[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "how%20do%20i%20disable%20smart%20app%20control"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here\u2019s how to disable (turn off) Smart App Control (SAC) on Windows\u2014you'll need to know your Windows version and whether SAC is already enabled/available, since Microsoft is changing how it works. Below are the current options and details you\u2019ll need.  \n\n---\n\n## What is Smart App Control (SAC)?\n\n- SAC is a Windows 11 security feature. It blocks or prevents apps that are considered untrusted, malicious, or potentially dangerous, using Microsoft\u2019s cloud intelligence + code-signing. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/smart-app-control-frequently-asked-questions-285ea03d-fa88-4d56-882e-6698afdb7003?utm_source=openai))  \n- It has three main states: **Evaluation**, **On**, and **Off**. In Evaluation mode, SAC watches how you use your PC but doesn\u2019t block anything. ([howtogeek.com](https://www.howtogeek.com/smart-app-control-windows-11-explained/?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## How to Turn SAC Off\n\nIf you can disable SAC where you are now, here\u2019s how:\n\n1. Open **Settings** \u2192 go to **Privacy & Security** \u2192 click **Windows Security**. ([howtogeek.com](https://www.howtogeek.com/smart-app-control-windows-11-explained/?utm_source=openai))  \n2. Launch **Windows Security** app. ([howtogeek.com](https://www.howtogeek.com/smart-app-control-windows-11-explained/?utm_source=openai))  \n3. Navigate to **App & browser control**. Look for **Smart App Control settings**. ([guidingtech.com](https://www.guidingtech.com/enable-or-disable-smart-app-control-in-windows-11/?utm_source=openai))  \n4. In the SAC settings, select **Off**. Confirm via the prompt when asked (usually \u201cYes, I\u2019m sure\u201d) to permanently disable it. ([guidingtech.com](https://www.guidingtech.com/enable-or-disable-smart-app-control-in-windows-11/?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## Important Limitations / Permanent Actions\n\n- Once **explicitly turned off**, SAC **can\u2019t be turned on again** for your current Windows installation\u2014at least up until very recently. The only official workaround has been to reset or clean-reinstall Windows. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/smart-app-control-frequently-asked-questions-285ea03d-fa88-4d56-882e-6698afdb7003?utm_source=openai))  \n- SAC is only available on **clean installs** of Windows 11 version 22H2 or later. If you upgraded from Windows 10 (or an earlier Windows 11 version), SAC may never have been enabled or available to begin with. ([makeuseof.com](https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-11-smart-app-control-explain/?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## New Update: SAC Toggle Becoming More Flexible\n\nMicrosoft has announced (late 2025) that SAC is being updated so users can toggle it On or Off at any time, without needing to do a full Windows reset or reinstall. ([windowslatest.com](https://www.windowslatest.com/2025/12/16/microsoft-confirms-you-can-soon-disable-smart-app-control-without-reinstalling-windows-11/?utm_source=openai))  \n\n- This change is currently rolling out via preview/Insider builds. ([windowslatest.com](https://www.windowslatest.com/2025/12/16/microsoft-confirms-you-can-soon-disable-smart-app-control-without-reinstalling-windows-11/?utm_source=openai))  \n- As of early 2026, mainstream Windows 11 builds may receive this change, but it may still depend on update version and whether you're in the Insider program. ([windowslatest.com](https://www.windowslatest.com/2025/12/16/microsoft-confirms-you-can-soon-disable-smart-app-control-without-reinstalling-windows-11/?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## Using the Registry to Change SAC (Advanced)\n\nIf the normal toggle is unavailable, you may change SAC\u2019s state via the Registry. Be cautious and back up first.\n\n- Registry path:  \n  `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Control\\CI\\Policy` ([howtogeek.com](https://www.howtogeek.com/smart-app-control-windows-11-explained/?utm_source=openai))  \n- Value name: `VerifiedAndReputablePolicyState`  \n- Data values:  \n   \u2003 \u2022 `0` \u2192 Off  \n   \u2003 \u2022 `1` \u2192 On  \n   \u2003 \u2022 `2` \u2192 Evaluation mode ([guidingtech.com](https://www.guidingtech.com/enable-or-disable-smart-app-control-in-windows-11/?utm_source=openai))  \n\n- After changing the registry, you\u2019ll usually need to **reboot** your PC to apply changes. ([guidingtech.com](https://www.guidingtech.com/enable-or-disable-smart-app-control-in-windows-11/?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\nIf you tell me your Windows version (e.g. Windows 11 22H2, or if you upgraded from Windows 10), I can check if the toggle should be available on your machine specifically, and whether you'll be able to turn SAC back on later. Do you want me to check that for your setup?"
    }
]