Protect Important Folders From Ransomware
Windows includes a lesser-known security feature called Controlled Folder Access that can stop untrusted apps changing files in important folders such as Documents, Pictures and Desktop, helping protect them from ransomware.
Why Is This Useful?
Ransomware often works by encrypting or changing files so you can no longer access them. Controlled Folder Access adds another layer of protection by allowing trusted apps to make changes while blocking apps Windows does not recognise or trust.
It protects common folders such as Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music and Desktop by default, and you can add other folders if needed.
How To Turn It On
In Windows 10 or 11:
- Open Windows Security.
- Select Virus & threat protection.
- Scroll to Ransomware protection and select Manage ransomware protection.
- Turn Controlled folder access on.
Once enabled, Windows will alert you if an app is blocked from changing a protected file.
What If A Trusted App Gets Blocked?
If a legitimate program is stopped from saving or changing files, return to the Controlled Folder Access settings and choose Allow an app through Controlled folder access.
Only allow apps you recognise and trust, because anything added to that list will be able to change files inside your protected folders.
It’s a simple built-in way to make your most important files harder for ransomware to tamper with.
