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Livestream Studio – Bad Image Error 0xc0e90002 (Windows 11 Security Restrictions)

Updated

Livestream Studio may fail to launch and display a Windows Bad Image error referencing one or more application DLL files.

This issue may occur on systems that previously operated normally. In some cases, reinstalling Livestream Studio temporarily resolves the problem, but the error eventually returns.

The error code 0xc0e90002 indicates a Windows system integrity policy violation. Windows 11 security features, including Smart App Control and other application-control policies, can prevent Livestream Studio components from loading.

Symptoms

Affected systems may experience one or more of the following:

  • Livestream Studio fails to launch.
  • Windows displays a Bad Image error.
  • Different DLL file names appear in subsequent error messages.
  • Reinstalling Livestream Studio temporarily restores functionality.
  • The error returns after a period of normal operation.

Examples of affected files include:

  • Qt6Gui.dll
  • avformat-60.dll
  • swscale-7.dll

Error code: 0xc0e90002

Although Windows reports a Bad Image error, this does not necessarily mean the referenced file is damaged or corrupted.

Cause

Windows 11 includes security features designed to prevent applications and drivers from loading when they do not meet specific security or application-control requirements.

In some cases, these security features may incorrectly identify legitimate Livestream Studio files or associated components as untrusted, resulting in a false positive that prevents the application from launching.

Potential causes include:

  • Windows Smart App Control
  • Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC / App Control for Business)
  • Organization-managed Windows security policies
  • Third-party antivirus or endpoint security software
  • False-positive security detections that incorrectly block legitimate application DLL files or drivers

Windows security policies and possible false-positive detections should be investigated before reinstalling Livestream Studio or replacing application files.

Resolution 1 – Check Windows Smart App Control

Smart App Control is a Windows 11 security feature that can prevent certain application components from loading.

To check and disable Smart App Control:

  1. Open the Windows Start menu.
  2. Select Windows Security.
  3. Select App & browser control.
  4. Select Smart App Control settings.
  5. Check the current status.
  6. If Smart App Control is On, change the setting to Off, provided this is permitted by your organization's security policy.
  7. Close Windows Security and launch Livestream Studio.

If Livestream Studio launches successfully, no reinstallation is necessary.

Important notes:

  • Smart App Control does not support exclusions for individual applications.
  • Disabling Smart App Control does not disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
  • Depending on the Windows version and installed updates, reactivating Smart App Control may require a Windows reset or reinstallation.
  • Consult your IT administrator before changing security settings on organization-managed systems.

If Smart App Control is already Off, unavailable, or the problem continues, proceed to Resolution 2.

Resolution 2 – Check Windows Application-Control Policies

Windows may have additional security policies that independently prevent Livestream Studio components from loading.

Check Windows Code Integrity events

  1. Right-click the Windows Start button.
  2. Select Event Viewer.

  3. Navigate to:

    Applications and Services Logs → Microsoft → Windows → CodeIntegrity → Operational

  4. Review events recorded when Livestream Studio failed to launch.
  5. Look for entries referencing Livestream Studio DLL files, particularly Event IDs 3033 or 3077. Other Code Integrity events may also identify the restriction.

Correct the security restriction

If the logs identify blocked application components:

  1. Identify the security policy or application-control software responsible.
  2. Have the system's IT administrator verify and authorize the affected Livestream Studio components.
  3. If antivirus or endpoint protection has quarantined legitimate application files, restore them after verification and configure an appropriate, narrowly scoped exception if necessary.
  4. Restart Livestream Studio and verify normal operation.

Default installation directory:

C:\Program Files\Livestream Studio\

Note: Microsoft Defender Antivirus exclusions do not override Smart App Control or Windows application-control policies. Disabling antivirus protection or creating broad folder exclusions is not recommended.

Emergency Recovery – Live Broadcasting

If Livestream Studio must be restored immediately for a scheduled broadcast, use the following procedure.

  1. Check Smart App Control. If enabled, disable it as described in Resolution 1, provided the change is authorized.
  2. Check additional security restrictions. If the error continues, have the IT administrator review Windows Code Integrity and endpoint security policies and authorize the affected files.
  3. Reinstall only if necessary. If application files are missing or damaged, reinstall the same approved Livestream Studio version using an official installer. Preserve existing projects and configuration files.
  4. Verify operation. Launch Livestream Studio and confirm that video inputs, audio, recording, and streaming function normally before returning the system to production.

If security restrictions cannot be resolved immediately, use a previously tested backup broadcasting system.

Avoid major Windows updates, system resets, or unnecessary software changes immediately before a live broadcast.

Additional Troubleshooting

If the issue continues after checking Windows security restrictions, perform the following checks.

Verify Windows and Livestream Studio versions

To identify the Windows version:

  1. Press Windows + R.
  2. Enter winver.
  3. Record the Windows edition, version, and OS build.

Record the installed Livestream Studio version.

Verify application files

Check that the DLL files referenced in the error exist in:

C:\Program Files\Livestream Studio\

If available, compare the affected files with those from a functioning system running the same Livestream Studio version.

Do not download replacement DLL files from third-party websites.

Check Windows system integrity

If Windows system file corruption is suspected, open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

After DISM completes, run:

sfc /scannow

These commands repair supported Windows system components. They do not directly repair Livestream Studio DLL files or override application-control policies.

Reinstall Livestream Studio

If application files are confirmed missing or damaged:

  1. Back up Livestream Studio projects and configuration files.
  2. Uninstall Livestream Studio.
  3. Restart Windows.
  4. Reinstall the approved Livestream Studio version using the official installer.
  5. Launch Livestream Studio and verify normal operation.

Do not remove Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables or delete application configuration folders as part of routine troubleshooting.

Contact NextComputing Support

If the issue remains unresolved, please contact NextComputing Support and provide:

  • Windows edition, version, and OS build (winver).
  • Installed Livestream Studio version.
  • Smart App Control status (On, Evaluation, Off, or unavailable).
  • Installed antivirus or endpoint security software.
  • Screenshot of the error message.
  • Relevant Windows Code Integrity events.
  • Whether reinstalling Livestream Studio temporarily restores operation.

This information will help determine whether the issue is related to Windows security enforcement, application file integrity, or another system component.

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