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Think Tank > How to Use Controlled Folder Access in Windows 11
Ransomware can do more than disrupt your PC, it can encrypt your personal files and prevent you from accessing important documents, photos, and other data. Windows 11 includes a built-in security feature called Controlled Folder Access that helps protect your files from unauthorized changes by suspicious or untrusted applications. In this guide, we will explain how to enable Controlled Folder Access to protect your folders in Windows 11.
What is Controlled Folder Access?
Controlled Folder Access is a security feature in
Microsoft Defender Antivirus designed to let you control which applications can modify files in protected folders.
When enabled, it monitors applications that attempt to modify files in protected folders. When an untrusted app attempts to change these files, Windows can block the action and notify you.
By default, protected locations include common folders such as Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music, and Desktop. You can also add other folders that contain important data.
How to Enable Controlled Folder Access in Windows 11
Controlled Folder Access is managed through Windows Security. Follow these steps to turn it on.
Step 1. Open Windows Security
Press Windows + S, type Windows Security, and open the application from the search results.
Step 2. Click Virus & Threat Protection
In the Windows Security window, select Virus & threat protection.
Step 3. Open Ransomware Protection Settings
Scroll down to the Ransomware protection section, and click Manage ransomware protection.
Step 4. Enable Controlled Folder Access
Find Controlled folder access and switch it on.
How to Add More Protected Folders
The default protected folders may not include every location where you store important files. For example, you might keep work documents on another drive or store personal files in a custom folder.
Adding a folder contains important data helps prevent untrusted applications from modifying its contents. To add additional folders:
- Open Windows Security.
- Go to Virus & threat protection > Manage ransomware protection.
- Under Controlled folder access, select Protected folders.
- Click Add a protected folder, and browse to the folder you want to protect and select it.
Conclusion
Windows 11 Controlled Folder Access provides an additional layer of protection for important files by blocking untrusted applications from making unauthorized changes to protected folders.
For stronger
data protection and accidental data loss,
Wise Folder Hider is another good option.
