Microsoft Smart App Control prevented Starfield.exe from running because the file is missing a Microsoft digital signature

[DamnDude]

Starfield.exe was blocked by Microsoft Smart App Control because it does not have a digital signature from Microsoft. Digital signatures help to verify the authenticity of software files, and they can help to protect users from malware - so Microsoft. Microsoft has acquired Bethesda and its parent company ZeniMax. Information: Microsoft Smart App Control is only available on (reinstalled) new Windows installations. Older installations do not have this security feature from Microsoft. I am surprised to learn that Bethesda Softworks LLC is now a part of Microsoft and how this could than happen in the same companyroof, and what can be do to fix it? I would like to play!

[dannyj147]

Are you trying to use a script extender of some sort? They won't work with the Windows store version.

[Not God]

Originally posted by dannyj147:

Are you trying to use a script extender of some sort? They won't work with the Windows store version.

is their even a script extender for Starfield even out yet?

[DamnDude]

Originally posted by dannyj147:

Are you trying to use a script extender of some sort? They won't work with the Windows store version.

I am only using the unmodified Starfield game from Steam

[Johnny B Goode]

I have the same problem. New ASUS computer. Windows 11. Downloaded Steam. Purchased Starfield. Downloaded, installed, and launched Starfield. First error: "Failed to start process for Starfield: "Your organization used Device Guard to block this app. Contact your support person for more info." (0x11C7). This is a personal laptop. I navigated to Starfield.exe, right-clicked and selected "Run as Administrator". A dialog popped up that said "Smart App Control blocked an app that may be unsafe".... "If you think we made a mistake in blocking this file, select Send feedback to send us a copy of this file along with your comments to review." I did that but now I wait. Any ideas on how to proceed? Can't play.

[AoD_lexandro]

Do you have core isolation enabled? This is known to cause similar issues with other titles.

[Sociopath]

I'm facing the same issue....gave a feedback and waiting.

[DamnDude]

Originally posted by Sociopath:

I'm facing the same issue....gave a feedback and waiting.

NO fix :( until today

[herbstwerk]

Windows 11 is such a nanny... this helped a friend to deactivate it, no idea if actually as I refuse to upgrade to 11 until there's an absolute need for it:

https://www.elevenforum.com/t/turn-on-or-off-smart-app-control-in-windows-11.4996/

[Mišmil]

Bill Gates trying to save you from disappointment.

[13xforever]

You can disable it https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/what-is-smart-app-control-285ea03d-fa88-4d56-882e-6698afdb7003

[Kearn]

Hey there

I got the same problem and I left feedback too.
After Smart App blocked Darktide today, the game just started fine yesterday, I deactivated Smart App Control.
I didn't want to deactivate it at first, but if it starts blocking more and more games without the option to allow exceptions, there is no other way around it right now.
I tried the core isolation turning off, making exceptions for the executable and the folder etc. But nothing else worked.

I deactivated it and Starfield directly started.

It has to be noted that some people got problems with saving. It seems another feature is blocking the creation of savegames. When the notification appears, click on it and allow it, so Starfield can create saves.
Hope it helps you for your decision about deactivating it or not.

Folks, have a nice weekend!

[Sociopath]

Originally posted by GAMEcustody:

Originally posted by Sociopath:

I'm facing the same issue....gave a feedback and waiting.

NO fix :( until today

I've open a case to Bethesda..pending a response.

[Sociopath]

Originally posted by Kearn:

Hey there:cozyspaceengineersb:

I got the same problem and I left feedback too.
After Smart App blocked Darktide today, the game just started fine yesterday, I deactivated Smart App Control.
I didn't want to deactivate it at first, but if it starts blocking more and more games without the option to allow exceptions, there is no other way around it right now.
I tried the core isolation turning off, making exceptions for the executable and the folder etc. But nothing else worked.

I deactivated it and Starfield directly started.

It has to be noted that some people got problems with saving. It seems another feature is blocking the creation of savegames. When the notification appears, click on it and allow it, so Starfield can create saves.
Hope it helps you for your decision about deactivating it or not.

Folks, have a nice weekend!

Saving can be related to Firewall. .... I'm reluctant to disable Smart App, there used to be a workaround where we can unblock manually, but the option is missing now. Hope Microsoft whitelist their own game soon.

[herbstwerk]

Originally posted by Sociopath:

I'm reluctant to disable Smart App, there used to be a workaround where we can unblock manually, but the option is missing now. Hope Microsoft whitelist their own game soon.

Unless you regularly open random executables you find on the interwebs Smart App Control really shouldn't be needed. Common sense, basic computer literacy, and Windows defender should be more than enough. This is close to wearing a bike helmet in the shower because you might slip. :)

[DamnDude]

Originally posted by AoD_lexandro:

Do you have core isolation enabled? This is known to cause similar issues with other titles.

Yes, but I have never encountered this problem before. And wow, I have 12 GB of games on my SSDs and they all work perfectly. Even old ones.