Can you run the game from the exe file in the game folder?

Have you tried uninstalling the Windows updates or running System Restore?

Have you tried checking for updates in Windows Security (virus and threat protection)?

Tandor wrote: »

Can you run the game from the exe file in the game folder? --> Nope, it won't run

Have you tried uninstalling the Windows updates or running System Restore? --> nah, I don't want to go back to the old version of Windows just because one program doesn't work.


Have you tried checking for updates in Windows Security (virus and threat protection)? --> I had installed all the security updates, and unfortunately that is the very source of the problem.

ZOS_Bill wrote: »

@Lancillotto

Another step you can try is rebooting the PC into a selective startup. This will disable third party software running on the PC. Test your setup under the selective startup and see if the issue persists.

Thank you for the suggestion Bill, but I already know what is blocking ESO from running, it's Windows Security, and in particular its "Attack surface reduction" component (see screenshots above). I found that the only way to disable that is by turning off "reputation-based protection" under "app and browser control", which is not ideal. Hopefully Windows will add ESO to the list of trusted app soon. I find it really odd that of all the apps/programs I have (some of which are really obscure) ESO is the only one being blocked on a reputation basis. For now I guess I will have to temporarily disable app control whenever I want to play.

Something else I discovered is that disabling just one of the three settings does nothing (see my second screenshot), but if you disable all four of them (including "SmartScreen for Microsoft Store apps", which you wouldn't think could be relevant) ESO will finally launch. Something to keep in mind for those who may encounter the same issue.