If you’re trying to launch a game on Steam and suddenly see the error:
“Failure to start process for this game. An application control policy has blocked this file (Error Code: 0x11C7)” — you’re not alone.
This issue can be frustrating, especially when it prevents your game from launching completely. The good news? It’s usually caused by Windows security settings blocking your game, and it can be fixed with a few simple steps.
In this guide, you’ll learn what causes Steam error 0x11C7 and how to fix it step-by-step.
What Causes Steam Error Code 0x11C7?
This error is mainly triggered by Windows Security features, including:
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Controlled Folder Access
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Smart App Control
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Antivirus restrictions
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Potentially unwanted app blocking
These tools are designed to protect your PC, but sometimes they mistakenly block legitimate game files, preventing Steam from launching them.
Fix 1: Disable Controlled Folder Access
One of the most common causes of error 0x11C7 is Controlled Folder Access in Windows Security.
Steps to Turn It Off:
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Press Windows + I to open Settings
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Go to Privacy & Security
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Click Windows Security
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Select Virus & Threat Protection
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Click Manage Settings
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Find Controlled Folder Access
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Turn it OFF
👉 This allows your game files to run without being blocked.
Fix 2: Add Your Game Folder as an Exclusion
Instead of disabling protection completely, you can allow only your game folder.
Steps:
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Go to Virus & Threat Protection
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Click Add or Remove Exclusions
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Select Add an Exclusion → Folder
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Navigate to your Steam directory:
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Select the folder of the game causing the error
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Click Select Folder
👉 This ensures Windows Security won’t block your game.
Fix 3: Disable Smart App Control (Important)
In many recent cases, the real cause behind error 0x11C7 is Smart App Control, a newer Windows security feature.
Some players noticed that:
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The game worked perfectly for months
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Then suddenly stopped launching
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And Smart App Control was blocking it without warning
Steps to Check and Disable It:
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Open Windows Settings
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Go to Privacy & Security
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Click Windows Security
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Select App & Browser Control
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Look for Smart App Control
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Turn it OFF (if enabled)
⚠️ Note: You may need administrator access to change this setting.
Fix 4: Turn Off “Potentially Unwanted App Blocking”
Another setting that may interfere is Reputation-Based Protection.
Steps:
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Open Windows Security
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Go to App & Browser Control
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Click Reputation-Based Protection Settings
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Turn OFF:
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Potentially Unwanted App Blocking
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Restart your game afterward.
Fix 5: Verify Game Files on Steam
Corrupted or missing files can also trigger this error.
Steps:
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Open Steam
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Go to your Library
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Right-click the affected game
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Select Properties
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Go to Installed Files
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Click Verify Integrity of Game Files
Steam will automatically fix any broken files.
Fix 6: Reinstall the Game (Last Resort)
If nothing else works, reinstalling the game can resolve the issue.
Steps:
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Open Steam Library
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Right-click the game
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Select Manage → Uninstall
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Reinstall the game
Many users have confirmed this completely fixes error 0x11C7.
Pro Tips to Prevent This Error
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Run Steam as Administrator
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Keep Windows updated
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Avoid installing games in restricted folders
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Whitelist trusted apps in your antivirus
Final Thoughts
Steam Error Code 0x11C7 might seem serious, but in most cases, it’s simply your system being overprotective.
The tricky part is that it can appear suddenly—even after hundreds of hours of smooth gameplay—because of background changes like Smart App Control or security updates.
Quick Fix Summary:
✔ Disable Controlled Folder Access
✔ Add game folder as an exclusion
✔ Turn off Smart App Control
✔ Disable PUA blocking
✔ Verify game files
✔ Reinstall if needed
