How to Enable or Disable App & Browser Control in Windows 11 Security

This guide explains how to hide or show the Windows Security app App & browser control section in Windows 11. The Windows Security app is built into your computer to help keep it safe. It acts as a central hub for your security settings.

The App & browser control section manages Microsoft Defender SmartScreen. This feature helps block dangerous apps, files, and websites. You might want to hide this section to stop other people from changing your security settings. If it is already hidden and you want it back, you can follow the steps below.

Why hide this section?

Hiding this section prevents unauthorized users from altering your security preferences. It keeps your device settings locked down.

What happens when done?

Once you apply these changes, the App & browser control menu will either disappear from the Windows Security app or reappear, depending on the option you chose.

Hide or Show via Group Policy

Note: This process requires admin privileges.

First, open Local Group Policy Editor by clicking the Start Menu and searching for “Edit group policy.” Select the result to open the editor.

In the window that opens, follow this path on the left side:

Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Security > App and browser protection

Look to the right side of the window and double-click the setting named “Hide the App and browser protection area.”

Select one of the following options:

• Not Configured: This is the default setting.
• Enabled: This hides the section.
• Disabled: This shows the section.

Hide or Show via Registry

Note: This process requires admin privileges and should be done carefully.

If you cannot use the Group Policy Editor, you can use the Windows Registry instead. Open the Windows Registry and go to this path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender Security Center\App and Browser protection

If you do not see the “App and Browser protection” folder, right-click the “Windows Defender Security Center” folder, select New, and create the missing keys.

Right-click in the empty space on the right side and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name this new item UILockdown.

Double-click UILockdown and change the Value data:

• Enter 0 to show the section.
• Enter 1 to hide the section.

Restart your computer to finish the process.

Summary

You can manage the visibility of the App & browser control section by using either the Local Group Policy Editor or the Registry Editor. These methods allow you to lock or unlock access to security settings within the Windows Security app. Always restart your computer after making Registry changes to ensure they take effect.

Reference: Microsoft.com