Microsoft Unveils How Clean Install of Windows 11 Can Boost PC Performance with Smart App Control

In March, Microsoft released a recommendation aimed at new PCs running Windows 11, encouraging users to utilize the Smart App Control feature for enhanced security. However, this feature is only available with a clean installation of the operating system. The company has now clarified how Smart App Control can optimize system performance.

Microsoft first introduced Smart App Control with the launch of Windows 11 version 22H2 in September 2022.

The tech giant elucidates that continuous background antivirus scanning can hinder device performance. According to company representatives, the advantage of Smart App Control lies in its ability to block malicious applications before they can execute, eliminating the need for constant scanning of active files, which subsequently reduces system load.

The company describes Smart App Control as a proactive solution for malware protection, contrasting it with traditional antivirus programs that operate reactively.

Thus, Microsoft asserts that users benefit from both improved performance and faster system operations, along with advanced protection through Smart App Control’s machine learning capabilities and the utilization of cloud data.

However, some service providers have noted that this feature may adversely affect system performance due to potential bugs. Such concerns were highlighted in a support article by Broadcom, which also mentioned that Microsoft has not provided “any specific recommendations for addressing or resolving these issues.”

Previously, Microsoft warned that a piece of malware known as “Lumma” had infected over 394,000 Windows systems worldwide within just two months. Cybercriminals exploit Lumma as a tool for stealing sensitive information from applications such as browsers, cryptocurrency wallets, and others.