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Smart App Control on Windows 11: How to Turn it On or Off
Smart App Control has 3 states: On, Evaluation, or Off.
3 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Smart App Control is a helpful tool in Windows 11 that helpprotect your PC from unauthorized appsthat can harm your data, like ransomware or spyware.
This article will explain what Smart App Control is, how it works, and how to turn it on or off in Windows 11.
What is Smart App Control in Windows 11?
Smart App Control (SAC) is a new security feature introduced with theWindows 11 22H2 update. It runs alongside your Microsoft Defender or third-party antivirus software toblock potentially unnecessary appsthat can slow down your device, display unexpected ads, or perform other unexpected actions.
Whenever you try to launch an app Smart App Control uses an AI (cloud-powered security service) to check the app’s safety before allowing it to run. If the security service thinks it is safe, SAC will let it run. However, it will be blocked when found malicious or potentially unwanted.
If the security service is unsure about an app’s safety, Smart App Control checks whether the app has a valid signature. If it does, the app can run. However, apps that are unsigned or have an invalid signature are blocked to keep you safe.
By default, Smart App Control is disabled because it cannot provide complete protection against apps from an existing installation. Enabling Smart App Control can potentially disrupt your regular actions. That’s why Microsoft wants you to enable this feature manually.
How do I turn on or off Smart App Control in Windows 11?
1. Enable Smart App Control in Windows 11
During the Evaluation mode, Windows will check the apps you use to see if Smart App Control can protect you without causing problems. If it works well, Smart App Control will turn on automatically. But if it causes issues, it will turn off by itself. Additionally, inEvaluationmode, SAC will not block any apps.
Once you activate Smart App Control, you will not have the option to revert back toEvaluation mode.
2. Disable Smart App Control in Windows 11
You can do this whether SAC is turned on or in Evaluation mode. Once the setting is turned off, the other options will be greyed out unless you reset or reinstall Windows.
Another way to enhance your system performance and remove unnecessary programs from your Windows system is byuninstalling the bloatwarethat comes with it.
Drop us a comment down below for any additional thoughts and queries.
More about the topics:antimalware,Windows 11
Loredana Harsana
Windows Software Expert
Loredana is a passionate writer with a keen interest in PC software and technology. She started off writing about mobile phones back when Samsung Galaxy S II was on top of the world and she fell in love with tech of all sorts.
Whenever she’s not at her work desk, you’ll find her enjoying refreshing tea flavors, spilling stories on paper, and listening to the radio.
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Loredana Harsana
Windows Software Expert
Loredana is a tech enthusiast who tackles mobility, privacy, and networking in easy-to follow guides for everyone.
