Microsoft is introducing smartphone-style app permission prompts in Windows 11, allowing users to control app access to sensitive resources like files, cameras, and microphones. This change aims to combat issues where applications bypass user settings and install unwanted software without consent. With the new "Windows Baseline Security Mode," only properly signed applications and drivers will run by default, although users and IT administrators can override this for specific cases. Logan Iyer, a Windows Platform engineer, emphasized that users will have clear visibility into which apps access their data. They can grant or deny permissions and revoke access later if needed. These updates come as part of a broader initiative called Secure Future Initiative (SFI), launched after a report from the Cyber Safety Review Board criticized Microsoft’s security practices. This initiative responds to a significant security breach in May 2023, where hackers exploited vulnerabilities to access Microsoft services. In addition to the permission prompts, Microsoft plans to enhance security against script-injection attacks, disable ActiveX controls in Microsoft 365, and update security defaults to block outdated authentication methods. These changes are being developed with input from developers and enterprises, ensuring a tailored rollout based on user feedback. The emphasis is on raising security and privacy standards in Windows, offering users greater control over their data and enhancing transparency around app behavior.