Wednesday, April 6th 2022

Microsoft Readies Security Feature-Update for Windows 11 Needing an OS Reinstall to Use

Microsoft is giving final touches to a what it refers to as a groundbreaking new security feature update for the Windows 11 operating system, which should significantly improve application-level security, and safeguard you from malicious apps based on the way they behave. Trouble is, to use the feature, you will have to reinstall your operating system (i.e. a clean reinstall), if you're on the current release of Windows 11, or any build that's older than the one that carries this update.

The Smart App Control feature by default blocks untrusted or uncertified applications from running on your PC, and unlike browser-level protections such as Smart Screen, is baked directly into the OS, and monitors application code at a process level, to detect potentially malicious application behavior. It does this using a combination of code-signing by the application publisher and an AI model for trust within the Microsoft cloud. The OS keeps in touch with the cloud 24x7 (whenever the PC is up), to receive the latest threat intelligence and AI model updates from the cloud. It's very likely that Smart App Control will be part of the next significant version milestone of Windows 11 (such as "22H2"), which means everyone on 22H1 or older will be made to reinstall to use it.
Sources: Microsoft, PC World
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115 Comments on Microsoft Readies Security Feature-Update for Windows 11 Needing an OS Reinstall to Use

#76
Cutechri
MatsIn other news: Drinking beer is still legal, but will it be tomorrow? [/s]

I'm so tired of all this FUD. We all hate Windows but we can't live without it, so bitterness and conspiracy theories keeps growing. Still, TPU is nowhere as bad as NBR forums back in the day lol..
We all hate Windows? Last time I checked, I don't.
Posted on Reply
#77
Unregistered
CutechriWe all hate Windows? Last time I checked, I don't.
I am actually surprised there aren't more people running Linux. considering the anti Microsoft muck here,
#78
Cutechri
TiggerI am actually surprised there aren't more people running Linux. considering the anti Microsoft muck here,
I have tried that. Never again.
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#79
Unregistered
CutechriI have tried that. Never again.
Works great on my Pi 4b :D
#80
chrcoluk
Given its not that hard to get something signed, it means malware authors can do so, so if the description offered up by windwhirl is right I think applocker is superior, as on that you can pick and choose which signatures to trust rather than a automatic decision.

But of course applocker would confuse too many people, hence we have an automatic variation here. I wonder if it will get changed to not just trust any signed binary.
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#81
Cutechri
TiggerWorks great on my Pi 4b :D
Well, a Pi isn't a gaming desktop, nor does Linux fulfill all my needs.
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#82
SL2
ShihabyoooAnd to spare anyone the apologism, whether or not there exists some third party hack or obscure set of powershell commands that still carry out the task is irrelevant. The point is that there were accessible and clear interfaces to do something, and then Microsoft removed them. Respecting user choice was not part of their agenda for the last 7 years.
I agree, and anyone who doesn't like it can post about it, of course, but extrapolations doesn't really work here.

Complaining about problems that doesn't exist is often FUD. Take the monthly Windows fee for instance, how many times have I read forum posts about that Fear? Still, it hasn't happened after all these years.

There are enough existing things to complain about as it is, and you mention several of those. No need to make up new ones. Not that I've seen you do it, tho.
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#83
windwhirl
chrcolukGiven its not that hard to get something signed, it means malware authors can do so,
Yes, but they'll have to pull a Lapsus and steal someone else's signing keys.. Or someone's identity (credit card and the like). It's an extra hoop to go through, so it could help. Of course, we'll have to see if it actually works or if it's somehow bugged or flawed
Posted on Reply
#84
R-T-B
It's optional, and I for one am going to opt out. Silly feature and certainly not reinstalling for it.
Posted on Reply
#85
Aretak
CutechriWell, a Pi isn't a gaming desktop, nor does Linux fulfill all my needs.
You mean you don't know how to use Linux and can't be bothered to learn, so will simply accept whatever spyware and increasingly restrictive policies Microsoft throw your way. Gamers are as usual leading the charge for Microsoft to remove more and more of your freedom to do what you want to with your own hardware. I guess most of you were raised on smartphones anyway, so it makes no difference to you. Just one more locked down walled garden to add to the pile, right?

"B-B-But you can turn it off!!!"

You won't be able to when this is built into every new CPU starting with Zen 4 though, given this is essentially a software implementation of Microsoft Pluton. You will have zero control over what you can run on your own PC soon enough. Any software which isn't pre-approved by Microsoft will be off the table. And it'll all be sold to you as "security features" rather than hardware DRM, so you'll lap it up and ask for more.
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#86
windwhirl
Man, cut it down with the ideology. You sound like a politician.
Posted on Reply
#87
Dudi1981
Everything strives to subscribe to a program for thick money after 2 years. The manufacturer stops issuing updates and such an artificial intelligence in Windows 11 removes you such a program because it is not supported in the cloud or the license is over and you have nothing to talk because you wanted licenses. In addition, this system if you know soon to work only with the Internet because it will be connected directly to the cloud. For your safety

Forget that you will install company programs 3 which do not have signed time agreements with Microsoft. Kasa must agree. Only you rent this system and you have to do what a license will allow you. They have good lawyers if you want to ask something. Not worth it

Windows XP Windows 7 and Unexpected Windows 10 are the last systems on which the user has in a sense of inspections while Windows 11 starting from updating 22h2 after the system reset, we really lose all controls over the system (theoretically) and in practice we will see to what extent voluntarily from the ladies of your control System and your life also private corporations. I hope to trust the artificial intelligence which was created for total control of corporations of governments and a group of very influential people. You will not have anything and you will be happy.
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#88
MarsM4N
MatsWhile not impossible, we've heard this for a decade by now.
I don't think it will happen, unless MS want's their market share to drop even more.

