Latest Windows update disables key security setting – but there’s a workaround

Microsoft's October 2024 Windows update contains a bug that prevents users from enabling Smart App Control, a security feature designed to block potentially malicious or suspicious applications and files.

The Patch Tuesday update released October 13 grays out the toggle switch for Smart App Control in the Settings menu, making it impossible to activate the feature if it is currently disabled. Smart App Control, introduced to Windows 11 in 2022, operates with stricter protections than other built-in Windows security settings and is intended to defend against new and emerging threats.

Users who had already enabled Smart App Control before the update report that the feature continues to function normally. The bug affects only those attempting to turn it on for the first time after installing the October update. Testing by the source confirmed the toggle appears grayed out on three Windows 11 machines running the October update, while remaining functional on a machine that has not yet received the patch.

Microsoft acknowledges the bug and states it is working on a fix to be released in a future update. The company has provided a workaround using Windows Registry modification.

To resolve the issue, users can open Command Prompt as administrator and enter two specific Registry commands that re-enable the Smart App Control toggle. The commands add two keys to the Windows Registry path "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Policies\Microsoft\FeatureManagement\Overrides" with values 2883193997 and 2850574478. After running both commands and restarting the computer, the toggle to enable Smart App Control should return to an active state.

Users can verify whether they are affected by navigating to Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > App & browser control > Smart App Control settings. If the On option appears grayed out while the current setting shows Off, the bug is present.

The source recommends enabling Smart App Control to defend against unknown malware, though notes the feature may interfere with workflows involving frequent downloads from unfamiliar sources.