Microsoft Defender Smart App Control

Question

Last year I had briefly used Microsoft Defender as my anti-virus protection. However, I also switched to a third-party anti-virus. With that one-year subscription running out, I decided I don't want to payout money for another year, so I have gone back to Microsoft Defender. I have noticed that Smart App control is turned off and I have read how it must be turned back on, which is something I don't want to do. However, since I rarely download apps and when I do, its from trusted and reputable sources. I am wondering if during the month and half I used Microsoft Defender the application determined during evaluation mode I would have not to be a good candidate.

In addition, I also see that the Reputation Based Protection already protections PC's from unwanted apps.

I am just looking for some perspective and thoughts.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Marc,

Thank you for your quick responses and this latest information. I appreciate all the help so quickly. While I did like the third party anti-virus I had, continuing to pay $54.99 a year doesn't seem fiscally responsible, given the improvements Defender has over the past several months, from what I have read and offers fairly robust security overall.

Answer 2

Hi Jay_Harold,

Thanks for the follow-up, and great to hear Controlled Folder Access is enabled, that’s a solid layer of protection.

Regarding the Duplicate "OneDrive - Personal" Entries:

What you're seeing — two identical OneDrive - Personal entries under Ransomware Data Recovery — is a known quirk in Windows Security UI, especially if you’ve ever:

> Re-linked or reset OneDrive,

> Signed in and out with the same Microsoft account,

> Or had OneDrive updates that re-register its backup capability.

Each instance refers to the same underlying account, but Windows Defender may display both backup registrations (past and current) even if one is stale.

It's not a security risk, and it does not mean duplicate files or backup conflicts. It's more of a cosmetic/UI bug. Only one entry is typically "active," and you can still recover files via either link if needed.

Best,

Answer 3

...I have gone back to Microsoft Defender. I have noticed that Smart App control is turned off and I have read how it must be turned back on, which is something I don't want to do. ...

I am just looking for some perspective and thoughts.

Smart App Control Frequently Asked Questions

Quote

Why is Smart App Control turned off

Smart App Control is only available on clean installs of Windows 11. Also, there are other reasons why Smart App Control could be turned off.

• During evaluation mode we determined that you weren't a good candidate for Smart App Control.
• It was turned off manually by you or another user signed into your machine.
• Your device is running Windows in S mode. You'll need to turn S mode off, then reset your PC, to enter evaluation mode.
• You have optional diagnostic data in Windows turned off. If you want to turn Smart App Control on, you'll need to reset this PC, or reinstall Windows, and select Send optional diagnostic data during the setup process

Answer 4

Marc,

Thank you for the response. I do have he Controlled Folder Access enabled. What is were though, is that it shows my One Drive -Personal as twice...I am not sure why that is and I can't figure out how to fix that if it is necessary.

Any thoughts and help would be appreciated.

Thank you.

Answer 5

Hi there, Jay_Harold! This is Marc. Thanks for reaching out to the community. I'm here to help.

If SAC is off, there’s no need to worry or reinstall Windows just to re-enable it — especially since Reputation-Based Protection covers most use cases for cautious users like yourself.

You’re making a smart, informed choice. Keep everything updated and consider enabling Controlled Folder Access under Ransomware Protection as a bonus layer if you want extra security.

Let me know if you’d like help configuring those settings!

Best regards,