How to enable Controlled folder access to protect data from ransomware on Windows 10
Windows 10 offers “Controlled Folder Access”, an intrusion-prevention tool that is available as part of Microsoft Defender Antivirus. This feature is intended to prevent ransomware from encrypting your data and taking it hostage. However, it also protects files against unwanted changes by other malicious programs.
Windows 10 does not have an anti-ransomware option. It uses a mechanism that tracks the apps (executables files, scripts, and DLLs), trying to make changes to files within the protected folders. The feature will notify you if the app is not trusted or malicious.
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You can add a layer of security to your data by enabling and customizing Controlled folder access via the Windows Security App, Group Policy, and PowerShell.
This Windows 10 guide will show you how to enable Controlled Folder Access to protect your device from ransomware attacks.
Security Center: How to activate ransomware protection
These steps will enable Controlled Folder Access on Windows 10.
- Open.
- To open the app, search Windows Security. Click the top result.
- Click on to view threat protection.
- Click the Manage ransomware Protection button under the “Ransomware Protection” section.
- Source: Windows Central
- Turn on the Controlled Folder Access toggle switch. Source: Windows Central
After you have completed the steps, Microsoft Defender Antivirus will begin protecting your files and folders against unauthorized access from malicious programs such as ransomware.
View the block history
These steps will allow you to view a list containing items that were blocked by anti-ransomware.
- Open.
- To open the app, search Windows Security. Click the top result.
- Click on to view threat protection.
- Click the Manage ransomware Protection button under the “Ransomware Protection” section.
- Source: Windows Central
- Select the Blockhistory option
- Source: Windows Central
- Confirm that the items have been unlocked.
Source: Windows Central
This page allows you to access the protection history that is available on the main page for Microsoft Defender Antivirus. This area allows you to access it, but only the history of “Controlled Folder Access” is listed.
For protection, add a new location
The default security feature protects Documents, Pictures and Videos, Music, Desktop, Favorites, and Desktop folders. You can manually add paths to files that are not in the default location. However, it is impossible to change the default list.
These steps will allow you to add a folder location to protect your files:
- Open.
- To open the app, search Windows Security. Click the top result.
- Click on to view threat protection.
- Click the Manage ransomware Protection button under the “Ransomware Protection” section.
- Source: Windows Central
- Click on the Protected Folders option.
- Source: Windows Central
- Click on the Add protected folder button.
- Source: Windows Central
- Choose the new location.
- Click on the Select folder button.
Once you have completed the steps, the anti-ransomware feature will monitor the new locations and protect them.
You can use the same steps to remove a storage location if the storage configuration has changed. However, step No. 5. Select the location, and then click the Remove button.
Access to Controlled Folders with Whitelist Apps
Windows 10 Controlled folder access allows you to identify apps that have safe access to your files. However, if one of these apps is blocked, you will need permission to manually allow it.
These steps will allow you to whitelist an app that has Controlled folder access.
- Start Open
- To open the app, search Windows Security. Click the top result.
- Click on to view threat protection.
- Click the Manage ransomware Protection button under the “Ransomware Protection” section.
- Source: Windows Central
- Click on the Allow an App through the Controlled Folder Access option.