Important Points
- Smart App Control no longer requires a reinstallation of Windows to manage it.
- This can be accessed via Windows Security application.
- This feature only allows trusted applications to run, blocking untrusted ones.
- You can now enable Smart App Control life or death.
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Windows 11 April 2026 Update Introduces Smart App Control Without Reinstallation
Smart App Control (SAC) has now been updated so it is no longer required operating system reinstallation to manage it. This feature is available through the Windows Security app, and locks the system, allowing only trusted application to run on the operating system to prevent unwanted behavior from untrusted applications. Initially, Smart App Control was available for new installations, and required completion of the installation to turn it off, but this changed with the release of the April 2026 Security Update.
| Feature | Navigation Path |
|---|---|
| Smart App Control | Windows Security > App & Browser Control > Smart App Control |
Stages of Smart Application Control
Smart App Control has two modes evaluation And implementation. In evaluation mode, Smart App Control runs in the background, observing activities on the device and evaluate whether the device is suitable for the protection offered based on the variations installed application and used. In enforcement mode, Smart Application Control actively protects the device, and applications cannot be run unless they are recognized by Microsoft application intelligence agency or signed with a trusted certificate.
Checking Smart App Control Mode
If On is selected, Smart Application Control runs in deployment mode. If Evaluation is selected, it runs in evaluation mode. If Dead is selected, Smart App Control is not running on the device.
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Author
Anoop C Nairis a Workplace Technology solutions architect with over 25 years of experience. Microsoft Certified Trainer. Microsoft MVP from 2015 onwards for 11+ years in a row! He is a blogger, Speaker, and Founder of the HTMD Community and HTMD Conference. The main focus is on Device Management technologies such as Intune, Windows, and Cloud PC. He writes about technologies such as Intune, SCCM, Windows, Cloud PC, Entra, and Microsoft Security.
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