Microsoft Explains Why Smart App Control Outperforms Traditional Antivirus on Windows 11
Earlier this year, Microsoft reiterated its recommendation for users of new Windows 11 PCs to enable Smart App Control (SAC) — a built-in security feature introduced with Windows 11 version 22H2 in September 2022. Notably, SAC is only available on systems that undergo a clean installation , not those upgraded from a previous Windows version.
In a recent article, Microsoft outlined several advantages of Smart App Control over traditional antivirus software — especially when it comes to system performance and proactive threat prevention .
One major benefit, according to Microsoft, is lower resource usage . Unlike conventional antivirus programs that continuously scan files and processes in the background, SAC uses a different approach: it blocks potentially harmful apps before they run , based on reputation and behavioral analysis. This significantly reduces system strain, helping keep devices more responsive during daily tasks or gaming.
Microsoft describes Smart App Control as a proactive security solution , contrasting it with the reactive nature of most antivirus tools. While traditional AVs detect and remove threats after they appear on a system, SAC aims to stop them before they can cause any harm — using cloud-based intelligence and machine learning models trained on vast datasets.
The company also highlights that SAC can identify new and evolving threats by detecting suspicious behavior patterns, even if the specific malware hasn’t been seen before.
However, it’s not all perfect. Some reports have surfaced about performance issues linked to SAC , particularly due to bugs or conflicts. For example, a support article from Broadcom notes occasional system slowdowns caused by interactions between SAC and certain applications — and points out that Microsoft has yet to provide detailed guidance for resolving such cases.
Despite Microsoft’s claims, some users still believe older Windows versions like Windows 8.1 offer better performance, partly due to their lighter system footprint and fewer background processes. That said, with features like Smart App Control, Windows 11 continues to push toward a more secure and streamlined computing experience.