App Control is blocking a needed app of mine.

Viktor Bron 0 Reputation points
2026-08-24T08:52:08.0166667+00:00

How do I turn off or remove "App Control"? I don't need it to screen my apps.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Security and privacy
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  1. DaveM121 939.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-24T09:28:43.32+00:00

    Before disabling App and Browser Control in Windows security, ensure you completely trust the app and that you have downloaded the app from the official developers website.

    Note: disabling App and Browser Control will lower the security on your PC and it is not advised to disable this setting.

    Open the Settings App.

    Go to Privacy & Security - Windows Security.

    Click 'App and Browser Control' - Smart App Control'.

    In there you can disable that setting.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-08-24T08:52:23.8766667+00:00

    For a home Windows 11 device, this is most likely Smart App Control.

    • Open Windows Security.
    • Go to App & browser control.
    • Open Smart App Control settings.
    • Set it to Off.

    Important details:

    • There is no per-app allow list for Smart App Control. If one needed app is blocked, the available options are to turn Smart App Control off or use a version of the app that is properly signed.
    • Smart App Control can also be turned off automatically if the device is enterprise-managed, Developer Mode is enabled, the device is in Windows in S mode, or optional diagnostic data is turned off.
    • Recent Windows updates allow Smart App Control to be enabled again from the Windows Security app without requiring a clean install.

    If this is instead App Control for Business rather than Smart App Control, removal is different:

    • On Windows 11 2022 Update and later, an administrator can remove a policy from an elevated command window with:
    CiTool.exe -rp "{PolicyId GUID}" -json
    • On Windows 11 2024 update, unsigned policies can be removed with CiTool.exe without requiring a restart. On earlier versions, a restart is required.
    • If the policy was deployed by Group Policy, MDM, or Intune, that deployment method must be disabled first or the policy can redeploy.

    Warning: removing App Control for Business policies can cause boot problems in some cases, especially with signed base policies or policies affecting boot-critical drivers. Follow the documented removal process carefully.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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