Smart App Control Feature

Question

Smart App Control Feature

Dennis5mile 70

Ok, so it is January 27th, 2026. On Nov 7th you all posted

"Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7070 (Dev & Beta Channels)

Written By

Windows Insider Program Team

published

November 7, 2025......

Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out with toggle on*

[Smart App Control]

We’re updating Smart App Control (SAC) so you will now be able to switch SAC off or on without any clean install requirement. To make changes, go to Windows Security > App & Browser Control > Smart App Control settings.

When it’s on, it helps block untrusted or potentially harmful apps. You can learn more about SAC App & Browser Control in the Windows Security App – Microsoft Support."

It's now January 7th, 2026 and I'm still waiting. Have you all stopped enabling this feature? Is it still rolling out? What gives?

Dennis5mile

0 comments

Answer accepted by question author

0 additional answers

Your answer

Answer 1

Ian-Ng 13,690 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hi @Dennis5mile, Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum.

Thank you for reaching out regarding the updated Smart App Control (SAC) feature. I understand it’s been a few months since the initial announcement in November, and you’re eager to see that new toggle in your settings.

As of late January 2026, the ability to switch SAC on or off without a clean install is still actively rolling out to the Dev and Beta Channels. While the feature was introduced in Build 26220.7070, Microsoft uses a staged approach called "Controlled Feature Rollout" (CFR). This means the toggle is enabled for groups of users over time rather than everyone at once.

Current Status:

Active Rollout: There has been no announcement that this feature has been paused or cancelled. It is still being deployed gradually.
System Requirements: The feature is still being monitored for stability across different hardware configurations to ensure it works seamlessly without requiring a full OS reset.

How to Prepare Your System

To ensure your device is ready to receive the update as soon as it’s available for your "wave," please verify the following:

Prioritize updates: Go to Settings > Windows Update and make sure the toggle for "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available" is set to On.
Cloud connectivity: Ensure Optional Diagnostic Data is enabled under Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback, as Smart App Control utilizes cloud-based intelligence to function.
Check your version: Ensure you are on the latest available build for your channel (current builds have moved past 26220.7070 to include more recent stability fixes).

I appreciate your patience as the team works to ensure this security enhancement is stable for all users.

Dennis5mile 70 Reputation points

2026-01-28T00:45:18.4933333+00:00
Hi @Ian-Ng

Thanks for the reply and the status update:

"Current Status:

Active Rollout: There has been no announcement that this feature has been paused or cancelled. It is still being deployed gradually.

System Requirements: The feature is still being monitored for stability across different hardware configurations to ensure it works seamlessly without requiring a full OS reset."

Current build as of today "(26220.7670)"

This is what I was looking for. Everything else you listed and mentioned I do on a daily basis as the first thing before I start my day.

Thanks again
Dennis5mile
Ian-Ng 13,690 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-01-28T22:31:24.6366667+00:00

Hi @Dennis5mile,

It is excellent to hear that the status update provided the clarity you were looking for.

Given that you are running Build 26220.7670 and are already diligent about checking for updates and maintaining cloud connectivity, you have done everything possible on the client side. At this stage, the absence of the Smart App Control toggle is strictly due to your device not yet being included in the current server-side "wave" of the rollout.

Since you are on such a recent build, your system is perfectly positioned to receive the entitlement flag as soon as Microsoft expands the deployment group. Your proactive approach ensures that once the flag is flipped for your hardware configuration, the feature will appear immediately without further troubleshooting.
Dennis5mile 70 Reputation points

2026-01-28T22:39:39.2366667+00:00

@Ian-Ng Thanks for the extra info. Looking forward to the feature. Dennis5mile
Ian-Ng 13,690 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-01-29T20:44:04.1566667+00:00

Hi @Dennis5mile,

Thank you for your understanding. Wishing you a pleasant day ahead.
Dennis5mile 70 Reputation points

2026-02-03T15:47:44.71+00:00
@Ian-Ng Hi, question;

Where do you find this information at

"Current Status:

Active Rollout: There has been no announcement that this feature has been paused or cancelled. It is still being deployed gradually.

System Requirements: The feature is still being monitored for stability across different hardware configurations to ensure it works seamlessly without requiring a full OS reset."? I'd like to keep track on it.

Thanks

Dennis5mile

Share via

Smart App Control Feature

0 additional answers

Your answer