


How to fix a 'This app has been blocked for your protection' message in Windows
Aug 01, 2025 am 05:46 AMIf you see "This app has been blocked for your protection," it’s due to Windows SmartScreen; to safely resolve it: 1. First verify the app is safe by checking its source, digital signature, and reviews; 2. Click "More info" then "Run anyway" to override the block safely; 3. Only if necessary, temporarily disable SmartScreen via Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > App & browser control, but re-enable it after use; 4. Unblock the file via Properties by checking "Unblock" under the General tab if downloaded from the internet; 5. For trusted apps, add it to Windows Defender exclusions via Virus & threat protection settings; 6. For untrusted apps, run them in a sandbox or virtual machine to protect your system; always balance caution with practicality, as Windows is being overprotective, not malfunctioning.
If you see the message "This app has been blocked for your protection" when trying to run a program on Windows, it’s due to Windows SmartScreen, a security feature designed to prevent potentially harmful apps from running. While this helps protect your system, it can sometimes block legitimate programs—especially those that are less common, self-compiled, or downloaded from smaller developers.

Here’s how to safely resolve this issue:
1. Check if the App is Safe First
Before bypassing the warning, verify the app is trustworthy:

- Did you download it from the developer’s official website?
- Is the file digitally signed?
- Are there reviews or documentation confirming it’s safe?
?? Never bypass this warning for apps from unknown or suspicious sources. Malware often triggers this alert.
2. Use the "More Info" Option to Run Anyway
Windows usually allows you to override the block if you’re confident the app is safe.

Steps:
- Click "More info" under the warning message.
- A second option will appear: "Run anyway".
- Click "Run anyway" to start the app.
? This is the safest built-in method and doesn’t require disabling system protections.
3. Temporarily Disable SmartScreen (Not Recommended for Most Users)
If the "Run anyway" option doesn’t appear, or you’re repeatedly blocked, you can adjust SmartScreen settings—but only temporarily and with caution.
On Windows 10/11:
- Open Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security.
- Click App & browser control.
- Under Check apps and files, select Off (temporarily).
- Run your app.
- Re-enable SmartScreen immediately afterward.
?? Leaving this off increases your risk of malware.
4. Unblock the File via Properties (If Downloaded from Internet)
Sometimes, Windows blocks files simply because they came from the internet—even if safe.
To unblock:
- Right-click the app’s
.exe
file > Properties. - At the bottom of the General tab, check "Unblock" (if present).
- Click Apply > OK.
- Try running the app again.
This removes the "downloaded from the internet" flag that triggers SmartScreen.
5. Add App to Windows Defender Exclusion (Advanced)
If you trust the app and use it regularly, you can exclude it from Microsoft Defender scans.
Steps:
- Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
- Under "Virus & threat protection settings", click Manage settings.
- Scroll down to Exclusions > Add or remove exclusions.
- Click Add an exclusion > choose File or Folder.
- Select the app or its folder.
? This won’t stop SmartScreen but prevents Defender from flagging it later.
6. Alternative: Run in a Sandbox or Virtual Machine
For untrusted or experimental apps, consider running them in:
- Windows Sandbox (available in Pro editions)
- A virtual machine
- Tools like AnyDesk Sandbox or Firewall App Blocker
This keeps your main system protected while testing.
The key is balance: don’t ignore security warnings blindly, but know how to proceed safely when you’re sure the app is legitimate. Most of the time, using "More info" > "Run anyway" is all you need.
Basically, Windows is just being overprotective—not broken.
The above is the detailed content of How to fix a 'This app has been blocked for your protection' message in Windows. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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