Windows 10: Defining Protected Folders in Defender

Hi
For some time now neither my husband nor I have had an antivirus installed since we have depended entirely on Microsoft Defender teamed with Malwarebytes to protect our PCs. This was at the recommendation of How To Geek some years ago. Just to check it was still man enough for the task I did another check on the internet a few days ago and came up with the following website:
Is Windows Defender good enough to use in 2021 (yes and no) | PrivacySavvy
This was last updated on 28 Dec 2020 and really gave a brilliant review of Defender which I am quite happy to accept. They basically say the same as How To Geek in that Malwarebytes is also required since Defender does lack web protection, password management and cloud backup. Well we don't use the cloud at all - for anything. In addition I'm currently using Lastpass Password Manager although my husband isn't using any form of password management - I wish he would.
To make sure my PC is protected from ransomware attacks I've just been looking at this feature in Defender and adding folders I want to protect. However, I note that the default protected folders have their absolute paths included, e.g. C:\Users\Public\Documents. Is it really a case that C:\Users would not work if all sub-folders beneath that are to be protected? I ask this since my backup strategy is to have each weeks backups in their own folders and of course, this changes every week. Or is it a case that I have to change my strategy? Its no biggie either way but I need to know what I can/must do.
Any help most appreciated. Thanks.
Tracey

PS I'm on Windows 10 20H2 and my husband's on 2004 (soon to be upgraded to 20H2).

:)

 

Clear Windows Security Center (Defender) Protection History

Did not work for me. After going through all steps I still have protection history full

 

How do I REMOVE a folder from the list of "Protected folders" (virus&threat protection setting "Protected folders")

Hi Mörre,

You can either add or delete a folder in Windows Defender protected folder. To do that, follow the steps below:

• Open Windows Defender and go Protected folders
  option.
• Click on the listed folder you want to remove, then click the Remove
  button.
• Click Yes to continue the deletion. Enter UAC permission when prompted.

Get back to us if you need further assistance.

 

?? How do I PW protect Folders in windows

hmmm?
Sharing files and folders overview You can share the files and folders stored on your computer, on a network, and on the Web. The method you choose depends on whom you want to share files with, and what computer they will use to access the files.

When you share files or folders, they are not as protected as they are when you do not share them. People with access to your computer or your network might be able to read, copy, or change files that are in a shared folder. You should always be aware that the files and folders that you share are available to other people and be sure to monitor your shared files and folders on a regular basis.

Important

If your computer is not joined to a domain, you can use the Network Setup Wizard to automatically turn file and printer sharing on or off. To start the Network Setup Wizard, click Start, click Control Panel, click Network and Internet Connections, and then click Network Setup Wizard.
If you both use the same computer

You can put the files you want to share in the Shared Documents folder. Files stored in the Shared Documents folder or its subfolders are always available to other users on your computer.

Step-by-step procedure
Note

If you are connected to a network domain, the Shared Documents, Shared Pictures, and Shared Music folders are not available.
If both computers are on the same network

You can share a folder or drive on your computer with others on the network. You can also control whether the files in the shared folder can be modified by other users.

If your computer is connected to a network domain, use this procedure:

Step-by-step procedure
If your computer is connected to a workgroup, use this procedure:

Step-by-step procedure
Note

If you are connected to a network domain, you will need to set the Access control for the folder or drive after sharing it. For more information, go to To set, view, change, or remove file and folder permissions.
If you want to share your files online

You can publish pictures and documents on the Web using the Web Publishing Wizard. The files will be stored in a private, online folder that you manage.

Step-by-step procedure

If you don't want others to access your files

You can prevent other users from accessing your folders and the files they contain. When your computer is connected to a domain, this is called setting permissions for your file or folder. When your computer is connected to a workgroup, this is called making your folders private.

If your computer is connected to a network domain, use this procedure:

Step-by-step procedure
If your computer is connected to a workgroup, use this procedure:

Step-by-step procedure

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