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Microsoft Removes Reinstallation Requirement for Enabling Smart App Control in Windows 11

Microsoft has eliminated the primary restriction on Smart App Control, allowing home users to activate or reactivate the Windows 11 security feature without performing a clean installation of the operating system. Previously, toggling the setting effectively required users to reinstall the entire system. Smart App Control leverages Microsoft's cloud-based reputation system and analyzes digital signatures to block suspicious, potentially dangerous, or unsigned files before execution. The toggle is now accessible through Windows Security under App & browser control. The update is being rolled out gradually via Windows 11 updates, though users who have disabled optional diagnostic data may still need a reset or reinstallation. The feature can interfere with developers and enterprise users working with rare or unsigned tools, as there is no option to whitelist individual blocked applications.

AntiMalwareTranslated from Russian

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Microsoft has removed the main limitation of Smart App Control in Windows 11. Home users can now enable or re-enable the protective feature without a clean installation of the operating system.

Previously, changing this single setting required users to effectively reinstall the entire computer. Smart App Control checks launched programs through Microsoft's cloud reputation system and analyzes their digital signatures. Suspicious, potentially dangerous, and unknown unsigned files are blocked before execution.

According to updated Microsoft documentation, the toggle is located in Windows Security → App & browser control → Smart App Control. The change is being delivered gradually through Windows 11 updates.

However, there is a caveat. If a user has previously disabled the sending of optional diagnostic data, activating Smart App Control may still require resetting the computer or reinstalling Windows 11 with the setting enabled during setup.

The feature can also interfere with developers and corporate users working with rare or unsigned tools. It is not possible to allow a single specific blocked application: users must either disable the entire protection or ask the developer to properly sign the code.

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