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How to block apps on Windows
How to block apps on Windows

This article provides an in-depth walkthrough for blocking desktop apps on the Freedom Windows app.

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Written by Freedom
Updated over a week ago

CONTENTS:

*Jump to the Windows section of this video here https://vimeo.com/619126723#t=01:10

What is Desktop App Blocking?

With Desktop App Blocking, Freedom quits desktop apps during your Freedom session. This means that you can block your access to mail clients, games, music streaming, editing software, word processors, and more. For example, let's say you've got a great game on your computer that is distracting you when you're working. You'd simply add that game to your list of apps to block, and Freedom will quit that game if you try to open it!

How to use Desktop App Blocking

To select which apps you'd like to block, select "Manage Blocked Desktop Apps" from the Freedom menu.

Windows Manage Blocked Desktop Apps

Next, a window will open up which allows you to select the apps you want to block. Click on the apps you'd like to block, and then press "Save".

Note: Only open and active apps will populate in this list. If the app you want to block doesn't appear, just launch the app, select "Refresh" on the blocked apps list, and it should appear!

Windows Blocked Desktop Apps

Once you've selected the apps you wish to block, press Save.

Finally, visit your dashboard and add "Apps" to your session under "Block these distractions." This lets Freedom know when to turn on App Blocking when this blocklist is running.

Dashboard Session Setup

Let's Recap

To get blocking working on a Windows computer, you need to:

  1. Select the apps you wish to block with the Freedom desktop app.

  2. Add "Block Apps" to your Session.

  3. When you run a Freedom session containing the Block Apps blocklist, the app blocking feature will turn on.

A few important points:

  • You must select the apps you wish to block individually on your devices. Because there are so many different types of apps and installations, the apps you choose to block on your desktop only affect that device.

  • You won't be able to remove selected apps from the blocked apps list if you are running an active session that includes 'Block Apps.'

Apps requiring "Run as Administrator"

For some apps, you may have to run Freedom as an administrator to have sufficient permissions for blocking. If you are having trouble finding an app on the list even though it's actively running, or if blocking just isn't working for a particular app, try quitting the Freedom app and then restarting it by right-clicking and selecting "Run as Administrator."

If you are running other apps as an administrator, Freedom will need to be running as an administrator to block them. Here is how to make sure Freedom always runs as admin at startup:

  1. Open the folder Windows (C:) > Programs and Files(x86) > Freedom

  2. Right click on FreedomBlocker.exe and choose Properties

  3. Select the Compatibility tab

  4. Under Settings, select Run this program as an administrator

  5. Press OK.


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