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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 this week

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


What is Desktop App Blocking?

Desktop App Blocking is a feature in the Freedom app that automatically quits selected desktop applications during an active Freedom session. This helps eliminate distractions by preventing access to:

  • Email clients

  • Games

  • Music streaming services

  • Editing software

  • Word processors

  • Any other selected desktop apps

This feature ensures a focused work environment tailored to your needs.


How to use Desktop App Blocking on Windows

To set up Desktop App Blocking on your Windows , follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Blocked Apps Manager

  • Launch the Freedom desktop application if it's not running already, and click the butterfly icon in your system tray

  • Select Manage Blocked Desktop Apps from the Freedom menu

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Windows Manage Blocked Desktop Apps

Step 2. Select Apps to Block

  • In the window that appears, select the apps you wish to block during Freedom sessions.

  • Click on each app to add it to the list.

  • Press Save once you've selected all desired apps.

Step 3. Add Desktop Apps to Your Session

  • Visit your Freedom dashboard.

  • Under Block These Distractions, select Desktop Apps.

  • When you start a session with this setting, Freedom will automatically block the selected apps.


Quick Recap: Blocking Apps on Windows

To block desktop apps using Freedom:

  • Open the Freedom desktop app.

  • Select the apps to block using Manage Blocked Desktop Apps.

  • Add Desktop Apps to your session blocklist via the dashboard.

  • Start the session to activate app blocking.

Important Notes:

  • Per-Device Setup: You must individually select which apps to block on each device. App blocklists do not sync across devices.

  • Active Sessions: You cannot remove apps from the blocked list while a session with Desktop App Blocking is running.


Running Freedom as Administrator

Some apps require additional permissions to be blocked correctly. If you're experiencing issues—such as apps not appearing in the list or not being blocked—Freedom may need to run with administrator permissions.

How to Run Freedom as Administrator

Temporary (One-Time Launch)

  • Quit the Freedom app.

  • Right-click the Freedom icon.

  • Select Run as Administrator.

Always Run as Administrator

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

  2. Right-click FreedomBlocker.exe and select Properties.

  3. Click the Compatibility tab.

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

  5. Click OK to save.


About Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)

Some browsers allow users to create Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) or “web app shortcuts” that behave like desktop applications. However, these are essentially websites in containers and may bypass Freedom’s desktop app-blocking features.

How to Block PWAs

To effectively block PWAs:

  • Enable Proxy Mode:

    • Go to the Freedom menu.

    • Ensure non-proxy mode and website exceptions are disabled.

  • Block the Web App’s URL:

    • Add the web app’s corresponding website to your blocklist.

  • Block the Browser (Optional):

    • Use Desktop App Blocking to block the browser that launches the web app.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create multiple desktop app blocklists?

No. Freedom currently supports only one desktop app blocklist per device. This list will be used anytime you select Block Desktop Apps in a session.

Why can’t I find an app in the window that appears to select apps?

Only open and active applications appear in the selection window. If your desired app isn’t listed:

  1. Launch the app you want to block.

  2. Click Manage Blocked Desktop apps

  3. Click Refresh.

The app should now appear and be selectable.


Download Freedom for Windows


Having trouble?

If you're having any difficulty, please feel free to contact us. We're happy to help!

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