Earlier this week, Microsoft announced several new features for Windows 11 that will be available in the coming months. One of these new features is the new Smart App Control security feature. This feature is already being tested by Windows Insiders.

According to Microsoft, Smart App Control helps prevent malicious apps from running in Windows 11. Unlike similar protection offered in the browser, this new security feature injected directly into the kernel of the operating system. The company says it uses code signing in conjunction with AI to only allow processes deemed safe to run.

When a new app is launched on Windows 11 with Smart App Control enabled, its signature and key features are compared using Microsoft’s cloud-based AI model to ensure that only trusted apps run.

On new Windows 11 PCs which will appear on the market in the future, Smart App Control will be enabled by default. For current Windows 11 PC users who upgrade to a new version of the operating system using this feature, the bad news is that Smart App Control can only be enabled after reinstalling the operating systemas shown in the image below. Microsoft says this is necessary to ensure that no potentially malicious applications run when it’s enabled:

Smart App Control disabled in Windows 11 build 22593 – for
turning it on will require reinstalling the operating system
(Reproduction/Fabio Roselin)

To enable Smart App Control in Windows 11 if it’s disabled, Windows Insiders with the latest OS build can go to the recovery area in the System category of the Settings app, click Reset My Computer, and choose an option to save files:

Reproduction / Fabio Roselin

Once the process is complete, go to the Windows Security app, click on App & Browsing Control, and then on the link to open the Smart App Control settings:

Reproduction / Fabio Roselin

When this security feature is enabled, it can operate in two modes: Activated and Grade. When enabled, it will block malicious or untrusted applications from running. In trial mode, he “learns” to protect the user’s computer without interrupting it with notifications. After some time in trial mode, Smart App Control should automatically switch to “On” or “Off” mode, depending on the results of your “learning”:

Reproduction / Fabio Roselin

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Source: Tom’s Hardware, PC Gamer.