Why is Windows Defender blocking most of my installed Apps with Controlled Folder Access?

Question

Hi,

I am receiving a Windows notification for most of my installed Apps that Windows Defender is blocking the executable (*.exe) file advising me that unauthorised changes have been blocked by Controlled Folder Access.

I then have to go through the same procedure to 'Allow an app through controlled folder access' which is starting to be a real pain having to follow this procedure for most of my apps installed on my PC.

Is there a way around this that will not compromise the security of my PC?

Thanks in advance,

Cameron Weir

Answer 1

Hi Caneron，

It is normal, don't worry.
Controlled folder access works by only allowing trusted apps to access protected folders. Protected folders are specified when controlled folder access is configured. Typically, commonly used folders, such as those used for documents, pictures, downloads, and so on, are included in the list of controlled folders.
Controlled folder access works with a list of trusted apps. Apps that are included in the list of trusted software work as expected. Apps that are not included in the list are prevented from making any changes to files inside protected folders.

The protected folders include common system folders (including boot sectors), and you can add more folders. You can also allow apps to give them access to the protected folders, as you are doing now.

Source:
How does controlled folder access work?
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/controlled-folders?view=o365-worldwide#how-does-controlled-folder-access-work

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