How to fix 'This program is blocked by group policy'

This can occur in environments where system administrators have enforced restrictions on software execution.

This Program Is Blocked by Group Policy

Group Policy is a Windows utility that allows network administrators to deploy user, security, and networking policies across multiple computers at the individual machine level.

The "This program is blocked by group policy" error typically occurs when a user accidentally enables the Software Restriction Policy or when another application or bug inadvertently activates it.

The "application or program cannot be opened" issue can also arise from third-party security programs that block certain applications.

Next, I will outline methods to fix the "this program is blocked by group policy" error.

Some web hosting companies, such as GoDaddy, restrict website compilation on their servers, likely due to security concerns.

To resolve the issue, open your web.config file and either remove or comment out the <system.codedom> tag.

<configuration>  
  <!--<system.codedom>  
    <compilers>
      <compiler   
        language="c#;cs;csharp"  
        extension=".cs"  
        type="Microsoft.CSharp.CSharpCodeProvider, System,   
          Version=1.0.5000.0, Culture=neutral,   
          PublicKeyToken=b77a5c561934e089"  
        compilerOptions=""  
        warningLevel="1" />  
    </compilers>  
  </system.codedom>-->
</configuration>

The <system.codedom> element contains compiler configuration settings for language providers installed on a computer other than the default providers installed with the .NET Framework, such as CSharpCodeProvider and VBCodeProvider.

Check Group Policy Settings

Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog, then type gpedit.msc and click OK to access the Group Policy window.

Check under User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> System for policies like "Don't run specified Windows applications" or "Run only specified Windows applications."

Ensure that the application path is allowed in the policy. Sometimes, specific applications or paths may be blocked.

Open Control Panel, search for Administrative Tools and open it, then navigate to Local Security Policy and double-click it.

Next, Expand Software Restriction Policies > Enforcement.

Select All users except local administrators, then click Apply and restart your PC.