Microsoft Fixes Smart App Control Issue Caused by October Windows Update
Summary
Microsoft says updates released October 28, 2026, and later fix an issue that prevented some Windows 11 24H2-and-later users from enabling Smart App Control after KB5127648. Registry and Group Policy workarounds are available.
Key points
- After installing Windows 11 update KB5127648, some users with Smart App Control turned off could not re-enable it because the option was grayed out.
- Devices where Smart App Control was already enabled were not affected and remained protected, according to Microsoft.
- Microsoft says updates released October 28, 2026, and later resolve the issue; the article identifies KB5127936 preview as a fix.
- For enterprise-managed devices not receiving the preview update, Microsoft provided registry and Group Policy workarounds, which require restarting affected devices.
- The preview update also resolves reported Remote Desktop failures related to Administrator protection and Always On VPN issues linked to September updates.
Article Details
- Event Type
- Microsoft resolved a Windows 11 update issue affecting Smart App Control.
- Impact
- After installing the October 2026 KB5127648 security update, some affected devices running Windows 11 24H2 and later could not turn on Smart App Control if it had previously been turned off. Devices where the feature was already enabled remained protected. Microsoft says updates released October 28, 2026, and later resolve the issue; a registry or Group Policy workaround was also available.