the Content tab and check under the Certificate section.
4. Click on the Publishers button and navigate to the Untrusted Publishers section.
5. Locate the publisher whose software or file has been blocked and click on Remove in order to get rid of the security warning you have been receiving.
6. Try running the file again.

Solution 4: Disabling the Security Warning and User Account Control

Since Windows can sometimes overreact with their security warnings and messages, you can turn them off for a short period of time needed for you to install the program you are struggling with. You should undo these changes as soon as you are done with the process since the last thing you want to do is leave your computer unprotected.

*Disable Security File Warning**

1. Open Internet Explorer by locating it in the Start menu. It should be located in the default apps list.
2. On the Tools menu, click Internet Options.

3. Navigate to the Security tab, select Internet from the list of icons at the top of the Windows and click on the Custom level… option.

4. Locate the “Launching Applications and Unsafe Files” which should somewhere between the middle of the list and the end. Click on the radio button next to Enable.
5. Certain prompt may appear notifying you that changing these settings may be unsecure for your computer. You can ignore them but make sure you undo these changes later.

Unfortunately, some users have reported that, even after they have performed this method and they were able to get rid of the annoying error message, another message appear stating “This app has been blocked for your protection”. This is controlled by User Account Control and you may have to disable it for now if you want to install the file. Make sure you re-enable it after you install the file.

1. Open Control Panel by searching for it in the Start menu.
2. Switch the View by option in Control Panel to Large Icons and locate the User Accounts option.
3. Open it and click on “Change User Account Control Settings”.
4. You will notice that there are several different options you can choose on the slider. If your slider is set at the top level, you will definitely receive more of these pop-up messages than usual.
5. Try decreasing this value by one if it’s at the top slider and check to see if it helped.
6. We recommend you turn it off for now as the file should probably install successfully. You may also be able to run the file even if you don’t disable UAC completely, but you should definitely leave it on as it serves to protect your PC.