Phenquestions
Windows Program Blocker is a free App or Application blocker software to block software from running on Windows 8.1/8/7. The AppLocker in Windows lets an administrator block or allow certain users from installing or using certain applications. You can use black-listing rules or white-listing rules to achieve this result. If your version of Windows has the Group Policy Editor, you can configure it to run only specified Windows Applications or block users from installing or running programs. But if you are looking for a quick way to block or allow software from running on your Windows PC, do check out our freeware Program Blocker.
Block software applications from running
Program Blocker is a portable TWC freeware that lets you block any desktop application. You can block it with a password or simply make it non-functional on your computer. The program is completely based on the idea of simply blocking applications from running, without taking any chances with the system, as a result of which the program does not make any changes in the registry and operates independently of the system.
The UI of the program is entirely based on the new Metro UI by Microsoft. The color schemes and the buttons are somewhat similar to those of Windows 8 apps thus giving you a premium feel.
Program Blocker Features
Password Protection. So that no one other than you can access the Program Blocker, the software comes with in-built security features. You can secure the software using a master password. You can create a strong master password at the first start and then if you want you can modify the password or recovery email later through the settings. Don't worry if you've forgotten the password, recovery options are available too - but you will have to give your email ID for this feature to work. So it is important that you give your email ID for the recovery option to work. The other way is to write the password down and save it where others won't be able to find it.
Block Applications. Blocking applications are the very basic function of the software; you can block almost any windows application. There are 35 commonly preloaded applications that you can choose from but if you want to block some other application, then you can manually browse for the exe file and add it to the 'Blocked Applications' list. In addition to these, Program Blocker automatically blocks a few system apps like Windows Task Manager, Registry Editor, etc. to enhance the security and functioning of the software. You can even disable system applications blockers from the settings.
Task Manager. As already mentioned, Program Blocker by default blocks some system applications including the Windows Task Manager, so that no one can terminate Program Blocker. As a replacement for Windows Task Manager, another simple task manager is added to the software that lets a user kill any process. If the Program Blocker is running then 'Ctrl+Shift+Esc' will bring up the Program Blocker's Task Manager, and not the Windows Task Manager.
Hidden Mode. If you want the software to operate silently without any pop-up messages or alerts, then you can do so by simply enabling the Hidden Mode from settings. Hidden Mode will make the software completely hidden from the taskbar, system tray, etc. but it will continue blocking the apps. If a blocked application tries to run, there will be no notification or pop-up displayed by the software. So if you want to stay hidden, then go for the Hidden Mode. Once the program is in the hidden mode you access it only by a combination of keyboard keys, by default the hotkey is 'Ctrl + T' but again, you can change it from Settings.
There are several other features and options included in the Program Blocker that you will discover when you will use it. Before you use it, do remember to create a system restore point first.
Program Blocker has been developed by me for TheWindowsClub.com. It has been tested on Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, 32-bit and 64-bit, but works on Windows 10 too. Program Blocker is portable. That means It does not require installation or uninstallation.
How to remove Program Blocker
To uninstall or remove the portable Program Blocker tool, click on 'Disable Blocker' and then delete the Program folder.
If you wish to give you feedback or report bugs, please do so in the comments section below, and I will try to address them.
