Among these new features is the ability to use Smart App Control or SAC on your Windows 11 PC. Smart App Control is a new security feature by Microsoft that aims to improve device security and prevent malware and adware from affecting computers. Let’s learn more about Smart App Control and how you can use it on your Windows 11 PC.
What is Smart App Control In Windows 11?
Smart App Control is Microsoft’s attempt to prevent malicious applications and programs from being installed on Windows 11 PCs. Smart App Control uses intelligent AI in the background to verify app reputation and signatures so that only trusted apps can be installed on your PC. Smart App Control differs from Anti-Virus programs and works independently. Whether you use an Anti-Virus or not, Smart App Control will continue working in the background and prevent you from installing any malicious or suspicious apps. The process starts by verifying the app or program’s reputation with Microsoft’s servers which has a huge database of billions of analyzed apps that are cross-checked with the app or program you’re trying to install. If Smart App Control cannot verify the program or app after this step, it then verifies the app’s signature to help ensure its security and legibility. If an app or program passes this check, then it will be installed and allowed to run on your PC. However, if the app fails this check, then the app will be blocked on your PC. This feature is designed mainly for institutions that issue machines to their members and participants. It is also for Educational institutes that issue computers to their students to help ensure that no malicious software or program is installed on the issued computers. Another thing about Smart App Control that you should know if you’re using a personal computer is that it initially runs in Evaluation Mode. Smart App Control analyzes your workflow and currently installed apps on your PC during this period. If Smart App Control deems that your workflow will be hampered by its functionality and that apps installed on your PC are safe, then it will turn itself off. However, if Smart App Control deems that you’re likely to install malicious apps and programs, then SAC will be automatically enabled on your PC.
How to Enable Smart App Control on Windows 11
You can enable and use Smart App Control on your PC manually as well. Ensure you’re running Windows 11 22H2 on your PC before proceeding with the steps below. Once you’ve updated, here’s how you can enable and use Smart App Control on your Windows 11 PC.
- Start by opening the Start menu on your PC by clicking the Start icon or by using the Windows key on your keyboard. Now type in and search for Smart App Control. Launch Smart App Control from your search results once it appears on your screen.
- You will now be taken to the Smart App Control page in the Windows Security app. Click Smart App Control settings on your right to enable Smart App Control on your Windows 11 PC.
- Click On to turn on Smart App Control on your Windows 11 PC. Smart App Control will now be turned on, and you can now enjoy all-around protection on your PC.
How to Use Smart App Control In Windows 11
You don’t need to do anything to use Smart App Control on your PC. This feature works automatically in the background and analyzes all new apps and programs being installed on your PC. Smart App Control will also automatically analyze already installed apps on your PC and notify you about any malicious programs you find. So the next time you install an app or program on your Windows 11 PC, you can expect Smart App Control to analyze the app automatically in the background. If the app is deemed unsafe, it will automatically be blocked on your Windows 11 PC.
Disable Smart App Control In Windows 11
You can turn off Smart App Control in the same way we turned it on. Keep in mind that once you turn it off, it can not be turned on again until you install a fresh copy of Windows 11 PC. With this in mind, here’s how you can disable Smart App Control on your Windows 11 PC.
- Open the Start menu on your Windows 11 PC and search for Smart App Control. Launch the dedicated app when it appears in your search results.
- Now click Smart App Control settings on your right to access settings to enable or disable Smart App Control.
- Click and select Off to turn off Smart App Control on your Windows 11 PC.
- You will now be prompted to confirm your choice. Click Continue anyway and confirm your choice. Smart App Control will now be turned off on your PC. I recommend you keep your Anti-Virus updated to ensure proper security on your PC.
Smart App Control Limitations
Smart App Control has a few limitations when it comes to using it on your Windows 11 PC. Mainly limitations with enabling and disabling this feature. The first thing to remember is that if you updated to Windows 11 22H2 using Windows update, then Smart App Control won’t be available to you. Smart App Control is only available to users with a fresh install of Windows 11 22H2, users that have reset their PC while running Windows 11 22H2, or users with a new PC that was recently bought. Secondly, once you turn off Smart App Control manually, you will have to reset your PC to enable it again. This helps Smart App Control ensure your PC’s security from scratch. Additionally, Smart App Control is quite intrusive if you regularly install and remove programs on your PC. The feature is supposed to be aggressive by design, so if you find it to be interfering with your workflow, then I recommend you keep this feature disabled on your PC.
Is Smart App Control different from Windows Defender?
Yes, Smart App Control works independently from Windows Defender. It uses AI and a huge database of billions of analyzed apps to help maintain security on your PC.
Can you manually bypass Smart App Control on Windows 11?
No, currently, there is no way to individually allow apps through Smart App Control. If you wish to install a flagged app on your PC, you will need to disable Smart App Control.
What data is shared with Microsoft when using Smart App Control on Windows 11?
Apps or programs being analyzed by Smart App Control are shared with Microsoft’s servers. Additionally, optional diagnostic data is also shared with Microsoft and needs to be enabled to use Smart App Control on your Windows 11 PC. However, it seems that no device or other identifiers are shared with Microsoft based on the Optional Diagnostic Data privacy policy. Though there is no information on Smart App Control for now.
Final Words
Security is always of the utmost importance in the modern-day world of the internet, where phishing scams, malware, and adware have become the norm. Smart App Control is designed to take your PC’s security a step further by introducing a way to analyze and block malicious apps and programs on your Windows 11 PC. I hope the post above helped you easily turn on and use Smart App Control on your Windows 11 PC.
Δ
