Microsoft Speeds Up Windows Recovery (QMR) & Allows Smart App Control Toggle
Microsoft is testing an accelerated version of its Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) feature alongside an updated iteration of Smart App Control (SAC). Both functions can now be enabled or disabled directly through system settings—eliminating the need for a full Windows reinstallation.
Quick Machine Recovery is designed to remotely resolve Windows boot failures. If the system becomes unbootable after installing a driver or changing configuration settings, the computer automatically enters the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), where the QMR tool launches. It connects to the internet, sends diagnostic data to Microsoft, and allows administrators to remove problematic updates or roll back configurations—restoring functionality without any physical intervention.
The key improvement is that recovery now performs a single scan instead of looping repeatedly in search of a solution. The options “Quick Machine Recovery” and “Automatically check for solutions”, located in the System Recovery section, are enabled by default and trigger a one-time diagnostic. If no suitable fix is found, QMR immediately offers alternative actions—such as driver rollback, reverting to the last successful configuration, or switching to advanced diagnostic tools—to expedite the return of Windows to a normal boot state.
Quick Machine Recovery was first introduced in November 2024 as part of Microsoft’s Windows Resiliency Initiative, aimed at improving system robustness. The effort was sparked by the global CrowdStrike outage in the summer of 2024, when a faulty Falcon update caused hundreds of thousands of devices worldwide to fail during startup. In response, Microsoft began developing a tool capable of autonomously restoring Windows functionality even after critical crashes. In the spring of 2025, QMR entered testing within the Windows Insider program, and the new version now introduces optimized scanning logic and clearer user prompts.
Simultaneously, Microsoft has enhanced Smart App Control—a Windows 11 security component that blocks suspicious or unsigned applications at the process level. Previously, activating or disabling SAC required a clean system installation; now, it can be managed directly through Windows Security → App & Browser Control → Smart App Control.
These updates are already available to members of the Windows Insider Dev and Beta Channels who have installed Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7070 (KB5070300). Additionally, in October, Microsoft introduced another improvement: after a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), users are now prompted to run a memory diagnostic to improve system stability and enhance hardware error detection accuracy.
Support Our Threat Intelligence
If you find our technology report and cybersecurity news helpful, consider supporting our work.
Buy Me a Coffee
PayPal
