How to Enable or Disable Smart App Control in Windows 11
Here’s how you can turn Smart App Control on or off in Windows 11.
Open Windows Security, select App & browser control, then click Smart App Control settings. Choose On or Off to enable or disable the feature. Note that on older Windows 11 versions, turning it off requires a reset or reinstall to turn back on.
What is Smart App Control?
Smart App Control in Windows 11 is a security tool that helps keep your computer safe by blocking apps that could be harmful or suspicious.
It blocks apps that might harm your computer, slow it down, show unwanted ads, or install extra software you don’t want.
How Does Smart App Control Work?
Smart App Control in Windows 11 first checks out your PC in an ‘Evaluation Mode’ to see if it’s a good fit, without blocking anything.
Automatic On/Off: After the evaluation period, SAC will turn itself on if your PC is a good fit. Otherwise, it will remain off.
Manual Control: You can choose to turn SAC on or off yourself. Just remember, once you make that choice, you can’t return to the evaluation period without resetting or reinstalling Windows.
Important Things to Know
Before turning on Smart App Control in Windows 11, it’s important to know it only works on brand new installs and is tricky to turn back on if you disable it.
Turning SAC off means you’ll need to reset or reinstall Windows to turn it back on.
You also can’t allow specific apps if SAC blocks them; instead, you’d ask the app developer to properly sign their application.
Several things might cause SAC to be off:
- Your PC was found not suitable during evaluation.
- SAC was turned off by you or someone else.
- Your PC is running Windows in S mode (which restricts apps).
- Optional diagnostic data is turned off on your PC.
For now, SAC is mostly recommended for users in North America and Europe.
How to Turn Smart App Control On or Off Using Windows Security
You can easily turn Smart App Control in Windows 11 on or off using the Windows Security app with just a few steps.
Click App & browser control on the left side. Then click the Smart App Control settings link on the right.
Choose On to turn it on or Off to turn it off.
Tip: Starting with Windows 11 build 26220.7070 and newer, you can switch SAC on or off without reinstalling Windows. For older versions, a clean install or reset is needed to turn it back on after turning it off.
How to Turn Smart App Control On or Off Using Registry (Advanced Users)
Heads up: Messing with the registry can cause serious problems if you’re not careful. Please follow these steps precisely, or get some help.
⚠️ ADMIN PRIVILEGES REQUIRED
Open Windows Terminal as administrator and run one of these commands by saving the text below as a .reg file and running it:
Turn On Smart App Control
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\CI\Policy" /v VerifiedAndReputablePolicyState /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /fSet Smart App Control to Evaluation Mode
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\CI\Policy" /v VerifiedAndReputablePolicyState /t REG_DWORD /d 2 /fTurn Off Smart App Control
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\CI\Policy" /v VerifiedAndReputablePolicyState /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /fSummary
- Extra Security: SAC helps block bad apps and keeps your PC safer.
- Evaluation Time: It checks if your PC is ready before fully turning on.
- Manual Control: You can switch SAC on or off but turning it back on might need a reset or reinstall (depending on your Windows version).
- Only Clean Installs: SAC works best on fresh Windows installs.
- No App Bypass: You can’t allow apps manually if they’re blocked.
- Admin Access: You need to be an administrator to change SAC settings.
Smart App Control adds extra security by blocking bad apps and keeping your PC safer, but it works best on clean installs and can’t be easily turned back on if disabled.
More Info and Help
App & browser control in Windows Security – Microsoft Support
Discover Smart App Control | Microsoft Windows
Application Control for Windows – Microsoft Docs
Smart App Control FAQ – Microsoft Support
What version of 🪟 Windows 11 is smart app control?
Notably, Smart App Control is enabled by default — but only on “clean installs” of Windows 11 version 22H2 or later. Systems upgraded from older versions of Windows 11 will always show SAC in the “Off” state.
What is the smart app control on my laptop?
Smart App Control (SAC) is a Windows 11 security feature that blocks malicious, untrusted, or potentially unwanted apps to enhance device protection. It prevents users from launching risky files, even when they are manually launched. Users can manage SAC through the Windows Security app or by creating REG files.
Does 🪟 Windows 11 Home have smart app control?
Smart App Control can be used on new Windows 11 installs only. If you received it as part of a Windows update on an already running device, you won't be able to turn it on unless you reset your PC or re-install Windows.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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