How to block programs and applications in Windows 11

  • Blocking unwanted applications improves the performance of the operating system by reducing the load on the CPU.
  • Some apps may introduce spam and invasive advertising, affecting the user experience.
  • It is important to prevent security risks by blocking software that could be a gateway to malware.
  • Windows 11 offers several tools, such as Microsoft Defender and PowerShell, to effectively filter these applications.
Daniel Terrasa

5 minutes

windows 11 block apps

Many users frequently encounter problems caused by unwanted applications in Windows 11. These programs, even if they aren't malware, often slow down your PC. In this post, we'll see how to block programs and applications in Windows 11.

Enabling application blocking through Microsoft Defender in Windows is relatively easy to do, as we'll discuss below. This is one of the methods to achieve our goal. Before we begin, we'll explain the importance of having this type of tool on our computers, so we can use them smoothly and safely.

Why should you block certain programs in Windows 11?

Some programs are often grouped under the label of "potentially unwanted applications." These are usually non-malicious software , but their presence on your PC can, under certain circumstances, have negative consequences. Here are some reasons why it's advisable to block them:

  • When they are programs that They slow down the normal functioning of our PC.
  • If they can contain spam and invasive advertising, which translates into a bad experience for the user.
  • When we suspect that they may be the gateway to malicious files.

So, for our peace of mind and for the proper functioning of our computer, we are going to see what methods we have to block programs and applications in Windows 11. We propose three ways to do it. Three methods that work.

Block launch of .exe files

block programs windows 11

The basic method for implementing this type of blocking involves accessing the Group Policy Editor and finding the specific option to block applications from launching. To do this, it's important to know the exact name of the .exe file of the program you want to block.

It is a somewhat long operation, although not particularly complicated. We explain everything step by step:

  1. First of all, let's go to Start Menu of Windows 11 and we write gpedit.exe.
  2. Then we click on the option shown in the results. In this way we access the policy control screen.
  3. In the options in the left column, we select the one User settings.
  4. Then we will Administrative Templates.
  5. In the next step, click on System, screen within which we select the option «Do not run specified Windows applications.
  6. On this same option, we right click and, in the box that opens, we select To edit.
  7. Doing this opens a screen with various options. We choose the option "Enabled", which is located at the top (see image above).
  8. Then, in the list of disallowed applications, click on the button "Show".
  9. Finally, a last screen opens in which we must write the names of the .exe files that we want to block on Windows 11.

After inserting the names of the programs to block in Windows 11, we press the "Apply" button and then restart the PC so that the changes are updated.

Block potentially unwanted apps

Windows Defender

This second method is also very effective at blocking programs and applications in Windows 11. It relies on using a proven tool like Windows Defender . After all, we're trying to protect our computer, and that's one of its main functions. Here's how to proceed:

  1. To begin, we go to the Windows 11 start menu. In the search box we write «Window Securitys » and we execute.
  2. Then, in the search results, we select Application and browser control.
  3. Then we click Reputation-based protection configuration.  
  4. After answering "Yes" to the permission request to continue, a control will appear on the screen that allows us to activate or deactivate the possible blocking of unwanted applications. We click on the button to "Activate “Potentially unwanted application blocking settings.”

That's all. Leaving this setting activated, Windows Defender will be responsible for blocking applications and blocking downloads.

Locking using PowerShell

powershell

There is still a way to block programs in Windows 11: using PowerShell , a Microsoft operating system component that is gradually replacing CMD, or Command Prompt. In this case, for example, it proves extremely practical. Here's what you need to do:

  1. We click on the button Home and there we write PowerShell in the search box. Then we click Run as administrator.
  2. After we write the following command, pressing Enter to install this package: PowerShellGet –: WindowsDefender_InternalEvaluationSettings

Conclusion

Having the ability to block applications and programs in Windows 11 is a guarantee that our PC will function properly and, incidentally, that we won't expose ourselves to unnecessary risks. In this post, we've presented three ways to achieve this: blocking the launch of .exe files, using Windows Defender, or installing a specific package via PowerShell. It's simply a matter of choosing the most convenient method for each user.


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