How to Unblock a Publisher in Windows 10

By Achilles Hill | Last Updated August 28, 2025

Sometimes, when you try to install software that Windows 10 cannot verify, you might see this dialog that remind you publisher has been blocked in Windows 10.

The dialog shows:" This publisher has been blocked from running software on your machine ". It happens when Windows can't verify a program's digital signature. Here's how to safely unblock it and get the app running.

Option 1: Run as Admin via Command Prompt

Step 1: Go and find the physical location of the program and find the installation file ( this file usually end with .exe ) of it, then there are two ways to copy path of the installation file. Here offers 2 ways to copy path.

Way 1: Click the address bar to copy the path simply.

Way 2: Right-click your mouse and press Shift button at same time, and it will alert a list of options, choose the Copy as path. All the actions are shown in under picture.

Step 2: Press Win + X at same time, then you will see a menu appearing, select the "Command prompt(Admin)" to open a prompt.

Step 3: When Command prompt(Admin) is appearing, you should right click the mouse, choose Paste in the next coming menu.

Step 4: Then click to finish installation.

Option 2: Unblock the File via Properties

Step 1: Locate the setup .exe file in File Explorer. Then right-click it and choose Properties.

Step 2: On the General tab, look for the message: "This file came from another computer and might be blocked to help protect this computer."

Step 3: Check Unblock, then click Apply and OK. Finally, you can double-click to run the program again.

Option 3: Remove Publisher from Untrusted Certificate List

If Windows still flags the installer:

Step 1: Press Win + R, input inetcpl.cpl, and click the OK button.

Step 2: Go to the Content tab and click Certificates.

Step 3: Select Untrusted Publishers. Then choose your software's publisher from the list. After that, click Remove.

Method 4: Temporarily Disable SmartScreen (With Caution)

If you're sure the source is trustworthy, you can temporarily disable SmartScreen. Just open Windows Security and click App & browser control. On the right panel, set Check apps and files to Off.

Related Articles:

• How to Turn on or off SmartScreen in Microsoft Edge on Windows 10
• 2 Ways to Disable or Block Microsoft Account in Windows 10
• Fixed-- Windows Password Incorrect After Sleep or Update