Windows 10: Controlled Folder Access: Prevents many benign apps/programs from properly installing and...

Hi:


I'm new to Windows Defender Security and to Windows 10.


I found the "Controlled Folder Access" function, listed under Ransomware Protection the most troublesome aspect of it. Often a benign program won't install properly, and I get no notification in the notification center. Also: When it blocks a program from installing, it of course is impossible to allow it into that "whitelist"--since its been blocked from even being on the PC. The pathway, when an alert is actually given, is difficult to quickly jot down.


Simply put: I have to disable the Controlled Folder Access feature entirely until this is refined by Defender. Otherwise it's tons of work and book keeping.


I spent hours trying to troubleshoot my printer software. I got no notice from Defender that it was even blocking that. But it was in fact blocking an important component of the install. It even blocked some drivers of Malwarebytes, which i only realized after disabling the CFA.


I had read somewhere about an audit mode of learning what the CFA feature is actually doing and thereby making it more user friendly, , while at same time leaving it on OFF . It does seem lots of work. But I'd like to read up on that anyhow..I had lost that link in all the chaos. So if anyone has it, I'll have another look


Meanwhile, it behooves Microsoft to develop some recognition pattern whereby Defender can distinguish between benign programs and/or processes. Instead of requesting us to do so much work on this. and second guess why some program isn't running properly even after allowed to install.

:)

 

Preventing access to modern app


Ive been tasked with preventing the children from accessing instagram. I've got it listed in my windows hosts file and internet options/security/restricted site but the windows 10 app is still allowing access. Any suggestions other then deleting app which can just be reinstalled?

 

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.

 

Controlled folder access problems


I turned on controlled folder access in latest Windows 10 and tested with a few programs I use. I tested by adding Libreoffice calc (c:\program files\libreoffice5\scalc.exe) as an allowed app. However, with controlled folder access on I can't save any spreadsheets that I modify in my Documents folder, which is one of the controlled folders. Same problem with saving an image from either Gimp or Photoshop Elements when I add them to the list of allowed apps.

In its present state this feature seems pretty unusable.