Windows Security includes a feature called Smart App Control in Windows 11 that helps block untrusted, malicious, or potentially unwanted applications before they can run on the system. It uses cloud-based security intelligence and code-signing checks to improve protection against unsafe software.
However, some users notice that the Smart App Control settings inside Windows Security are greyed out, unavailable, or inaccessible. In some cases, the feature may show:
- Turned Off
- Evaluation mode
- Unavailable
- Managed by system policies
This issue is commonly caused by unsupported Windows installations, disabled security features, system upgrades, policy restrictions, virtualization conflicts, or corrupted Windows Security components.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through several effective methods to fix Smart App Control settings greyed out in Windows Security on Windows 11.
How to Fix Smart App Control Settings Greyed Out in Windows Security
Before trying advanced troubleshooting methods, verify that you are running a supported version of Windows 11. Smart App Control is only available on newer Windows 11 builds and often requires a clean installation rather than an upgraded installation from Windows 10. Follow the methods below in order for the best results.
1. Check Windows Version Compatibility
Smart App Control is only available on supported Windows 11 builds.
- Press:
Windows + R - Type:
winver - Press Enter.
Ensure you are using:
- Windows 11 version 22H2 or later
Older builds may not support Smart App Control fully.
2. Verify Whether Windows Was Clean Installed
Smart App Control often remains unavailable on upgraded systems.
Microsoft officially recommends:
- Clean installation of Windows 11
instead of: - Upgrading from Windows 10
If your PC was upgraded from Windows 10, Smart App Control may stay greyed out permanently unless Windows 11 is installed cleanly.
3. Enable Core Security Features
Smart App Control depends on certain Windows security protections.
Open:
Windows Security > Device SecurityEnsure features such as:
- Core Isolation
- Memory Integrity
- Secure Boot
are enabled if supported by your hardware.
4. Check Smart App Control Status
Open:
Windows Security > App & browser controlUnder Smart App Control, possible states include:
- On
- Off
- Evaluation
- Unavailable
If it shows:
Offand cannot be changed, continue with the methods below.
5. Update Windows 11
Outdated Windows builds may contain Smart App Control bugs.
- Open:
Settings > Windows Update - Click:
Check for updates - Install all available updates.
- Restart your PC afterward.
Updates often restore missing Windows Security functionality.
6. Run System File Checker
Corrupted system files may break Windows Security settings.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Run:
sfc /scannow- Wait for the scan to complete.
- Restart your PC afterward.
This repairs damaged Windows components automatically.
7. Run DISM Repair Commands
If SFC does not fix the issue, repair the Windows image.
Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthRestart the PC after the process finishes.
8. Reset Windows Security
Corrupted Windows Security app data may cause settings to become unavailable.
- Open:
Settings > Apps > Installed apps - Locate:
Windows Security - Open:
Advanced options - Click:
- Repair
- Reset (if necessary)
Restart your PC afterward.
9. Check Group Policy Settings
Organizational policies may disable Smart App Control.
- Press:
Windows + R - Type:
gpedit.msc - Navigate to Windows Defender and SmartScreen-related policies.
- Ensure no policies are disabling Smart App Control functionality.
This method mainly applies to Windows Pro editions.
10. Perform a Clean Installation of Windows 11
If Smart App Control remains permanently unavailable, a clean installation may be required.
Important
This process removes installed applications and may erase data if not backed up properly.
- Backup important files.
- Download the latest Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft Official Website.
- Perform a clean installation.
- Complete Windows setup normally.
After a clean install, Smart App Control is usually available automatically on supported hardware.
Why Smart App Control Gets Disabled Automatically
Smart App Control may disable itself automatically if:
- Incompatible applications are detected
- Unsigned drivers are installed
- Security compatibility issues occur
- Evaluation mode determines insufficient compatibility
Once disabled manually, Smart App Control generally cannot be re-enabled without reinstalling Windows.
Conclusion
Smart App Control settings being greyed out in Windows Security is usually caused by unsupported Windows builds, upgraded installations, disabled security features, corrupted system files, or policy restrictions. Fortunately, many users can resolve the issue using methods such as updating Windows, repairing system files, resetting Windows Security, or enabling required security features.
By following the solutions outlined above, you should be able to restore Smart App Control functionality or understand why the feature remains unavailable on your Windows 11 system.
