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To change Smart App Control in Windows 11, open Windows Security > App & browser control > Smart App Control settings, then select On or Off if those options are available. Check the current mode before changing it: once you leave Evaluation, Microsoft says you cannot return to that mode without resetting or reinstalling Windows.
Change the Smart App Control setting
- Open Windows Security. You can find it by searching for “Windows Security” from the Start menu.
- Select App & browser control.
- Open Smart App Control settings.
- Choose On or Off, if the option is available. The setting shown on this page tells you whether Smart App Control is in Evaluation, On, or Off.
Microsoft recommends keeping Windows and Microsoft Defender updates current for the best experience. See Microsoft’s App & browser control overview for the settings description.
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What Evaluation, On, and Off mean
| Mode | What it does | How it is set |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluation | Windows assesses whether the device is a good candidate for Smart App Control. It does not block apps in this mode. Windows may turn the feature on automatically for a suitable device, or turn it off if the device is not considered suitable. | Windows evaluates the device. |
| On | Smart App Control warns about untrusted apps. Apps considered trustworthy by its prediction model and/or apps with valid signatures can run. | It may be enabled automatically after evaluation, or selected manually when available. |
| Off | Smart App Control does not notify you about untrusted apps. It may be off because you turned it off or because Windows determined the device was not a candidate during evaluation. | It may be selected manually or set by Windows after evaluation. |
Microsoft notes that Smart App Control “won’t block anything while it’s in evaluation mode.” For its full explanation of the modes, see the Windows Security settings overview.
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Before switching modes, know what can be undone
Changing Smart App Control from Evaluation to On or Off is not a reversible toggle back to Evaluation. Microsoft says that after evaluation ends—or after you manually choose On or Off—you must reset or reinstall Windows to return to Evaluation. If you are unsure whether you want the feature active, leave it in Evaluation rather than changing it just to test the switch.
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If Smart App Control is unavailable or will not turn on
First check the mode displayed in Windows Security > App & browser control > Smart App Control settings, and install available Windows updates. Availability depends on the device’s Windows setup and state, so an unavailable On option does not necessarily mean the setting is broken.
Microsoft’s overview says Smart App Control is available on new Windows 11 installations and that some devices that received it through an update may require a reset or Windows reinstall before it can be enabled. Its FAQ also says recent updates allow enabling it without a clean installation. The requirement therefore varies by device; try the current settings page and updates before considering a reset or reinstall.
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Microsoft lists other circumstances that can leave the feature off, including enterprise management, developer mode, having manually turned it off, S mode, or optional diagnostic data being disabled. Its FAQ describes additional setup steps for some cases—for example, turning off S mode and then resetting the PC, or resetting/reinstalling and selecting Send optional diagnostic data during setup when diagnostic data was disabled. Check Microsoft’s Smart App Control FAQ for the guidance that matches your device.
If Smart App Control blocks an app you need
There is no per-app exception. Microsoft says, “There is currently no way to bypass Smart App Control protection for individual apps.” If a legitimate app is blocked, Microsoft suggests contacting its developer and asking them to sign the app with a valid signature. You can turn Smart App Control off in its settings, but that affects the feature as a whole; it does not create a one-app bypass. See the Microsoft FAQ.
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Smart App Control is not antivirus or SmartScreen
Smart App Control works alongside Microsoft Defender or other antivirus tools; it does not replace them. It is also separate from Microsoft Defender SmartScreen. In Windows Security, SmartScreen is part of Reputation-based protection and evaluates the reputation of apps and files downloaded from the web, while Smart App Control has its own mode and settings. Microsoft explains the distinction in its App & browser control overview and Smart App Control FAQ.
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- 【Fast Connectivity & Expansion】 Equipped with WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 for stable, high-speed wireless. Features 3 x USB 3.0, HDMI 2.1, Type-C (supports PD3.0 fast charging), and a TF card slot expandable up to 2TB – easily connect external monitors, mice, drives, or expand storage for all your files
- 【Long Battery Life & Portable】 Built-in 11.55V 5000mAh/57.75Wh high-capacity battery delivers approximately 7 hours of mixed-use battery life – enough for a full day of classes and assignments. Lightweight at just 1.63kg (3.6 lbs) and 19.5mm thin, plus a compact packing size – easily slips into a backpack for campus, library, or coffee shop
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