App 'Lotus Smart Center' - blocked by Microsoft

Question

The App 'Lotus Smart Center' has been deactivated by Microsoft - without announcement or information; I use programs from Lotus since more than thirty years and the easy access with Lotus Smart Center is very important for my everyday-work!

Answer 1

Hi Johannes,

Thanks for posting your question here. I understand your situation especially that Lotus SmartCenter helps you with your everyday work.

I would like to kindly inform you that Windows 11 may classify it as “untrusted” and prevent it from starting because of Smart App control feature. Lotus SmartCenter has not been updated for many years, which can look like the app was deactivated. Please check whether this is the cause:

You can check whether Windows security is blocking the app by opening Settings, then navigating to Privacy & security, select Windows Security, then App & browser control, and opening Smart App Control settings. If Smart App Control is turned On, switching it Off may allow the app to run again however, please note that this reduces system protection and, in some cases, cannot be re‑enabled without reinstalling Windows.You may check this link for reference: App & browser control in the Windows Security App

Let me know if you have more questions, I'm here to help.

Thanks,

Jobelle C.

Answer 2

On Windows 11, apps can be blocked or appear “deactivated” by Microsoft security features if they’re considered untrusted or potentially unsafe.

For home Windows 11 devices, Smart App Control is the main feature that can block older or less-known apps like “Lotus Smart Center.” It blocks apps that are malicious or untrusted, and can also block potentially unwanted apps.

To check whether Smart App Control is blocking Lotus Smart Center and adjust it:

1. Open Settings → Windows Security → App & browser control.
2. Select Smart App Control settings.
3. Check the current mode:
   • On: Smart App Control is enforcing and may be blocking Lotus Smart Center.
   • Evaluation: It is observing but not blocking.
   • Off: It is not blocking apps.
4. If Lotus Smart Center is being blocked and must be used, set Smart App Control to Off. Note:
   • Smart App Control is only available on new Windows 11 installs. If it was added via update on an existing install, it cannot be turned on again unless Windows is reset or reinstalled.
   • Turning it off reduces protection against untrusted or malicious apps.

If Smart App Control is already Off, the blocking may come from another security layer (for example, antivirus or family safety controls), but that is not covered in the provided material.

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References:

• Smart App Control overview
• App & browser control in the Windows Security App