Garmine Express (7.28.0.0) blocked by Windows Smart App

Since today, Windows Defender has been blocking Garmin Express (7.28.0.0) for me. I also get a stack trace for the app.

Application: express.exe
Framework version: v4.0.30319
Description: The process was terminated due to an unhandled exception.
Exception information: System.IO.FileLoadException
at System.Reflection.RuntimeAssembly.GetType(System.Reflection.RuntimeAssembly, System.String, Boolean, Boolean, System.Runtime.CompilerServices.ObjectHandleOnStack)
at System.Reflection.RuntimeAssembly.GetType(System.String, Boolean, Boolean)
at System.Reflection.Assembly.GetType(System.String, Boolean)
at System.Windows.Baml2006.Baml2006SchemaContext.ResolveBamlTypeToType(BamlType)
at System.Windows.Baml2006.Baml2006SchemaContext.ResolveBamlType(BamlType, Int16)
at System.Windows.Baml2006.Baml2006SchemaContext.GetXamlType(Int16)
at System.Windows.Baml2006.Baml2006Reader.Process_ConstructorParameterType()
at System.Windows.Baml2006.Baml2006Reader.Process_OneBamlRecord()
at System.Windows.Baml2006.Baml2006Reader.ReadKeys()
at System.Windows.ResourceDictionary.SetDeferrableContent(System.Windows.DeferrableContent)
at System.Windows.Baml2006.WpfSharedBamlSchemaContext+<>c.<Create_BamlProperty_ResourceDictionary_DeferrableContent>b__299_0(System.Object, System.Object)
at System.Windows.Baml2006.WpfKnownMemberInvoker.SetValue(System.Object, System.Object)
at MS.Internal.Xaml.Runtime.ClrObjectRuntime.SetValue(System.Xaml.XamlMember, System.Object, System.Object)
at MS.Internal.Xaml.Runtime.ClrObjectRuntime.SetValue(System.Object, System.Xaml.XamlMember, System.Object)

Exception information: System.Windows.Markup.XamlParseException
at System.Windows.Markup.WpfXamlLoader.Load(System.Xaml.XamlReader, System.Xaml.IXamlObjectWriterFactory, Boolean, System.Object, System.Xaml.XamlObjectWriterSettings, System.Uri)
at System.Windows.Markup.WpfXamlLoader.LoadBaml(System.Xaml.XamlReader, Boolean, System.Object, System.Xaml.Permissions.XamlAccessLevel, System.Uri)
at System.Windows.Markup.XamlReader.LoadBaml(System.IO.Stream, System.Windows.Markup.ParserContext, System.Object, Boolean)
at System.Windows.Application.LoadComponent(System.Object, System.Uri)
at Garmin.Omt.Express.App.InitializeComponent()
at Garmin.Omt.Express.Program.Main(System.String[])

I looked for an update via “winget” for the app. Winget tried to install (his known newest Version) Garmin Express version 7.27.1.0, but that didn’t work because of a mismatched hash for the installer (perhaps the hash is for 7.28.0.0). Then I uninstalled Garmin Express and downloaded version 7.28.0.0. I was able to install Garmin Express, but then Windows Defender blocked the app again and I got the stack trace again. The Defender Message gone very fast but it was because a suspected “Network.dll” or something like that. Could be a problem with my System but… strange… Perhaps some Problems with the Framework? Has anyone else these Problems?

  • Simplest thing to try is to temporarily disable Windows Defender.  Note when you do this if you are given an option of time duration, select something like 15 minutes.  

    To disable Windows Defender on Windows 10, you can temporarily turn off Real-time protection in the Windows Security settings for immediate protection, or permanently disable it via the Group Policy Editor or by setting the Security Center service to Disabled and restarting your PC, but note this leaves your system vulnerable. Installing another antivirus often automatically disables Defender. 
  • Hmmm...  The topic of this discussion contains "Windows Smart App" but then goes on to point the finger at Windows Defender which has nothing to do with Windows Smart App.  Perhaps "Smart App" is being confused with "Smartscreen" which is Defender's reputation based protection.  If so, it has a number of setting options that you might want to look at.  Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security > App & browser control > Reputation-based protection settings.

    I can't test for the problem because beyond saying that I don't experience it with GE v7.24.  I have stayed on 7.24 because the release notes of all newer versions have not indicated they contain anything I want or need.

  • Sorry for my late response. After Windows installed the following updates, everything started working again:

    • 2026‑01 Security Update (KB5074109) (26200.7623)
    • 2026‑01 .NET 8.0.23 Update for x64 Client (KB5074752)
    • 2026‑01 .NET 10.0.2 Update for x64 Client (KB507475)