How to activate ransomware protection in Windows 10

• Open the Windows 10 Runtime Protection Settings window to enable protection against ransomware. Windows Security > Virus & threat protectionClick here to learn more Manage ransomware protection The light will turn on “Controlled Folder Access”
• The app can be configured by adding folders and allowing trusted apps to avoid them being blocked.

Microsoft Defender Antivirus comes pre-installed on Windows 10 and protects against viruses, malware, spyware, rootkits as well as ransomware. Defender Antivirus includes the same antivirus that keeps you safe online. “Controlled Folder Access” This feature makes it easier to protect your files against ransomware.

Controlled folders access is a feature which monitors changes made by apps to your files. You’ll be notified if an app attempts to modify files in a protected folder.

This guide will teach you how Microsoft Defender Antivirus can be configured to control folder access and protect your Windows 10 device against ransomware.

Windows 10 ransomware protection: How to enable it

Use these steps to activate the anti-ransomware on Windows 10.

1. Open Windows Security.

2. Click here Virus & threat protection.

3. Click “Ransomware protection”. Manage ransomware Protection option.

   

4. Turn the “Controlled Folder Access” Click the toggle switch to turn it on.

   

Microsoft Defender Antivirus, once you’ve completed the steps, will monitor your protected folders for any attempts by applications to modify files. A notification will be sent to you if there is any suspicious activity.

This video tutorial focuses on how to enable the security feature in Windows 11. It also applies to Windows 10

Windows 10 allows apps to be protected from ransomware

This new security feature is able to understand which apps have the right to change your files. But sometimes an app you know and trust can be blocked by this feature. In this case, it may be necessary to manually permit a specific app to make use of these steps.

Use these steps to grant apps access through Controlled Folder Access:

1. Open Windows Security.

2. Click here Virus & threat protection.

3. Click Here Ransomware protection option.

   

4. Click the “Allow an app through Controlled folder access” option.

5. Click the “Add an allowed app” button to locate and allow an app.

   

After you complete the steps, the security feature will no longer try to block the app when it tries to modify files in the protected folders.

Protect other folders against ransomware on Windows 10

Controlled folder access protects the Documents, Pictures, Movies, and Desktop folders by default. While you can’t remove these folders from the list, it’s possible to include additional locations to protect your data from ransomware and other malware.

To add folder to the anti-ransomware protection, use these steps:

1. Open Windows Security.

2. Click on Virus & threat protection.

3. Click the Ransomware protection option.

   

4. Click the Protected folders opion.

5. Click the “Add a protected folder” button to locate and include the folder locations to protect.

   

Once you complete the steps, Control folder access will monitor the new folder locations to prevent ransomware attacks on Windows 11.

Disable ransomware protection on Windows 10

To disable the ransomware protection, use these steps:

1. Open Windows Security.

2. Click on Virus & threat protection.

3. Under the “Ransomware protection” section, click the Manage ransomware Protection option.

   

4. Turn off your “Controlled Folder Access” Disable the ransomware protection by using the toggle switch.

   

The Controlled Folder Access feature on Windows 10 will stop monitoring malicious activities after you have completed these steps.

Update January 30, 2020: This content was updated to reflect the latest configuration changes and ensure accuracy.