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How to turn Smart App Control Back on

Ted Gardner 0 Reputation points
2026-01-27T22:15:50.3666667+00:00

ChatGPT indicated I needed to turn off the Smart App control in order to download the software to enable movie audio in Windows 11. What wasn't indicated was that it would require a reset of Windows 11, which I discovered was necessary when I went to turn Smart App Control back on.

Under the FAQs it indicates to perform a reset you: "tap the Start button", "type Reset this PC" and "start a reset from the Recovery menu". The FAQs indicate that the option exists to do a "Keep my files" reset.

I tap Start and type Reset this PC as directed and then there does not appear to be a "Recovery Menu' and it indicates I need to create a Recovery Drive on a USB Drive and then it further indicates I can either "remove my files" or "fully clean the drive".

Well, I want the reset with my files on it.

What am I missing?

Or do I back up my files, do a clean install of Windows 11 from Microsoft 365 (which may be nuanced as well) and reload my files from a USB drive or 1 Drive?

Thanks!

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Security and privacy
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  1. Francisco Marrero 276 Reputation points
    2026-02-24T20:18:07.5633333+00:00

    Instead of a system refresh

    Using the Registry

    Go to:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\CI\Policy

    Find and double-click on the VerifiedAndReputablePolicyState key.

    Now, type 1 in the Value Data field to enable Smart App Control, or type 2 to put Smart App Control in Evaluation mode and press OK.

    Reboot

    Please mark as helpful if this helps.

    4 people found this answer helpful.
  2. Manoel Barros 18,105 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-01-28T00:38:02.53+00:00

    Hi! Yes, you need to reset Windows to enable Smart App Control. There are several ways to do this.

    1. Open Windows Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC > Reset this computer.
    2. Hold down the SHIFT key and restart your computer. Do not release the key until you enter the Recovery Environment (a blue screen with several options). Look for the reset option, usually under Advanced Options > Troubleshoot.
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  3. Q&A Assist
    2026-01-27T22:16:01.7033333+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    To turn Smart App Control back on after performing a reset, you can follow these steps:

    1. Open Settings: Click on the Start button and select the Settings gear icon.
    2. Navigate to Recovery: In the Settings window, go to the System section and then select Recovery.
    3. Reset this PC: Under the Recovery options, you should see the Reset this PC option. Click on it.
    4. Choose an Option: You will be prompted to choose between Keep my files or Remove everything. Since you want to keep your files, select Keep my files.
    5. Follow the Prompts: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.

    If you do not see the Recovery menu or if it prompts you to create a Recovery Drive, ensure that your Windows 11 is up to date. Sometimes, missing options can be due to outdated system files or settings. If the issue persists, backing up your files and performing a clean install of Windows 11 might be necessary. This would involve using installation media from Microsoft and then restoring your files from a backup.

    References:

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