In some situations you want to prevent users from opening an application. In this article I will explain to you how to block a software application. This prevents the app from opening.
This is especially useful in a situation where, for example, you want to prevent other computer users from opening apps, or if you don't want your child or other family member to be able to open certain apps. Whatever the reason, blocking apps is possible with a free software program called “AskAdmin”.
Anyone can block certain apps, files or folders via askAdmin. This app is useful in different environments such as a home environment, but also in a work environment. Anyone can use it to block access without any knowledge of, for example, encryption or access management. It is a very user-friendly application that gives administrators more control over multiple types of access.
Block apps from running in Windows 11 or 10
To begin, download AskAdmin to your computer from the official website or a reliable source. After installing the software, open the program and you will see the main menu. Here you will find the “+” icon, specifically designed for adding executable files (also known as “exe files”) that you want to block.
This prevents other users from launching these programs. Do you also want to restrict access to certain folders? Then click on the icon representing a folder, also found in the menu. This functionality allows you to select specific folders and control access to them, effectively controlling who can view or use what data on your computer.
Restart Explorer
After successfully adding a file to AskAdmin to block, it is necessary to restart the Explorer for the changes to take effect. Before performing this step, it is critical to first secure any unsaved work in other applications.
You do this by saving your work to avoid losing important data. Once you are sure that all your important files and work are safely stored, you can click “Yes” to restart Explorer. Following this procedure will ensure that the file blocking is applied effectively, without risking data loss in other open programs.
Block application
From this moment on, access to the specific application is completely blocked for every user account on the computer. This means that no user, regardless of their account type or permissions, can access or use the app. The access restriction set by AskAdmin makes the application inaccessible to all accounts. This is an effective way to ensure that unwanted or unauthorized access to certain software is completely prevented.
In the AskAdmin window you can easily recognize which apps are blocked by looking at the red text. Apps that have been restricted from access by AskAdmin are clearly marked with a red color. This visual signal makes it quick and easy to identify which applications are currently inaccessible to users, helping you maintain a clear overview of your computer's security status.
Unblock application
To unblock an application in AskAdmin, simply click on the appropriate app in the list and then click on the “Unblock” button. This will immediately restore access to the app and make it available again to all users on the system.
If you want to restrict access to an app specifically for a certain user, rather than completely blocking it for everyone, you can right-click on the app that's in the list. Then choose the “Target Users” option. In the subsequent menu, you can select the specific user for whom you want to restrict access to the app.
This feature provides a flexible way to manage access rights, allowing you to precisely control who can use which applications on your computer.
AskAdmin extras
By clicking “Extras” in the AskAdmin menu, you open the option to restrict access to a wider range of applications and system functions. It falls under these additional options blocking the Microsoft Store, which prevents users from installing new apps or updating existing apps. Additionally, you can restrict access to built-in Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps, giving you tighter control over preinstalled software.
In addition, AskAdmin offers the ability to block critical Windows components, such as task management, the Windows registry, and the Microsoft Edge browser. This can be particularly useful to prevent users from changing system settings or accessing the Internet through the default Windows browser.
A notable feature within the “Extras” is the option to block network detection. This setting prevents your computer from being visible to other devices on the same network, providing an extra layer of privacy and security.
This comprehensive range of blocking options allows users to exercise a high degree of control over what can be done on their computer system, making AskAdmin a powerful tool for both personal and professional use to keep the digital environment secure and manageable.
Related: Block right mouse click menu in Windows 11 or Windows 10
I hope to have informed you with this. Thank you for reading!
Also read: This app has been blocked for your safety error message