Windows 10: Windows Defender and Controlled Folder Access and Exclusions

I just recently started using Windows Defender as my antivirus software expired and I was looking for another option other than paying for another program. I don't totally understand how to use it and reading thru tutorials is somewhat foreign to me so please understand my inexperience.


I do a lot of scrapbooking. Once I complete a page, I scan it with Adobe Photoshop and save it to my Scanned Scrapbook Page folder under Documents.


Each time I try to save a file, I get a warning message leading with the file path then stating File not Found. Check the file name and try again. It appears the only way I can save the file is to open the Windows Defender and turn off Controlled Folder Access, save the file and then turn it back on again. However, the way I understand it, the Controlled Folder Access option is for Apps. I don't believe you can Add (I have tried unsuccessfully) a folder thru the Add an Allowed App option.


Removing the folder from the Protected Folders doesn't seem to work either. I still get the error message.


How can I save these files to a folder under my Documents folder without having to turn Controlled Folder Access on and off each time I want to save a file? Seems like there should be a much easier way to accomplish this task.


Thanks for any assistance.

:)

 

Unable to Remove Exclusions from Windows Defender

Thank you for posting back. If you trust a file, file type, folder, or a process that Windows Defender Antivirus has detected as malicious, you can stop Windows Defender Antivirus from alerting you or blocking the program by adding the file to
the exclusion list. It seems that it was added automatically. We suggest that you follow these steps:

• Go to Settings and select Update & security.
• Click Windows Defender.
• Look for Exclusions and select Add an exclusion.
• Navigate to the file, folder, or process, and select Exclude this file.

If the steps provided did not work, we recommend that you boot your device to
Safe Mode and redo the process.

Let us know if you need further assistance.

 

Controlled Folder Access is off. Shouldn't this be on?

Suggestion to also read

• this article (ignore ads):
  How to Protect Your Files From Ransomware With Windows Defender’s New “Controlled Folder Access”
• and this thread:
  Controlled Folder Access Feature in Windows 10 Fall Creators Update Questions?
  

 

Windows Defender ignoring exclusions

Hello JacenBoy,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

I understand how frustrating it feels when such Setting stop functioning. To have better clarity on the issue and guide you accordingly, respond to the questions listed below:

1. What is the make and model of the computer?
2. Are you aware of any changes that happened on the computer?

Meanwhile, if you are on Windows 10 Pro build, you will be able to access Group Policy settings. To configure exclusions to a folder or a file, can be enabled through gpedit. To do that, you may follow the article on

Configure and validate exclusions based on file extension and folder location.

We await your response.

Regards,

Mala.S

Microsoft Community - Moderator