Windows 10: Controlled folder access blocked

All of a sudden over the past couple of weeks, I am getting controlled folder access blocked messages. As time goes by, the messages are coming with increasing frequency. At first it was blocking programs like Foxit and CCleaner. The latest blocks are: Controlled Folder Access blocked C:\Windows\System32\taskhostw.exe from making changes to memory and Controlled Folder Access blocked C:\Windows\System32\WinSAT.exe from making changes to memory. There is another one in the notifications column that I am unable to read because it's truncated and does not appear in the event viewer. After months of troubleshooting failed 1803 updates, I was finally able to install the October release of Windows 10 a couple of days ago- with much difficulty. This update was done in response to repeated error message of various sorts. Before that, I had not made any changes to anything on my desktop that would trigger these messages. App and browser control is on.


I don't know if it's related but I also had the ghosted message that Windows was not activated with instructions to activate it in settings. When I did, I was advised that I did not have an authentic version of Windows installed. It is the same version that was installed on the desktop when I purchased it over 2 years ago. It did eventually accept it and cleared the error message.

:)

 

Controlled Folder Access blocked

Hi Aeolus0,

The Controlled Folder Access is an enterprise-class ransomware protection component that was recently added to Windows Defender. When you turn on Controlled folder access, a lot of the folders you use most often will be protected by default. This means that
content in any of these folders cannot be accessed or changed by any unknown or untrusted apps. Once you add additional folders, they become automatically protected as well. To add protected folders:

• Select Virus & threat protection settings.
• Under Controlled folder access, select Protected folders.
• Select Add a protected folder and follow the prompts to add folders.

If you see an App is blocked message when you try to use a familiar app, you can simply unblock the app. If this message displays:

• Write down or take note of the path of the blocked app.
• Select the message, and then select Add an allowed app.
• Browse for the program you want to allow access.

As for your query about having no sounds on your computer, it could be caused by an outdated or corrupted audio driver. For us to assist you better, kindly answer the questions below:

• Have you made any changes to your computer prior to this issue?
• What troubleshooting steps have you done so far?
• Which version and OS build number of Windows 10 is currently installed? To check, press the
  Windows key, type winver, and press the
  Enter key.
• Have you tried to download and install the latest audio driver from the manufacturer's website of your device?

Meanwhile, you can try the steps in this
link to troubleshoot sound issues on Windows 10.

We'll be looking forward to your reply.

 

SETUPEXE blocked by Controlled Folder Access?

Suggestion to read:

• https://support.microsoft.com/en-us...older-access-windows-defender-security-center
• How to Configure and Use Controlled Folder Access in Windows 10 » Winhelponline
  
• Configure Controlled Folder Access in Windows 10 - gHacks Tech News
• Change Windows Defender Controlled Folder Access Settings
  - Windows 10 Security System Tutorials
• Controlled folder access notification only partly readable - Microsoft
  Community
• Controlled Folder Access - Odd Warning - Microsoft Community
  
• Windows 10 Folder Inaccessible - Microsoft Community
  

 

Stopping Windows Store apps being blocked by Controlled Folder Access

I have a couple of Windows Store apps that Controlled Folder Access blocks. When I try to include them in the list of apps that CFA doesn't block, I find that the folder \Program Files\WindowsApps is inaccessible, and the process of gaining access seems
completely opaque. I get through to the "Advanced Security Settings for WindowsApps" window, and the principal that seems relevant is "Administrators (<computer name>\Administrators)". However there doesn't seem to be any way of editing this item; the only
button that isn't greyed out is "View".

I can't imagine that it should be so difficult to tell CFA to allow Windows Store apps to access protected folders. Does anyone have any suggestions for how to deal with this problem?