Another Windows update has once again led to unexpected problems — this time, owners of the Xbox Ally and earlier ROG Ally models have been affected. Users complain that the ASUS Armory Crate app suddenly stopped launching, depriving the devices of key control functions.
Armory Crate is the main utility software for ASUS handheld systems. It is used to configure performance profiles, system settings, controller management, and install important updates. However, after recent changes in Windows 11, launching the program brings up a connection error message and an offer to "repair" Armory Crate, which does not solve the problem.
As Reddit users and specialized publications found out, the cause of the failure is related to the Windows Smart App Control feature. This security mechanism built into Windows 11 uses machine learning algorithms to block applications that the system considers potentially dangerous or untrusted. The irony of the situation is that official ASUS software was caught in the crossfire, even though normal operation of the devices is effectively impossible without it. Online, Smart App Control has already been dubbed the "not so smart" Windows protector.
Because of the Armory Crate block, owners of the Xbox Ally and ROG Ally lose access to performance settings and other important features, which significantly hurts the user experience.
A temporary solution has already been found. Users report that the problem disappears after disabling Smart App Control in the Windows 11 settings. To do this, you need to switch to desktop mode, open "Windows Security," go to the "App & browser control" section, select Smart App Control settings, disable the feature, and restart the device. After that, Armory Crate starts working normally again.