Don’t Let Hackers Steal Your Files – Learn How to Enable Controlled Folder Access in Windows!

If you're concerned about the security of your Windows PC, activating Restricted Folder Access is a wise decision. This feature, initially introduced in the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, helps secure your data from illegal alterations by restricting access to protected folders to trusted programs only. This article will show you how to enable Restricted Folder Access in Windows and protect your crucial data. To safeguard your Windows PC, follow these instructions.:-

Step 1: Open Windows Security

To enable Controlled Folder Access, use the Windows Security program. To do so, go to the Start menu and put “Windows Security” into the search box. To access the Windows Security app, click on it.

How to Enable Controlled Folder Access in Windows

Step 2: Go to Virus & threat protection settings

Click the “Virus & threat prevention” option in the left-hand menu of the Windows Security software. Finally, click on “Manage settings” under the “Virus & threat protection settings” section.

How to Enable Controlled Folder Access in Windows

Step 3: Turn on Controlled Folder Access

Toggle the switch next to “Controlled folder access” to the position under the “Ransomware protection” section. A message will appear describing what Controlled Folder Access is and how it can help protect your data. Select “Yes” to enable the function.

How to Enable Controlled Folder Access in Windows

Step 4: Choose folders to protect

After you've enabled Controlled Folder Access, you'll need to specify which folders you want to secure. Windows secures several system directories by default, such as Documents, Photographs, and Desktop. You can, however, create extra directories if desired.

Click on “Protected Folders” under the Controlled Folder Access section to add a folder to the list of protected folders. Finally, click “Add a protected folder” and navigate to the location you wish to safeguard.

How to Enable Controlled Folder Access in Windows

Step 5: Allow trusted apps

Restricted Folder Access restricts access to protected folders to trusted apps only. Windows trusts programs installed from the Microsoft Store by default. If you have trusted apps that aren't from the Microsoft Store, you can add them to the list of approved apps.

Click on “Allow an app through Controlled Folder Access” under the Controlled Folder Access section to add an app to the list of approved apps. Finally, click “Add an allowed app” and choose the app to allow.

Step 6: Review blocked items

Controlled Folder Access will prevent an app from accessing a protected folder if it is not on the list of approved apps. Under the Restricted Folder Access section, click “Review blocked items” to review blocked items.

How to Enable Controlled Folder Access in Windows

If you recognize the prohibited app, you can add it to the list of permitted apps. If you don't recognize the app or suspect it's harmful, you can uninstall it from your computer.

Step 7: Monitor Controlled Folder Access

How to Enable Controlled Folder Access in Windows

Under the Ransomware protection area, click on “Manage ransomware protection” to monitor the behavior of Controlled Folder Access. Then, click “Manage protection history” to get a log of all the events that Controlled Folder Access has denied or allowed.

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