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Use Smart App Control in Windows 11 to Block Untrusted Apps Safely

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Use Smart App Control in Windows 11 to Block Untrusted Apps Safely​

Difficulty: Beginner | Time Required: 10 minutes
Smart App Control is a built-in Windows 11 security feature that helps block untrusted, unsigned, or potentially harmful apps before they can run. It adds another layer of protection on top of Microsoft Defender by using code signing and cloud-based intelligence to decide whether an app is safe to launch.
For everyday users, this can reduce the risk of installing suspicious software, fake utilities, or unknown apps downloaded from the web. If you want stronger protection without constantly making security decisions yourself, Smart App Control is worth checking.

What Smart App Control Does​

Smart App Control helps protect your PC by:
  • Blocking untrusted or poorly trusted apps
  • Stopping potentially unwanted or malicious software from running
  • Using Microsoft security intelligence to evaluate apps
  • Working in the background with minimal user input
Note: Smart App Control is available in Windows 11, not Windows 10. It was introduced with Windows 11 version 22H2 and later.
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Prerequisites​

Before you begin, make sure:
  • You are using Windows 11 version 22H2 or newer
  • Your device is signed in with an account that can change Windows Security settings
  • Your installation is eligible for Smart App Control
Important: Smart App Control typically works best on a clean installation of Windows 11. On some systems, it may not be available if Windows was upgraded from an earlier version.
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Step 1: Check Your Windows Version​

First, confirm that your PC is running a supported version of Windows 11.
  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Click System.
  3. Scroll down and select About.
  4. Under Windows specifications, look for:
    • Edition
    • Version
    • OS build
You should see Windows 11, version 22H2 or later.
Tip: If your version is older, go to Settings > Windows Update and install available updates before continuing.
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Step 2: Open Windows Security​

Smart App Control is managed through the Windows Security app.
  1. Click Start.
  2. Type Windows Security.
  3. Select Windows Security from the search results.
  4. In the left pane, click App & browser control.
This section contains protection settings related to app reputation, exploit protection, and Smart App Control.

Step 3: Locate Smart App Control​

Once you are in App & browser control, look for the Smart App Control section.
  1. On the App & browser control page, find Smart App Control.
  2. Click the Smart App Control option to open its details.
You may see one of several statuses:
  • On – Smart App Control is actively protecting your system
  • Evaluation – Windows is checking how Smart App Control will affect your usage before fully enabling it
  • Off – The feature is disabled
  • Unavailable – Your PC does not currently support enabling it in its current state

Step 4: Understand the Available Modes​

Before changing anything, it helps to know what each mode means.

On​

Smart App Control actively blocks untrusted apps and offers the highest protection level.

Evaluation​

Windows monitors your usage patterns and determines whether Smart App Control can be enabled without causing too many interruptions.

Off​

The feature is disabled and no longer blocks untrusted apps.
Warning: If Smart App Control is turned Off, you generally cannot simply turn it back on later from the same installation. In many cases, re-enabling it requires resetting or reinstalling Windows.
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Step 5: Turn On Smart App Control If Available​

If your system allows it, enabling Smart App Control is straightforward.
  1. In Windows Security > App & browser control > Smart App Control:
  2. Select On if the option is available.
  3. Confirm any prompts that appear.
Once enabled, Windows will begin blocking apps that are considered untrusted or unsafe.
Note: Some systems may automatically start in Evaluation mode instead of allowing you to choose On immediately.
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Step 6: If Smart App Control Is in Evaluation Mode​

Evaluation mode is normal on supported systems.
  1. Leave the setting as Evaluation.
  2. Continue using your PC normally for a period of time.
  3. Windows will decide whether to automatically switch Smart App Control to On.
If Windows determines the feature may interfere too much with your typical app usage, it might turn itself Off instead.
Tip: During evaluation, avoid installing lots of unusual or unsigned apps if you want the best chance of Smart App Control staying enabled.
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Step 7: Test App Behavior Carefully​

After Smart App Control is enabled, pay attention when launching newly downloaded software.
  1. Download or open an app as you normally would.
  2. If the app is trusted and properly signed, it should run normally.
  3. If the app is untrusted, Smart App Control may block it before it launches.
Windows will usually display a message explaining that the app was blocked for your protection.
Helpful Note: This is especially useful for apps from unknown websites, bundled installers, or software with poor reputation.
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Step 8: Decide What to Do If a Trusted App Is Blocked​

Occasionally, a legitimate app may be blocked if it lacks proper reputation or signing.
If that happens:
  1. Verify where the app came from.
  2. Download it only from the developer’s official website.
  3. Check whether a newer signed version is available.
  4. Look for publisher details or digital signature information.
If you absolutely need to run software that Smart App Control blocks, you may be tempted to turn the feature off.
Warning: Turning Smart App Control Off is a one-way decision on many Windows 11 installations. Only disable it if you are sure you no longer want this protection.
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Step 9: Keep Windows Security and Windows Update Current​

Smart App Control works best when Windows is fully updated.
  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to Windows Update.
  3. Click Check for updates.
  4. Install any pending updates.
  5. Restart your PC if required.
Also keep Microsoft Defender enabled unless you have a trusted alternative security setup.
Tip: Security features are most effective when used together. Smart App Control, Defender Antivirus, reputation-based protection, and regular updates provide layered protection.
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Troubleshooting and Notes​

Smart App Control says "Unavailable"​

This usually means your PC does not meet the current requirements for enabling it in its present installation state.
Possible reasons include:
  • The system was upgraded instead of clean-installed
  • Important security components are disabled
  • Your edition or configuration does not currently support activation
In many cases, a Reset this PC or clean reinstall of Windows 11 may be required for Smart App Control to become available.

I turned it off and now cannot turn it back on​

This is expected behavior in many cases. Smart App Control is designed this way to prevent inconsistent protection states.
If you want it back, you may need to:
  • Reset Windows 11
  • Perform a clean installation
  • Reconfigure the device from a fresh Windows setup

An app I trust is blocked​

Try these steps:
  • Re-download the app from the official source
  • Update to the latest version
  • Check whether the app is digitally signed
  • Contact the software vendor for a properly signed release

Is this available in Windows 10?​

No. Smart App Control is a Windows 11 feature and is not included in Windows 10.

Helpful Tips​

  • Stick to apps from trusted developers and official download pages
  • Avoid turning off Smart App Control unless absolutely necessary
  • Combine Smart App Control with SmartScreen and Microsoft Defender
  • Keep regular backups of important files in case you ever need to reset Windows
  • If you are setting up a new PC, consider enabling and keeping Smart App Control from the start

Conclusion​

Smart App Control is one of the simplest ways to strengthen app security in Windows 11 without installing extra tools. It helps stop suspicious or low-trust software before it runs, which can lower the chance of malware infections and unwanted system changes. For beginners especially, it offers a safer default experience with very little effort once enabled.
Key Takeaways:
  • Smart App Control helps block untrusted and potentially harmful apps before they run
  • It is available in Windows 11 version 22H2 and later
  • You can find it under Windows Security > App & browser control
  • Evaluation mode lets Windows decide whether full protection can be enabled
  • Turning it Off is often difficult to reverse without resetting or reinstalling Windows
  • It works best alongside Windows Update and Microsoft Defender
This tutorial was generated to help WindowsForum.com users get the most out of their Windows experience.
 

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