The latest Windows update, released on October 13, 2026, has introduced a bug that disables the Smart App Control security feature in Windows 11. This feature, introduced in 2022, is designed to block potentially malicious or suspicious apps and files, providing an extra layer of protection against emerging threats.
Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and is working on a fix for a future update. In the meantime, users can temporarily bypass the bug through a Registry hack. To do this, users need to add two specific keys to the Windows Registry using command prompt commands provided by Microsoft.
To check if your system is affected, go to Settings, select Privacy & security, then click Windows Security. Under Protection areas, select App & browser control, and then click Smart App Control settings. If the option to turn it on is grayed out, you’ve been impacted by the bug.
While Smart App Control can be intrusive if you frequently download files from unfamiliar sources, it’s generally recommended to keep it enabled to defend against unknown malware. Microsoft advises trying it out to see if it fits your workflow.