Restrictions in Windows 10?

[Ripper-X-]

I've just had restrictions happen for no apparent reason, I had just used Windows Defender to create a new outgoing rule a couple of days ago so I know it was ok then, but now If I try to start it I get a popup box saying "This operation has been cancelled due to restrictions in effect on this computer. Please contact your system administrator"
The shortcut for Windows Defender is in the "Windows Administrative Tools" folder, I tried a few of the other shortcuts in there & a few also gave me the same popup message box, they were: Component Services, Computer Management, Event viewer, Local Security Policy, Performance Monitor, Print Management, Services & Task Scheduler.

My account is the only account on the pc, & I am Administrator, but even choosing "Run as Administrator" gives the same popup box.

If I right click & go to the security tab, in the box "Group & user names" there is- Everyone, SYSTEM, my name with email addy in brackets, Administrators (PETE-PC1\Administrators) & Users(PETE-PC1\Users).
PETE-PC1 being the name of my PC.

I don't know why there is 5 users listed when its only me that uses the pc, is this normal?

I have tried giving each on on the list "Full Control" but it makes no difference.

Can anyone help advise on getting rid of these restrictions & gain control of my pc again plz?

 

[demonix]

Everyone, SYSTEM, Administrators and users are groups and not other users as the box lists groups and user names which is why your user account is also listed.

Also, if something changed suddenly it's possibly due to malware infection that has gotten through and changed access settings (which is possibly why changes in permissions don't work as it'll most likely be restoring the settings it put into force).

If any other tools can't (malwarebytes and any others) find anything then the only other option is a good old back up and drive nuking.

 

[Ripper-X-]

If any other tools can't (malwarebytes and any others) find anything then the only other option is a good old back up and drive nuking.

Noooooo... Isnt there a way to find the restrictions & just change them back? I just done a scan with Malwarebytes & it didnt find anything i didnt know about.. :/

 

[Ripper-X-]

So I went to the Windows Defender location in Windows/system32 & as well as Administrators, System & Users (me), there is "All application packages & All restricted application packages" & one called "TrustedInstaller" listed, & the only one with Full control is the one called TrustedInstaller! Could this be the problem, this "TrustedInstaller" has hijacked permissions??

 

[t31os]

What happened between when this issue wasn't present and when it was? What did you install or update? Can you run administrative tools in safe mode?

The trusted installer account is normal.

 

[Ripper-X-]

What happened between when this issue wasn't present and when it was? What did you install or update? Can you run administrative tools in safe mode?

The trusted installer account is normal.

Hey thx for the reply, I have an old pc I seldom turn on so I checked & its exactly the same way on there, the trusted installer is there too with full control so you're right, only difference being is that I actually access the files no problem on that pc.
I havent tried safe mode yet & will try that later when I get time.
A few days ago I used defender to set a new rule, then a couple of days later I downloaded a game to try, I scanned it before & after install (I think I scanned after install). I then went to use defender again & I didn't have access to it, so it leads me to believe it was something to do with the game (but it could be coincidence), although there was/is no other issues that I can see. Because I couldn't start defender I started the game thinking the usual box would pop up asking for permission to go online but it didnt.
If it wasn't for the fact I cant access the files I mentioned I would not even know there is an issue, but its obviously not right is it?