[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "how%20can%20I%20turn%20off%20smart%20app%20control%20in%20windows%2011"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here\u2019s how to turn off **Smart App Control** in Windows 11, along with important things to know before doing it. These steps reflect Microsoft\u2019s most current guidance as of mid-2026. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/windows-security/app-browser-control-in-the-windows-security-app?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n### What is Smart App Control (SAC)?\n\nSmart App Control is a security feature in Windows 11 that helps block potentially unsafe or untrusted apps. It uses AI and reputation-based protection to decide whether to allow an app to run. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/windows-security/app-browser-control-in-the-windows-security-app?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n### How to Disable Smart App Control\n\n1. Open **Settings**  \n   \u00ad\u2013 Click the Start menu and select the gear icon, or press **Windows + I**.\n\n2. Go to **Privacy & Security** \u2192 **Windows Security**.\n\n3. From there, select **App & Browser Control**.\n\n4. Click **Smart App Control settings** under the Smart App Control section.\n\n5. Change the setting to **Off**. If prompted, confirm the change. ([atera.com](https://www.atera.com/blog/how-to-turn-off-smart-app-control-in-windows-11/?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n### Important Caveats & Limitations\n\n- **Irreversible toggle in many cases**: Once you turn SAC off (especially after its evaluation period), you *may not* be able to turn it back on via settings except by resetting or reinstalling Windows. ([atera.com](https://www.atera.com/blog/how-to-turn-off-smart-app-control-in-windows-11/?utm_source=openai))  \n- **Feature availability**: Smart App Control is typically only available on fresh installs of Windows 11 (version 22H2 or later) or when enabled under newer Windows updates. If your device got SAC via an update, availability to enable/disable may vary. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/windows-security/app-browser-control-in-the-windows-security-app?utm_source=openai))  \n- **Evaluation mode**: SAC starts in \u201cEvaluation\u201d mode to decide whether it should apply stricter protections. While in this mode, some settings might be greyed out or automatic. ([windowscentral.com](https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-11/how-to-use-smart-app-control-on-windows-11-2022-update?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\nIf you tell me your Windows version (found under Settings \u2192 System \u2192 About), I can confirm whether your system supports toggling SAC off and if it can be re-enabled later."
    },
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "how%20can%20I%20allow%20an%20app%20through%20smart%20app%20control"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "You actually **can\u2019t allow a single app** through Smart App Control (SAC) while keeping it fully enabled. Microsoft doesn\u2019t provide a bypass or whitelist for individual applications. The only ways to run an app that SAC blocks are:\n\n---\n\n### What Microsoft says\n\n- SAC does *not* support letting just one specific app through\u2014it\u2019s an all-or-nothing protection. ([learn.microsoft.com](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5913253/how-to-bypass-smart-ap-control-to-run-a-batch-file?utm_source=openai))  \n- If SAC blocks an app you trust, Microsoft recommends **turning SAC off** temporarily, installing or using that app, then optionally turning SAC back on (if your version of Windows supports re-enabling it via settings) ([learn.microsoft.com](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5913253/how-to-bypass-smart-ap-control-to-run-a-batch-file?utm_source=openai)).\n\n---\n\n### How to handle an app blocked by SAC\n\nSince you can\u2019t add that one app to a whitelist under SAC, here are your options:\n\n1. **Disable Smart App Control**\n   - Go to **Settings \u2192 Privacy & Security \u2192 Windows Security \u2192 App & Browser Control \u2192 Smart App Control settings.**\n   - Switch SAC to *Off*. ([itechguides.com](https://www.itechguides.com/how-to-turn-smart-app-control-on-or-off-in-windows-11/?utm_source=openai))  \n   - Note: Once SAC has been turned off\u2014especially after its evaluation or enforcement stage\u2014it may not be possible to toggle it back on without reinstalling or resetting Windows (depends on your Windows version and updates) ([windows.gadgethacks.com](https://windows.gadgethacks.com/how-to/how-to-turn-on-or-off-smart-app-control-in-windows-11-full-guide/?utm_source=openai)).\n\n2. **Use a version of the app that has a valid signature**\n   - SAC may allow the app if it\u2019s signed by a trusted Certificate Authority. If your version doesn\u2019t have a valid signature, see if a signed release is available. ([learn.microsoft.com](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/develop/smart-app-control/overview?utm_source=openai)).\n\n---\n\nIf you tell me your Windows 11 build number or version (you can find it in Settings \u2192 System \u2192 About), I can check if your specific version *allows* re-enabling SAC after it's been switched off (some newer installs do). Would you like me to check that for your system?"
    }
]