Windows 10: How does Windows 10 Ransomeware Protection (in Defender) work?

I discovered this app recently but don't understand how to set it up or how it works. I turned it on and was then blocked from updating and saving any of my own files.

:)

 

Ransomeware protection with Windows Defender

Hello Andre,

I should have been clearer. It is the "Controlled folder access" inside the Ransomeware Protection function that is Off by default. When turned on, it lists all the folders on the computer. I wondered if there were potential hazards to this--possibly to
explain why it is off by default.

I do use a limited user ("local") account.

 

Ransomeware protection with Windows Defender

I was recently shocked by a loud siren and threatening messages about my computer being infected and all files being lost. Near panic, I regained enough calm to open Task Manager and shut down Edge. Everything then returned to normal and a full system scan
found nothing amiss. I did, however, have trouble with the offline scan. A screen appeared asking me to choose my "keyboard layout," but the screen was frozen and I eventually had to shut down the computer by holding the power button.

I stumbled across a Ransomeware Protection page in Windows Defender--and was surprised to find the "Controlled folder access" function "Off" by default. Why is that, and is it advisable to turn "Controlled folder access" on? Are there dangers here?

Also, isn't that protection covered by the UAC setting?

Any suggestions or advice?

 

Protection from Ransomeware.

I have genuine Windows 10 installed on my laptop. How do I know that my system is protected from ransomeware "wannacry" malware.