Microsoft October Update Breaks Smart App Control Activation on Windows 11
A glitch in the recent Windows 11 update prevents users from enabling Smart App Control, though a registry workaround is available.
Key points
- The October 13 Windows 11 update disables the ability to turn on Smart App Control if it was previously off.
- Users who had already enabled the feature remain protected and unaffected by the glitch.
- Microsoft confirmed it is working on a fix and provided a temporary registry workaround.
Microsoft’s October 13 Patch Tuesday update for Windows 11 contains a bug that prevents users from enabling Smart App Control, a security feature designed to block malicious applications. According to ZDNET Security, the glitch grays out the activation button in system settings, making it impossible to turn on the protection if it was previously disabled.
The issue specifically impacts devices where Smart App Control was not already active. ZDNET Security reported that after testing three Windows 11 PCs with the update and one without, the option remained grayed out only on the updated machines. Users who had previously enabled the feature found it remained in effect and functional despite the update.
Context and Background
Smart App Control was introduced to Windows 11 in 2022 as a stricter security measure than other built-in settings. It is designed to protect systems against new and emerging threats by blocking potentially suspicious apps and files from infecting the computer. This feature represents a significant layer of defense for users who rely on automated protection against unknown software.
Microsoft acknowledged the problem and stated that it is working on a fix for the bug. The company indicated that a permanent resolution will be provided in a future release. Until that update is available, Microsoft has provided instructions for a temporary workaround that allows users to bypass the glitch and enable the setting through manual configuration.
Who Is Affected
The bug affects Windows 11 users who installed the October 13 update and had Smart App Control turned off. Those who had already enabled the feature before the update are not impacted, as the setting remains active. ZDNET Security verified the issue by checking multiple devices, confirming that the inability to toggle the setting on is directly linked to the recent patch.
To determine if a device is affected, users should navigate to Settings, select Privacy & security, and click Windows Security. In the Protection areas section, selecting App & browser control and then Smart App Control settings will reveal the status. If the option is set to Off and the On button is grayed out, the device has been hit by the bug.
What should you do?
Users who need to enable Smart App Control can temporarily resolve the issue by adding two keys to the Windows Registry. Microsoft provided specific command-line steps for this workaround. Users must open a command prompt window with administrator privileges to modify the Registry successfully.
The process involves typing specific `reg add` commands into the command prompt. These commands target the `HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Policies\Microsoft\FeatureManagement\Overrides` path. Running these commands forces the system to recognize the feature as available, allowing users to turn on Smart App Control through the standard settings interface.
What to do and how to stay safe: Microsoft
- Check your Windows Security settings to see if the Smart App Control toggle is grayed out after the October update.
- If affected, open an administrator command prompt and run the registry commands provided by Microsoft to restore functionality.
- Monitor official Microsoft channels for a permanent patch that resolves the activation bug in a future release.
- Ensure that any previously enabled Smart App Control settings remain active, as they are not impacted by this specific glitch.
Step-by-step guide: Social Engineering Warning Signs and How to Respond
General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
Does the October Windows update turn off Smart App Control if it is already on?
No, the update does not disable the feature if it was already enabled; it only prevents users from turning it on if it was off.
Is there a permanent fix for the Smart App Control bug?
Microsoft is working on a fix and plans to include it in a future Windows update, but no specific date has been provided.
How can I check if my Windows 11 PC is affected by this bug?
Go to Windows Security settings, select App & browser control, and check if the Smart App Control toggle is grayed out.
