“An administrator prevented you from running this application” error may appear on Windows 10 when you try to open certain system or third-party programs. In this article, we will show you how to fix this error and run the applications you want without any problem.
Identify the cause of the problem
To effectively resolve this issue, it is crucial to identify its cause. Here are some common reasons why you might encounter this error message:
- Security Settings Issues
- User Account Control (UAC) too restrictive
- Problems with the application itself
- Software conflicts
Solution 1: Check security settings
It is possible that your system is blocking the application due to overly strict security settings . To check this, follow these steps:
- Open Control Panel.
- Go to System & Security > Security & Maintenance.
- Click the “Change Security Settings” link to access your system’s security settings.
- Make sure the settings are correct and apps are not blocked unnecessarily.
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Solution 2: Adjust User Account Control (UAC) settings
User Account Control (UAC) is a security mechanism in Windows 10 that prevents apps from making significant changes without user permission. However, setting UAC too strictly can cause problems. To adjust the UAC settings, follow these steps:
- Open Control Panel.
- Go to User Accounts > User Accounts.
- Click “Change User Account Control Settings.”
- Adjust the slider to change the level of notification and UAC control.
- Restart your computer and try running the application again.
Solution 3: Run the app as administrator
The app may require administrator permissions to function properly. To run the application as administrator, follow these steps:
- Right-click on the application icon.
- Select “Run as administrator” from the context menu.
- Confirm the action by clicking “Yes” in the UAC window that appears.
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Solution 4: Check for software conflicts
Sometimes other software can interfere with the application you are trying to run. To check for software conflicts, follow these steps:
- Restart your computer in Safe Mode by pressing the F8 key during startup.
- Try running the app in safe mode to see if it works properly.
- If the application works, there is a software conflict. You will need to identify the conflicting software and uninstall or update it.
Solution 5: Reinstall or update the app
The application itself may have issues. To fix this issue, you can try reinstalling or updating the app. Follow these steps:
- Uninstall the application using Control Panel or a third-party uninstaller utility. (Example in picture)
- Restart your computer.
- Find the latest version of the application on the developer's official website and install it.
- Try running the application to see if the problem is resolved.
Comparison table of solutions
| Solution | Benefits | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Check security settings | Can fix the problem quickly if the settings are incorrect | No major drawbacks |
| Adjust UAC settings | May allow the application to function correctly | May reduce system security if UAC is disabled |
| Execute as administrator | May fix the issue if the app requires admin permissions | May allow the application to make significant changes to the system |
| Check for software conflicts | Can identify conflicting software and resolve them | Can be tedious and require uninstalling or updating other software |
| Reinstall or update the app | Can fix issues with the app itself | Requires downloading and installing the app again |
FAQs
How to temporarily disable User Account Control (UAC) on Windows 10?
Temporarily disabling User Account Control (UAC) can be useful if you need to make changes to your system that require administrator permissions. Here's how to do it:
- Open Control Panel by searching for “Control Panel” in the Windows search bar.
- Go to “User Accounts” > “User Accounts” > “Change User Account Control Settings”.
- Move the slider down to “Never warn me”.
- Click “OK” to validate the changes and restart your computer.
Note that disabling UAC reduces the security of your system. Don't forget to turn UAC back on once you've completed the necessary changes.
What is the difference between an administrator account and a standard user account on Windows 10?
On Windows 10, there are two main types of accounts: administrator accounts and standard user accounts. Here are some key differences between the two:
- Administrator accounts: These accounts have all the necessary permissions to make significant changes to the system, install software, add or remove user accounts, and change security settings.
- Standard user accounts: These accounts have limited permissions and cannot make significant changes to the system. Standard user accounts can use applications, but they cannot install or uninstall software without administrator permission.
In general, it is recommended to use a standard user account for daily tasks to minimize security risks.
How to create an administrator account on Windows 10?
To create an administrator account on Windows 10, follow these steps:
- Press the “ Windows + X” keys and select “Control Panel” from the menu that appears.
- Go to “User Accounts” > “Manage Another Account”.
- Click “Add New User” and fill in the required information.
- Once the account is created, select it and click “Change account type”.
- Choose “Administrator” and click “Change account type”.
The new account is now an administrator account.
How to resolve “You must have administrator permissions to delete this folder” error?
If you encounter this error when trying to delete a folder, here's how to resolve it:
- Right-click on the folder you want to delete and select “Properties.”
- Go to the “Security” tab and click “Advanced”.
- Make sure your user account is the owner of the folder. If not, click “Edit” and select your account, then click “Apply” and “OK.”
- Return to the “Security” tab and click “Edit.”
- Make sure your account has “Full Control” permission and click “OK.”
You should now be able to delete the folder without error.
Can we bypass User Account Control (UAC) for specific applications?
Yes, it is possible to bypass User Account Control (UAC) for certain applications. Here's how to do it:
- Right-click the application shortcut and select “Properties.”
- Go to the “Compatibility” tab and check the “Run this program as administrator” box.
- Click “OK” to save the changes.
Now the application should run without triggering UAC. Note that this method is not recommended for applications that do not need administrator privileges, as it may expose your system to security risks.
How to reset an administrator account password on Windows 10?
If you forgot the password for an administrator account on Windows 10, here's how to reset it:
- Restart your computer and press the F8 key to access advanced startup options.
- Select “Safe Mode with Command Prompt” and press “Enter.”
- At the command prompt, type “net user” to display the list of user accounts.
- Type “net user username new_password” replacing “username” with the name of the administrator account and “new_password” with the desired new password.
- Press “Enter” to reset the password.
Restart your computer and you should be able to log in with the new password.
Conclusion
By following the answers to these frequently asked questions, you should be able to better understand and manage issues related to administrator accounts and User Account Control (UAC) on Windows 10. Remember that security of your system is important, and it is recommended that you use a standard user account for day-to-day tasks and reserve administrator accounts for major system changes. By taking the necessary precautions, you can keep your computer safe and stable while still enjoying its functionality. If you encounter other problems or have additional questions, please feel free to consult other resources in online or seek help from IT experts. Good luck managing your accounts and troubleshooting permissions issues on Windows 10.
