When you try to open a frequently used app, or a legitimate app you have not used in a while, you may get the alert that the .exe is blocked, resulting in the app not opening. This is caused by the app not being listed in the Controlled Folder access settings.
To resolve this, open the security center by clicking on the Shield near the clock. Click Virus & threat protection, then click Manage Settings under the Virus & threat protection settings option. Scroll down to Controlled folder access. Click to Manage Controlled folder access. Make sure it is on, (do not turn off), and click to Allow an app through Controlled folder access.
In my case, it was blocking QBW.exe. This was listed, however, an earlier version of QB was listed and not the latest version. To add click the grey button at the top: + Add an allowed app.
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Browse to where the .exe is located for your program. This is most likely in the Program Files folder on the hard drive. Once located, click open to add the file. You can close out and try to open the program again.
Note: you can remove .exe files for programs you no longer use or have been removed. In my case, I removed all the older QB files and just kept the current version on the list.