Microsoft's October Patch Tuesday update for Windows 11 contains a flaw that blocks users from switching on Smart App Control, a security setting that prevents potentially malicious or suspicious apps and files from infecting a computer. Machines where the feature is already enabled continue to run it, but systems where it is currently off show the option to turn it on as grayed out. The update was released on October 13.
The defect was confirmed on multiple machines. Three Windows 11 PCs running this month's update all displayed the grayed-out option, while a fourth PC that had not yet been updated still offered the control. Smart App Control was added to Windows 11 in 2022 and is stricter than some other built-in security settings, designed to guard against new and emerging threats.
Microsoft said it is working on a fix for the bug and will provide an update in a future release. Until then, the company has published steps for working around the glitch by adding two keys to the Windows Registry. Affected users can check their status by opening Settings, selecting Privacy & security, clicking Windows Security, choosing App & browser control under Protection areas, and opening the Smart App Control settings link. If the feature reads Off and the On option is grayed out, the bug is present.
The workaround requires an administrator-level command prompt window, which users can open by typing cmd in the Search box and choosing the run as administrator option; without it, the Registry cannot be modified. Microsoft's instructions call for entering two commands, one after the other, that add override values under the FeatureManagement key in the Registry. Each command should return a confirmation that the operation completed successfully.
Users should then close the command prompt and reboot the PC. After logging back in and returning to the same Smart App Control settings screen, the On option should be available again so the feature can be activated. Microsoft has not indicated when a permanent fix will ship.
Smart App Control carries a tradeoff. It can interfere with downloads and installations from unfamiliar sources, and users who find it disruptive can turn it off. Trying it for a period allows users to judge whether it fits their habits, since it can stop unknown malware from infecting a system.
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