Hood Warfare 2 Blocked by Smart App Control: What to Check

The reported failure happens before a match

In an October 19 Steam discussion, Eichelll reports that Windows Smart App Control blocks Hood Warfare 2 despite updating and checking its files. A separate thread by Norackzkhail mentions the same protection and the displayed code 0x11c7. Both original pages were reviewed on October 20. These are player reports, not independently reproduced failures or an official diagnosis.

That timing matters. A Windows launch notification should not automatically be filed as an in-match anti-cheat kick or an account ban. Copy the notification’s exact product name and wording before following advice aimed at a different security feature. We have not verified what component or file caused these particular reports.

Reference: Steam Community · Smart App Control launch reports ↗

Why a one-app exception may not exist

Microsoft describes Smart App Control as a Windows 11 protection that evaluates application trust and may use signature validation when its service cannot confidently assess safety. Its FAQ says there is currently no individual-app bypass and recommends contacting the publisher about valid signing. This general policy does not establish whether a particular Hood Warfare 2 executable is unsigned, harmful or incorrectly blocked.

Do not assume an antivirus exclusion is an exception for this separate feature. This article does not prescribe disabling protection or substituting a third-party executable. If you want protection kept enabled and the notice persists, stop and seek a publisher-supported resolution rather than cycling through unrelated bypass instructions.

Reference: Microsoft Support · Smart App Control FAQ ↗

Collect a small, useful launch record

Our editorial checklist starts with the complete notification, Windows version, date and time, and the filename or path shown. Redact account names and private directories before sharing a screenshot. Note whether Steam launched the game, whether any game window appeared and whether you could reach the menu to read its version. If you could not reach it, say so instead of guessing a version.

Check for a pending Steam download and keep the result. Send the report through the official game support destinations linked below, asking the publisher to investigate the blocked component and its distribution or signing status. Do not assert that signing is the confirmed cause merely because another player suggested it.

What Steam file verification can establish

Valve’s integrity check is a way to inspect the installed game files. With the game closed, open its Steam Properties, choose Installed Files and run Verify integrity of game files. It can help investigate missing or altered installation content; it is not a promise that Windows will change its trust decision.

If you already completed that check and the identical block remains, record both facts. Repeating it without any changed download or symptom is less informative than a concise report. The player’s unsuccessful check is also only one account of an outcome, not proof that verification never helps other launch problems.

Reference: Steam Support · Verify game files ↗

Follow the message to the right support path

For a continuing Smart App Control notice, use the developer’s official support route and Microsoft’s FAQ. Microsoft also lists Feedback Hub as a way to send Smart App Control feedback. Neither path guarantees an immediate change. For a host disconnect or an in-match anti-cheat message instead, return to the linked kick-and-joining guide.

No developer-confirmed game-specific repair for these two reports was established in this review. The current purpose is to identify the correct failure layer and preserve actionable evidence, while keeping a reported problem separate from a verified fix.

Revision history

• 2026-10-20 — Compared the named source material and recorded the limits of the conclusions.

Your next step