Buzz
Recognizing the increasing threats of ransomware and harmful attacks, exemplified by the consecutive emergence of malicious codes like WannaCry, Petya, or EternalRocks, Microsoft timely added the Controlled Folder Access feature to the Windows Defender Security Center in build 16232. So, if you are an insider with build 16232, you can activate Controlled Folder Access in Windows 10; otherwise, upgrade your Win 10.
If you own a recent build of Windows 10, you have the opportunity to activate Controlled Folder Access to bolster system security, at least mitigating attacks from malicious applications and threats like ransomware.
Controlled Folder Access monitors alterations made by applications to files in protected directories. If any application attempts to modify these files, it is blacklisted by Controlled Folder Access, and users receive notifications about such activities.
When Controlled Folder Access is activated on Windows 10, this feature allows additional protected folders. Moreover, it enables you to add applications that you want to grant access to these folders.
How to Activate Controlled Folder Access on Windows 10
Step 1: Click Start, then scroll down the list to find and select Windows Defender Security Center. Alternatively, you can click on the Security Center icon in the system tray on the Taskbar.
Step 2: In the Windows Defender Security Center window, click the three horizontal lines icon in the top-left corner, select Virus & Threat Protection in the left panel.
Step 3: Look to the right panel and locate the option named Controlled Folder Access. By default, this option is disabled on Windows 10. Your task is to switch the option to ON.
Step 4: In the UAC popup window, click Yes.
Add a Protected Folder
Step 5: Next, click the Protected Folders link to access the Controlled Folder Access section.
Step 6: The Protected Folders section displays the default Windows system folders that are protected. Additionally, you can add protected folders. Click Add a protected folder.
Step 7: On the screen, the Select Folder wizard window will appear. Choose the folder you want to add and then click Select folder.
Step 8: A User Account Control pop-up window will appear on the screen; your task is to select Yes.
In cases where Windows Defender causes inconvenience during use, you can disable Windows Defender on Windows 10 to avoid encountering the worst situations. Note that when you turn off Windows Defender on Windows 10, your computer won't be in the best-protected state.
Allowing All Apps through Controlled Folder Access
If Controlled Folder Access blocks an app you consider trustworthy, you can add that app to the Allowed Apps. This allows the app to modify protected folders.
Step 1: Click on the Add an allowed app icon as shown in the image below.
Step 2: Now, a window named Open will appear on the screen. Choose the app you want to add and then click Open.
Step 3: A UAC notification window will appear on the screen; click Yes to complete the steps.
Windows Defender remains the top solution for 'care' and security of user data on devices. Hence, Controlled Folder Access becomes a new tool to combat potential threats on the Internet. This tool safeguards files and folders from unauthorized access by malicious apps to alter the system.
The article on Mytour has guided you on how to activate Controlled Folder Access on Windows 10. Additionally, you can allow apps through Controlled Folder Access if you want the 'freedom' to open normal folders.
Microsoft is also developing new tools to minimize attacks from ransomware like WannaCry, Petya, EternalRocks, and other malicious programs. Controlled Folder Access is a significant step to reduce ransomware attacks.
