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In the Windows 11 version 22H2 released by Microsoft in September 2022, a new feature called Smart App Control (SAC) was introduced. This feature can only be activated on freshly installed systems, and cannot be directly enabled on devices upgraded from previous versions of Windows.
In a recent technical support article, Microsoft highlighted the advantages of Smart App Control over traditional antivirus software:
Smart App Control offers inherent performance benefits compared to conventional antivirus solutions. It intercepts malicious applications before they can execute, eliminating the need for constant background scanning. As a result, it consumes fewer system resources and reduces processing time, allowing users to work and play without performance degradation.
Traditional antivirus programs often require more system resources due to their continuous file and process scanning. In contrast, Smart App Control operates as a proactive anti-malware solution, not relying on the reactive mechanisms of conventional antivirus software.
Thanks to these strengths, users can experience both improved performance and a more responsive system. Smart App Control leverages machine learning and cloud-based data to identify suspicious behavior. While traditional antivirus programs react only after threats are detected, SAC proactively prevents emerging or sophisticated threats that may elude conventional detection.
It is worth noting, however, that Smart App Control is not flawless. A support article from Broadcom previously indicated that occasional bugs in SAC could lead to performance degradation, and Microsoft has yet to provide a fix for such issues.
This feature is available only on systems with a clean installation of Windows 11 version 22H2 or later. It is enabled by default and requires no user intervention. Systems upgraded from earlier versions are not eligible to activate the feature directly.
To check if Smart App Control is enabled: Open Microsoft Defender → App and Browser Control → Smart App Control → Settings.