Protected folder access blocked Your administrator has blocked this action. App or process blocked: RadeonSoftware.exe

Question

These messages are in Protection history, only action available is to allow access. Only found vague answers online so asking here. One is in windows system32 files(clinfo.exe) the other seems to relate to my video drivers. No info is provided in the message about what they are doing that caused them to be blocked.

Answer 1

Hi Ismael Medina,

Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Q&A Forum! I completely understand how confusing these alerts can be, especially when they involve system files or graphics drivers you rely on. For your peace of mind, let me clarify this so that we can work toward the best solution.

Windows Security’s Controlled Folder Access (CFA) feature is designed to protect your system from ransomware by blocking apps that try to modify protected folders or memory. In your case, it flagged:

• RadeonSoftware.exe – part of AMD’s graphics driver suite.
• clinfo.exe – a legitimate OpenCL diagnostic tool in System32.

These are usually safe, but CFA doesn’t always recognize them, so it treats them as suspicious.

You can start by verifying if these files are trusted. Please check the file paths:

• RadeonSoftware.exe → typically under C:\Program Files\AMD\CNext\…
• clinfo.exe → usually C:\Windows\System32\
• Confirm the digital signature (AMD or Microsoft).

Also make sure to update your graphics drivers

• Download the latest AMD Adrenalin software from AMD’s official site.
• Restart your PC after installation.

If there is no suspicious file found, you can allow the apps through CFA

• Go to Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Ransomware protection → Manage Controlled folder access.
• Select Allow an app through Controlled folder access and add the paths for both files.

If you see “Your administrator has blocked this action,” your PC may be managed by an organization. In that case, please contact your IT team to whitelist these apps.

I look forward to receiving your update. Let me know if you need further assistance, feel free to ask me by clicking "Add Comment". Thanks for your effort.

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