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This time, I want to ask you something else.

Usually we ask you to share what programs you use. Don't forget to checkout ConfigureDefender for more control. You might want to backup your data to an external drive regularly as well. This method is not completely fool-proof but it's better than nothing. The folders can be on any partition or hard drive: they will be secured by the feature. Click on it and choose any folder you want and it will be protected by Windows Defender. There is an option on the top of the Protected Folders screen, which says 'Add a protected folder'. Fortunately, there is a way to secure them. So, what happens if a ransomware targets files in other folders? The files are affected unless the ransomware is quarantined before it starts to encrypt files on the device. Tip: Add blocked programs to Controlled Folder Access' whitelist It's just the User folders like Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music, Desktop, Favorites by default. To view the ones that are secured, click on the Protected Folders option. It's a sort of intrusion prevention or anti-exploit method.īy default, the Ransomware Protection only covers specific folders. For example, when an otherwise harmless file tries to gain access to your documents folder to execute a script that encrypt the files in it, Windows Defender will stop the malware to protect your data. In other words, they monitor your computer's services, applications, anything in the background, for suspicious activity.

Most antivirus programs use behavioral scanning to prevent zero-day attacks (new or unidentified malware). On the next page, you will find a toggle for Controlled Folder Access. Click on Manage Ransomware Protection (click Okay on the UAC pop-up if it is displayed).ĥ.

Open the Windows Security Dashboard by double-clicking on the Defender taskbar icon (or use the Settings app and select Update & Security > Windows Security).Ĥ.

Windows defender folder protection