Put a lock and key around your PC with AskAdmin for Windows.

It’s your Windows computer, so it only makes sense that you should choose what other users can access while using it.

Maybe you don’t want users to use Skype or go into a certain folder with sensitive information. Perhaps, you don’t want them installing apps through the Microsoft Store. You can block access to all these things and more using an app called AskAdmin.

Here’s how to restrict apps, files, and folders with AskAdmin.

AskAdmin is a freemium app, meaning it has both free and paid features – the free features are all you need for this guide. To download the app, go to the AskAdmin download page. Then, scroll down and click the Download button.

AskAdmin will be downloaded as a ZIP file, which you must unzip on your Windows computer. Then, open the folder you extracted and double-click on AskAdmin.exe or AskAdmin_x64.exe, depending on whether you’re using a 32-bit or 64-bit system, to launch the installer.

Once you agree to the UAC prompt by clicking Yes, follow the instructions to continue installing AskAdmin.

You can block access to an app, file, and folder by adding it to AskAdmin’s block list.

Since AskAdmin makes changes to your computer, we recommend creating a system restore point on your Windows computer that you can use to revert changes in case something goes wrong.

The list is quite easy to create, and all you have to do is launch AskAdmin, and then drag and drop the item you wish to block into the open window.

There’s another way to add items to the block list. In the AskAdmin window, click the blue plus icon in the top right part. In the dialog box, search for the item you wish to add to the block list.

When you find the item, select it and click the Open button.

Now when another user tries to access the blocked item, AskAdmin will deny them access.

Now you can add as many apps, files, and folders as you want to the block list.

Removing an item from the block list is also quite easy. Just select it and click the red minus icon in the menu above the list. You’ll be asked if you're sure you want to delete the selected item, so click Yes.

If you want, you can select more than one item to remove from the block list by Shift-clicking or by ticking the checkbox to the left. Once you unblock them, they will become accessible again.

AskAdmin can also block Windows Universal apps, such as Microsoft Edge and Messenger. To do that, click Extras > Block Built-in (UWP) Apps in the top menu.

Shift-click the UWP apps you want to block, and then click Block Selected Items. The blocked items will now appear in the block list.

You can also block the Microsoft Store to prevent people from installing apps by clicking Extras > Block Microsoft Store.

You can also block some Windows components with AskAdmin. To do that, click Extras > Block Windows Components, and then choose Task Manager, Registry Editor, or Microsoft Edge.

Now no one will be able to access those Windows components.

When you don’t want people to access certain apps, files, and folders on your Windows computer, you can easily block access to them with AskAdmin. You can even restrict Universal apps and certain Windows components. And when you want to restore access, you can unblock them with a few clicks.

Now you have greater control over what people can do on your computer.

Chifundo is a writer for MakeUseOf. He initially studied banking but discovered a passion for writing and became a freelance writer on Upwork in 2017. He has written articles, blogs, essays and web content for dozens of clients. Chifundo loves that writing allows him to learn and explore different topics and turn them into engaging and easy-to-understand content that helps people. In his spare time, he designs and codes websites and makes video games.

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