Microsoft documents Smart App Control fix and remaining version-specific workarounds
Microsoft has documented fixes for a Windows issue that could prevent enabling Smart App Control, with different guidance for affected Windows versions.
Microsoft has documented a Windows issue that can prevent users from turning on Smart App Control after an update. On affected devices, the control may appear unavailable in Windows Security.
The distinction between an unavailable toggle and disabled protection matters. Microsoft says devices where Smart App Control was already enabled are not affected by this issue and remain protected.
Windows 11 versions 26H2 and 25H2 have a fix in updates released on and after October 27, 2026.
The advisory separately describes workarounds for affected devices that do not have an update resolving the problem.
Microsoft documents registry and Group Policy workarounds for affected systems. The Group Policy approach requires administrators to install the applicable policies, enable the settings and restart the device. Its advisory distinguishes the available workaround from installing an update that already resolves the issue.
Sources
- October 13, 2026—KB5127648 (OS Builds 26300.9711, 26200.9711 and 26100.9711)PrimaryMicrosoft
- Microsoft fixes Smart App Control broken by October Windows updateSupportingwww.bleepingcomputer.com
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