How to Block Program Launches in Windows

If you need to prevent certain programs from running on a Windows computer, whether to enhance security or to control application usage, this guide will walk you through a few effective methods. Windows offers several ways to restrict access to applications, ranging from built-in settings to third-party utilities. Let’s explore the most efficient methods.

Method 1: Using the Group Policy Editor

This method is available for users of Windows Pro and Enterprise editions, which include the Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc). Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Open the Group Policy Editor by pressing Win + R and typing gpedit.msc.
  2. Navigate to User Configuration → Administrative Templates → System.
  3. Find the “Don’t run specified Windows applications” setting and double-click it.
  4. Select “Enabled”, then click the “Show…” button to add the list of applications to block.
  5. In the window that opens, enter the executable file name of the program you wish to block (e.g., notepad.exe).
  6. Click “OK” and “Apply” to save your changes.

After doing this, the selected application will be blocked for all users on the computer.

Method 2: Editing the Registry

For users of Windows Home, where the Group Policy Editor is unavailable, you can alternatively modify the registry:

  1. Open the Registry Editor by pressing Win + R and typing regedit.
  2. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer. If the Explorer key doesn’t exist, create it.
  3. Create a new DWORD value named DisallowRun and set its value to 1.
  4. Now, create a subkey named DisallowRun under Explorer.
  5. Inside the DisallowRun subkey, create string values named sequentially (e.g., 1, 2) for each program to block, entering the program’s executable name (like notepad.exe).

Restart your computer to apply the changes. This method allows you to block applications for individual users.

Method 3: Using Parental Controls

If you want to restrict access to programs for children or specific users, Windows offers a built-in parental control feature:

  1. Open Settings (Win + I) and go to Accounts → Family & other users.
  2. Add a new account for the child or restricted user if one doesn’t exist.
  3. Set up parental controls through Microsoft Family Safety (available at account.microsoft.com/family).
  4. In the “Apps & Games” section, set age restrictions and select specific apps to block.

This method is especially convenient if you want to manage children’s access to apps and online content.

Method 4: Using Third-Party Software

There are also third-party programs available that help block program launches in Windows, such as AppLocker or Simple Run Blocker. These tools provide more flexible options and are convenient for users needing regular control over many applications.

To sum up, Windows provides several ways to prevent programs from launching, suitable for different operating system versions and user skill levels. Whichever method you choose, make sure the changes align with your security needs and ease of use.