Turn on the “Controlled folder access” option.Press on the “Manage ransomware protection” link.All it takes is toggling a single option, and you are good to go.

You can enable ransomware protection using the Windows Security application. Related: How to enable Windows Defender Sandbox Turn on Ransomware Protection Since no program can access the protected folder without going through Windows Defender, the data in those folders are safe from ransomware and other malicious threats like viruses, malware, etc. In those cases, you can instruct Windows Defender to allow the application by adding it to the allowed apps list. Of course, there will be times when Windows Defender might block a legitimate application from accessing a protected folder. Controlled Folder Access will block applications from accessing the protected folders until Windows Defender deems it safe. As the name suggests, it protects the system and user-added folders from ransomware. The steps below work the same in Windows 10 and 11.Ĭontrolled Folder Access is a newly added feature in Windows Defender. Allow applications to access protected folders.That way, your data is safe and sound.įollow the below steps to turn on ransomware protection in Windows 10 and 11 operating systems.

Since most of our computers contain sensitive information like personal photos, documents, etc., you should consider enabling Windows ransomware protection. To make it happen and protect your data, Windows Security or Windows Defender has a neat feature called “Ransomware Protection.” As the name implies, any folder of your choice from ransomware threats. No matter who you are or how secure you think your computer is, it is essential that you take additional steps to protect files and folders from ransomware. Ransomware is dangerous because it can encrypt all your files and hold them hostage until you pay the demanded ransom.

Ransomware is proliferating and infecting many systems.

Cannot access controlled folder access