INTERNAL: English | Deutsch | Español | Français | Italiano Report article issue

Windows 11 – Smart App Control prevents Steinberg applications from launching

Updated

Problem 

On systems running Windows 11 version 22H2 or later, Smart App Control (SAC) may prevent Steinberg applications from starting correctly.

Depending on the affected component, users may experience:

  • Error messages during application startup
  • "Bad Image" errors
  • Failed initialization of individual software components
  • Complete failure of the application to launch

Example:

Error message "USB Change Listener: Cubase15.exe - Bad Image"
Error message: USB Change Listener: Cubase15.exe - Bad Image C:\Program Files\Steinberg\Cubase 15\Components\videoengine.dll is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error. Try installing the program again using the original installation media or contact your system administrator or the software vendor for support. Error status 0xc0e90002.

Background

Smart App Control (SAC) is a security feature introduced with Windows 11 version 22H2. Its purpose is to block applications and components that Windows considers untrusted, helping to protect the system from potentially harmful software.

For more information about Smart App Control, please refer to Microsoft's documentation.

Some components used by Steinberg applications, as well as certain third-party plug-ins and related software, may not meet Smart App Control's trust requirements. In such cases, Windows may block these components from loading, which can prevent Steinberg applications from starting or functioning correctly.

Solution

At present, the most effective workaround is to disable Smart App Control.

Important: Disabling Smart App Control reduces the level of protection provided by Windows against potentially unwanted or malicious software. Please evaluate this change according to your individual security requirements. To disable Smart App Control:

  • Open Settings → Privacy & Security → Windows Security.
  • Select App & browser control. 
  • Open Smart App Control. 
  • Choose Off.

After disabling Smart App Control, restart the affected Steinberg application.

We are actively working to ensure that all Steinberg applications and components are properly signed and fully compatible with Smart App Control.

Please note that even after Steinberg products have been updated, Smart App Control may still block:

  • Third-party plug-ins
  • Audio drivers
  • Additional software components installed by third-party vendors

In such cases, compatibility depends on the respective manufacturer providing software that meets Microsoft's Smart App Control requirements.

Related articles