ZDNET’s key takeaways

The October Windows update disables Smart App Control.

You’re unable to turn on the feature if it’s turned off.

You can temporarily squash the bug through a Registry hack.

Microsoft’s monthly Windows updates always seem to sneak in some new bug that impacts an important feature or setting. And that’s the case with this month’s update.

Also: 5 apps I always install on new Windows PCs – and most are free

Rolled out on October 13, the latest Patch Tuesday update for Windows 11 has a glitch that disables a security setting for Smart App Control. Added to Windows 11 in 2022 , Smart App Control blocks potentially malicious or suspicious apps and files from infecting your computer. Stronger and stricter than some of the other built-in security settings , this is designed to protect you against new and emerging threats.

How to check if you’re affected

Microsoft says that it’s working on a fix for this bug and will provide an update in a future release.…