Alex Ruben
How to Fix “This Request Was Blocked by the Security Rules” Error Code 15 or 16
Encountering the error message “This request was blocked by the security rules” accompanied by Error Codes 15 or 16 can be frustrating, particularly when it interferes with your ability to access certain websites or services. This tutorial will guide you through a series of troubleshooting steps designed to help you resolve these security issues. Whether you are using Windows 10 or Windows 11, this guide will provide you with clear instructions to regain access, understand the underlying causes, and troubleshoot any security settings that may be causing disruptions.
Step 1: Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
Start by clearing your browser’s cache and cookies as these can often interfere with website access. Here’s how you can do it:
- For Google Chrome: Open Chrome, click on the three-dot menu in the top right corner, select More tools, then Clear browsing data. Check the boxes for Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. Click Clear data.
- For Microsoft Edge: Click on the three-dot menu, select Settings, click on Privacy, search, and services, and under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear. Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files, then click Clear now.
Clearing cache and cookies helps remove any corrupted files that could trigger the security block.
Step 2: Disable Browser Extensions
Extensions can sometimes interfere with web requests, contributing to the security block. To disable them:
- In Chrome, go to the three-dot menu, select More tools, and then Extensions. Toggle off extensions one by one and check if the issue persists.
- In Edge, click on the three-dot menu, go to Extensions, and disable them similarly.
After disabling, reload the website to see if the error message still appears. If it disappears, one of the extensions was causing the blockade.
Step 3: Check Security Software Settings
Sometimes, security software such as antivirus programs or firewalls may mistakenly block certain web requests. Here’s how you can check:
- Open your antivirus software or firewall settings.
- Look for a section regarding web protection, web filtering, or similar options.
- Temporarily disable web filtering or add the affected website to the trusted sites list if available.
Consider creating an exception for the site that you are trying to access. Remember to re-enable any security measures you turn off after testing.
Step 4: Adjust Windows Host File
Your computer’s host file may be redirecting or blocking certain requests. To check and adjust it, follow these steps:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type in
notepad C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hostsand press Enter. - In Notepad, check for any entries referencing the site you are trying to access. If found, comment them out by adding a
#at the beginning of the line. - Save the file and restart your system.
This will ensure that there are no unwanted redirects affecting your access.
Step 5: Reset Browser Settings
If all else fails, resetting your browser to its default settings can be a final resort. Here’s how to do it:
- In Chrome, go to Settings, scroll down to the bottom, click on Advanced, and under Reset and clean up, select Restore settings to their original defaults.
- In Edge, go to Settings, then Reset settings, and choose Restore settings to their default values.
This action will erase any custom settings, so be sure to back up important data.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
While executing the above steps, here are a few extra tips and common issues to keep in mind:
- If you are consistently blocked from accessing specific websites, check if they are down or experiencing issues.
- Reach out to your network administrator if you are using a work or school computer, as network policies may be in place.
- Consider using a different browser to see if the issue is browser-specific.
Following these troubleshooting steps should help you resolve the security rules error codes effectively, ensuring smooth access to the websites or services you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Error Code 15 and 16?
Error Codes 15 and 16 indicate that your request was blocked due to security rules set by the website or your security software. This often occurs due to misconfigurations, corrupted files, or overly sensitive security settings.
Will resetting my browser delete my bookmarks?
Resetting your browser will revert settings to their defaults, but it typically does not delete bookmarks. However, it’s always good practice to back them up before proceeding.
What if the problem persists even after following these steps?
If the error message continues to appear after trying all suggested solutions, it may be worthwhile to consult your internet service provider or check the server settings of the website you are trying to access, as the issue may be beyond your control.