Windows 11, like its predecessors, offers a robust set of tools for managing your computer system. One such tool is the Microsoft Management Console (MMC), accessible through the mmc.exe command. However, you might encounter the frustrating "This app has been blocked for your protection" error message when trying to access it.

This issue generally stems from Windows 11's security measures, which are designed to protect your system from potentially harmful applications. Let's explore some effective methods to resolve this issue.

Modify the Registry to Disable and Re-enable UAC

This method involves editing the registry to temporarily disable UAC, which can immediately fix the issue.

Warning: Modifying the registry can cause serious problems if not done correctly. It's recommended to back up the registry before proceeding.

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type regedit inside the Run dialog and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  1. Navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
  1. In the right pane, locate the EnableLUA DWORD value.
  2. Double-click on EnableLUA and change the value data from 1 to 0.
  1. Click OK and close the Registry Editor.
  1. Restart your computer.
  2. After the restart, try accessing the Computer Management console. If the error is resolved, it's recommended to re-enable UAC:
  3. Repeat steps 1 to 3 to open the Registry Editor and navigate to the same path.
  4. Change the EnableLUA value back to 1.
  1. Click OK and close the Registry Editor.
  1. Restart your computer again.

Enable the Built-in Administrator Account

Using the built-in Administrator account can help bypass the error, as this account has elevated privileges without UAC.

  1. Press Win + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
  1. In the command prompt, type the following command and press Enter:
net user administrator /active:yes
  1. Sign out of your current account.
  1. Sign in using the Administrator account.
  2. Try accessing the Computer Management console by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting Computer Management.
  1. If the error is resolved, you can perform the necessary tasks. Remember to disable the Administrator account afterward for security reasons:
  2. To disable the Administrator account, open the command prompt as an administrator again. Type the following command and press Enter:
net user administrator /active:no

Check and Fix Cryptographic Services

Issues with the Cryptographic Services can cause this error. Adjusting its settings might resolve the problem.

  1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter to open the Services console.
  1. Scroll down and locate Cryptographic Services.
  2. Right-click on Cryptographic Services and select Properties.
  1. Ensure the Startup type is set to Automatic.
  1. Navigate to the Log On tab.
  2. Ensure that This account is selected and set to Network Service.
  1. Clear any passwords in the password fields.
  1. Click Apply and then OK.
  1. Restart your computer.

Run System File Checker and DISM

Corrupted system files can lead to this error. Running System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) can repair these files.

  1. Open the Start menu, type cmd and click on 'Run as administrator'.
  1. Type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow
  1. Wait for the scan to complete.
  2. After the SFC scan, run the following command:
Dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth
  1. Wait for the process to finish, then restart your computer.

By following these methods, you should be able to resolve the "This app has been blocked for your protection" error and regain access to the Computer Management console in Windows 11.