Strange error message

Luca_Rossi · August 29, 2026, 5:01pm

Good morning. Has anyone ever encountered this error message during installation? Did you resolve it?

Thanks.

leonidas111 · August 29, 2026, 5:07pm

For windows you have 2 installers, I think you use the wrong one: Check if you need woa64 or win64.

g-man · August 29, 2026, 5:13pm

There is a report in GitHub that some smart something in Windows 11 is blocking dt because the .dll are not signed. My Italian is not great, but it sounds similar. I think the resolution is to disable the smart thing to install dt.

Donatzsky · August 29, 2026, 7:07pm

It does sound like it could be due to Smart App Control. At least the submitter of the GitHub issue got the same error in conjunction with the SAC warning.

github.com/darktable-org/darktable

Windows no longer allows Darktable to run (claims unsigned DLLs and refuses to load)

opened 11:24AM - 28 Aug 26 UTC

tickerguy

### Is there an existing issue for this? - [x] I checked and did not find my is…sue in the already reported ones ### Describe the bug Windows 11 apparently changed something in the most-recent pushed update blocks execution of Darktable in that it now claims it cannot verify the authorship of multiple DLLs in the Darktable "bin" directory and it refuses to load. There is no apparently "exemption" capable other than shutting off ALL scanning security within Windows (and that, if done, is permanent and cannot be reversed except by complete reinstall. ### Steps to reproduce Attempt to load Darktable (5.6.0 or 5.6.1, I installed the upgrade to attempt to clear it without success) ### Expected behavior Should execute normally ### Logfile | Screenshot | Screencast _No response_ ### Commit _No response_ ### Where did you obtain darktable from? darktable.org / GitHub release ### darktable version Cannot get version; even cli execution fails with the same message, but 5.6.1 ### What OS are you using? Windows ### What is the version of your OS? Windows 11 Pro 10.0.26200 Build 26200 ### Describe your system _No response_ ### Are you using OpenCL GPU in darktable? _No response_ ### If yes, what is the GPU card and driver? _No response_ ### Please provide additional context if applicable. You can attach files too, but might need to rename to .txt or .zip _No response_

mino · August 29, 2026, 7:59pm

Dear god what did microsoft brew up with those .dll checks! If this really starts affecting basically all windows 11 users I think it might be even worth mentioning on https://www.darktable.org/install/ ?

Donatzsky · August 29, 2026, 10:42pm

Due to how the reputation system works, this is going to be a recurring issue. Smart Screen should also be explained.

The problem is that the certificate needed for signing is not free (and has to be renewed regularly), and the signing process itself seems to be a bit obnoxious.

And I forgot this link:

Luca_Rossi · August 30, 2026, 9:38am

I disabled Smart App Control and it seems to be fixed. Thank you all so much for your valuable advice. Ml Luca

g-man · August 30, 2026, 10:19am

It should be added to the FAQ.

Donatzsky · August 30, 2026, 10:52am

More information on the reputation system and how to deal with it as a developer:

I was thinking the same yesterday. But looking at the install page, I would say that everything regarding MacOS Gatekeeper and now this, should be completely reworked i some way, since it’s honestly a bit non-obvious and impenetrable for non-technical users.

mino · August 31, 2026, 9:31am

I think the smartscreen-issue should be present on the install page, too. We can link it once it is in the FAQs.

Concerning the mac instructions: As a non-mac user I find them comprehensible. Maybe one of our mac-users can chime in ? @MStraeten @bastibe ?

finestructure · September 1, 2026, 7:08am

The security procedures are different for different versions of MacOS. It’s hard to be perfectly clear when you’re writing for multiple audiences.