Microsoft fixes Smart App Control broken by October update
Original title: Microsoft fixes Smart App Control broken by October Windows update
After KB5127648, the feature stays grayed out on Windows 11 24H2 and later if it was off; October 28 updates restore it.
Microsoft resolved a known issue that stopped some users from turning on Smart App Control after the October 2026 KB5127648 Windows 11 security update. On affected Windows 11 24H2 and later devices the option is grayed out if the feature was off; devices already using it stay protected. The fix is in updates released October 28, 2026, including the KB5127936 preview. Admins who wait for the next Patch Tuesday can use a registry edit or Group Policy packages.
- Microsoft recommends the latest security update rather than only the preview.
- Two documented registry overrides can restore the ability to turn the feature on.
- Group Policy packages KB5074105 cover Windows 11 24H2, 25H2, and 26H2.
- The same preview also fixes some Remote Desktop and Always On VPN failures.
Impact: Cannot turn on Smart App Control if it was already off.
| Product | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Windows 11 | 24H2 and later after KB5127648 | Updates released October 28, 2026, including KB5127936 |
- 1.Install the latest Windows security update, or the October 28 KB5127936 preview.
- 2.If delaying the preview, apply Microsoft’s registry overrides and restart.
- 3.Or install the KB5074105 Group Policy previews, set them to Enabled, and restart.
- Vendors
- Microsoft
- Products
- Windows 11Smart App Control
From the original article
2 min read at bleepingcomputer.com
Microsoft has resolved a known issue that prevented some users from activating the Smart App Control security feature after installing the October 2026 KB5127648 Windows 11 security update. [...]
By Sergiu Gatlan · bleepingcomputer.com
A short excerpt; the article and its images belong to the publisher. Summary, key facts and assessment above are AI-written from the article and can be wrong.