Focus Fails to Launch on Windows 11

Issue

Focus does not launch on Windows 11, displaying the following error:

"This application failed to start because no Qt platform plugin could be initialized."

Cause

This error is caused by Smart App Control, a Windows 11 security feature that can block application files it does not recognise. When enabled, it prevents Focus from loading the components it needs to start.

Resolution

Disable Smart App Control by following these steps:

1. Click the Windows icon in the taskbar to open the Start menu.
2. Click Settings (the gear icon).

3. In the search bar at the top, type Smart App Control and select it from the results.

   

4. Set Smart App Control to Off.

   

5. Relaunch Focus - it should now open successfully.