How to Set Windows Security Exclusions in Windows 11
Windows Security is Windows 11’s antivirus utility that scans files and processes in the background. However, its real-time background scanning can sometimes wrongly identify legitimate programs and processes as malicious (known as false positives). Such antivirus interference can block some software from launching.
you’re able to ensure Windows Security doesn’t sound false positive alarm bells for certain programs by adding them to its exclusion list. Programs, folders, and other files included on that list are excluded from the Microsoft Defender Antivirus scanning. This is how you can set Windows Security scanning exclusions within Microsoft’s latest desktop OS.
How to Add Exclusions With Windows Security’s Options
Windows Security’s built-in exclusion options enable you to exclude files, folders, processes, and file types from the antivirus scanning. It’s usually better to set exclusions for more specific program files and processes than entire folders. Adding folders like Program Files and Downloads to the exclusion list would leave your PC more vulnerable. You can add program file exclusions in the Windows Security app as follows:
Windows Security also has a Controlled folder access feature that blocks programs from modifying folders. That feature canstop games from saving settingsand files. If you have that feature enabled, you can also add program files to a Controlled folder access exclusion list like this:
How to Add Exclusions With Defender Exclusion Tool
Windows Security’s exclusion list settings aren’t especially accessible since you need to click through a few navigation options to reach them. You can set exclusions quicker with the Defender Exclusion Tool software. That software enables its users to add files and folders to Windows Security’s exclusion list by selecting context menu options. This is how you can set program file exclusions with that software.
To add file and folder exclusions from the context menu, you’ll need to enable two options within Defender Exclusion Tool. Click theOptionsmenu and select theAdd to context menu submenu. Select theAdd to File Context MenuandAdd to Folder Context Menuoptions.
Then check out the newManage Defender Exclusionsubmenu on the context menu. Right-click a file or folder in Explorer to selectShow more optionsat the bottom of Windows 11’s context menu. Move the cursor over theManage Defender Exclusionsubmenu to selectAdd an exclusion.
When you’ve added some files or folders, you’ll see them all listed within the Windows Security app’s exclusion list. You can also select to remove them from there by right-clicking the files and folders to select theRemove this exclusionoption. Alternatively, select items in the Defender Exclusion Tool window and click theDelete Selectedbutton there.
Stop Windows Security Blocking Programs
If you ever encounter any issues with launching games or other software, it may sometimes be the case that Windows Security’s antivirus scanning has wrongly flagged them. Adding program files to Windows Security’s exclusion list as outlined above will stop that antivirus utility from blocking them. So, setting antivirus exclusions for program files is a standard troubleshooting step.
Here’s how to set up a quick security scan shortcut on Windows 11 for fast virus checks.
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