Windows 11 Smart apps control suddenly blocking Flow

[unmashedpotatoes]

Hello, I am not sure of where exactly to post this. I apologise if I am choosing the wrong section.

A couple of weeks ago I installed Flow on all my devices, Windows 11 and Android. And it works great. But now, out of the blue Windows smart apps control won't let me open Flow due to not being able to verify its publisher. Version is 0.1.0-beta2. Is there any way to bypass this?

Thanks in advance

[A-EDev]

Hi, thanks for reporting, and no worries about the section, General is fine!

Flow Desktop is distributed unsigned, since signing certificates aren't affordable for a solo, donation-funded project, which is why Smart App Control started blocking it.
Are you able to disable Smart App Control on your PC? You can find it under Windows Security → App & Browser control → Smart App Control settings.

Before you do, please make sure Windows is fully updated. On recent Windows 11 builds (24H2/25H2 with the 2026 updates), you can turn it back on later. On older builds, turning it off can't be undone without resetting Windows.

Let me know if that works for you or if something prevents you from turning it off, like a work- or school-managed device.

[unmashedpotatoes]

Hello again, I went with installing Flow through WSL as they don't support WSA anymore. Thanks for your reply and your work.