The main reason why Apple is taking off lately. Better usability & security. Apple is using kinda the same thing for ages, incl. the restriction for apps to the app store where you can be pretty shure the apps are safe. Their apps are also running in it's own "bubble" without access to the system. And that's how it should be, Microsoft is just catching up.

It's time Microsoft is beefing up the app store. Lost so much life time manually updating apps on Windows. On OS X/iOS and even Linux it's done in one mouse click.

Really baffling how many are allergic to Windows security improvements here. :shadedshu: Kinda a bummer there is no facepalm emoticon, lol.
Posted on Reply
#89
sunnyrio
delshayThe problem here is, do user(s) still have they windows key going back that far. It maybe wise to track & backup your current key if a new install turns out to be true.
What's a key? :-)
MarsM4NThe main reason why Apple is taking off lately. Better usability & security. Apple is using kinda the same thing for ages, incl. the restriction for apps to the app store where you can be pretty shure the apps are safe. Their apps are also running in it's own "bubble" without access to the system. And that's how it should be, Microsoft is just catching up.

It's time Microsoft is beefing up the app store. Lost so much life time manually updating apps on Windows. On OS X/iOS and even Linux it's done in one mouse click.

Really baffling how many are allergic to Windows security improvements here. :shadedshu: Kinda a bummer there is no facepalm emoticon, lol.
Sorry, not paying double for a computer that's incompatible with everything else.
clopeziI hope this it's not true and a workaround will be available, because makes no sense that I can install Windows 7 and upgrade to 8, 10 and 11, and now we need a clean install for a new feature...
Who cares? There are enough annoying security features already. It's going to end up like Linux if it gets any worse.
Posted on Reply
#90
AsRock
TPU addict
LifeOnMarsGiven their resources, Microsoft really needs to bite the bullet and release a gaming version of Windows.
Still waiting 20+ years later, and only thing i have really noticed they added Game Mode with 0 options.

Gamers are at the very bottom of the pile when it comes to MS it's been proven so many times.
Posted on Reply
#91
sunnyrio
AsRockStill waiting 20+ years later, and only thing i have really noticed they added Game Mode with 0 options.

Gamers are at the very bottom of the pile when it comes to MS it's been proven so many times.
I play games just fine in Windows 11, what's the problem? I remember the days when you used to have to exit to DOS to play a game.

If TPU is against the constitution, why have you posted 17500 messages here?
Posted on Reply
#92
AsRock
TPU addict
sunnyrioI play games just fine in Windows 11, what's the problem? I remember the days when you used to have to exit to DOS to play a game.

If TPU is against the constitution, why have you posted 17500 messages here?
Yeah i was thinking of giving it a try and seeing once again, to at least see if what i am currently playing have a issue or not.
Posted on Reply
#93
ThrashZone
Hi,
Actually it's top priority to MS to get gamers credit card numbers for xbox app monthly/ yearly subscriptions :laugh:
Posted on Reply
#94
sunnyrio
AsRockYeah i was thinking of giving it a try and seeing once again, to at least see if what i am currently playing have a issue or not.
What Windows version did you last try games on? I've had no problems since Windows Vista.

I put Windows 11 on 6 PCs that aren't meant to. Screw the TPM requirement, use the Rufus installer, it bypasses it.
Posted on Reply
#95
biorpg
ShihabyoooI'm pretty sure we crossed the liberty sacrifice stage a long time ago. Name the last update change log for any major, non-linux OS that didn't have "more emojis!" as a main change.


Would be pretty stupid if they did. Then again, MS hasn't been exactly about smart choices in recent history. *shrugs*
Someone better tell MS that, because it looks like they didn't get the memo.

Posted on Reply
#96
sunnyrio
It's a pity so many gullible (more money than sense) folk buy Apple.
Posted on Reply
#97
windwhirl
sunnyrioIt's a pity so many gullible (more money than sense) folk buy Apple.
That's just people valuing their time, energy and interests differently from you.

Doesn't mean Apple is not guilty of quite a few things that are facepalm-worthy, though.
Posted on Reply
#98
sunnyrio
windwhirlThat's just people valuing their time, energy and interests differently from you.
Spend more money to get something incompatible with the rest of the world, just so it's shiny. Hmmm..... I think I'll go buy a car that's too wide for the roads.
Posted on Reply
#99
windwhirl
sunnyrioSpend more money to get something incompatible with the rest of the world, just so it's shiny. Hmmm..... I think I'll go buy a car that's too wide for the roads.
And what if they don't need it to be compatible with the rest of the world? Hmm?
Posted on Reply
#100
sunnyrio
windwhirlAnd what if they don't need it to be compatible with the rest of the world? Hmm?
The whole point of the internet is to connect with others. Or do you still load computer games off cassette?
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