Windows Defender is getting better with each update. It’s clear that Microsoft has made security a major focus of the Windows 10 operating system.
The built-in antivirus you get with your Windows 10 has a lot of useful features designed to protect your computer against malware, exploits, and cyberattacks.
If you are running version 1709 or greater version of Windows 10, you will be happy to know that there is a built-in feature in Windows 10 to help you protect the data against ransomware.
What Is Ransomware Protection?
Ransomware is a type of malware that locks files and folders so as to prevent your access to important files.
It is a kind of cyber extortion where attackers are asking for money, mostly in the form of cryptocurrencies (because these currencies cannot be tracked).
After the victim pays the asked amount of money, attackers give him the decryption key to get back the access for all the hacked files.
How To Enable Ransomware Protection In Windows Defender
Because we all know how important computers can be, we’ve prepared a simple guide (and video) where we walk you through how to enable Ransomware protection for Windows Defender antivirus in Windows 10.
STEP 1: Left click the Start menu icon and open the Settings app.
STEP 2: Navigate to Update & Security and then click on the Windows Security option in the left sidebar.
STEP 3: Under the Windows Security section, click on Virus & threat protection.
STEP 4: Under the Ransomware protection section, click the Manage ransomware protection option.
STEP 5: Now, turn on the Controlled folder access toggle switch.
That’s it. Microsoft Defender Antivirus will start protecting your files and folders from unauthorized access by malicious programs like ransomware.
What Is Controlled Folder Access?
If you asked yourself, what exactly is the controlled folder access, here is the answer. According to Microsoft, “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.”
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