How to Exclude Files and Folders from Windows Defender

Windows Defender is the default antivirus tool to protect your PC from viruses, malware, ransomware, and other security threats. Although it is a reliable tool to keep your system safe, there might be some instances where you want to exclude certain files or folders from the Windows Defender scans.

All antiviruses share a common problem, they sometimes recognize the wrong threats and delete your files and folders or block a program from being executed. So, to stop Windows Security from quarantining programs, you can add these files and folders to the exclusions list.

It simply means that you trust a file, file type, folder, or process that Windows Security has detected as malicious.

Exclude Files and Folders

Excluding files and folders from Windows Defender scans is a simple process that can be done in a few steps.

  • Open Windows Security > Virus and threat protection.
  • Access Manage settings in Virus and threat protection settings section.
  • Scroll down to the Exclusions section then open Add or remove exclusions.
  • To add a file/folder, click on Add an exclusion button and choose the type.

Allow a Quarantined File or Threat

Sometimes Windows Defender might flag a file or threat as malicious and quarantine it, even though it might not be harmful. In such cases, you can allow the file or threat by following these steps.

  • Open Windows Security > Virus and threat protection.
  • Access Protection history.
  • Browse through the quarantined threat list and expand the one you want to allow.
  • Click on Actions > Allow to remove the file from being blocked.

Excluding files and folders from Windows Defender scans is a straightforward process that can be done through the Windows Security app. However, you should only exclude files or folders that you trust and that you know are safe.

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