Protect Your Data: Enable Ransomware Protection in Windows 11
Ransomware protection in Windows 11 blocks untrusted apps from changing or encrypting your personal files. This built-in security tool stops cyber attacks from locking you out of important folders like Documents and Pictures.
Controlled Folder Access watches your data around the clock and stops unknown programs from making changes. You can also pick specific folders to guard and let trusted apps through whenever you want.
Enable Controlled Folder Access in Windows Security to protect your files. Navigate to Privacy & Security Windows Security Virus & threat protection Manage ransomware protection and toggle the switch to On. You can then add specific folders for extra security.
How to enable controlled folder access
Controlled folder access is a built-in security setting in Windows 11 ransomware protection that stops unknown apps from changing or deleting your personal files. Turn on this feature by opening Windows Security, going to Virus & threat protection, and selecting Manage ransomware protection. This blocks malicious software from locking your documents.
- Open Settings by pressing the Win+I on your keyboard.
- Select Privacy & Security from the left menu, then click Windows Security.
- Click the Open Windows Security button.
- Click on Virus & threat protection in the menu on the left.
- Scroll down to the bottom and click Manage ransomware protection.
- Toggle the switch to On to enable protection.
Managing your protected folders
Protected folders include your default user directories like Documents and Pictures, but you can add custom folders to keep more of your data safe from threats. Go to Windows Security, open your ransomware protection settings, and click Protected folders to add any custom location on your hard drive that needs extra security.
The Block history shows legitimate programs that ransomware protection blocked. You can open the Block history to allow a trusted program access if it was incorrectly flagged. This prevents essential software from being shut down by the ransomware protection feature.
Backing up with OneDrive
Using OneDrive allows you to restore your files if the worst happens. %%LNK1%% to learn how to set up your backups.
Summary
- Enable Protection: Use the Windows Security settings to turn on Controlled folder access.
- Customize: Add specific folders to the protected list to keep them safe.
- Check History: If an app stops working, check your block history to give it permission.
- Use Backups: Always keep a backup of your data using OneDrive.
Windows 11 ransomware protection keeps your personal files safe by blocking unauthorized apps from modifying your data. Turn on controlled folder access in the Windows Security app, add any extra folders you want to protect, and check your block history if a trusted program gets stopped by mistake.
Was this guide helpful?
About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
[…] How to enable ransomware protection in Windows 11 […]
[…] written multiple detailed steps here that can help you, from ransomware protection to backing up your computer and protecting your data […]
[…] Controlled folder access helps protect your valuable data from malicious apps and threats, such as ransomware. […]
[…] Controlled folder access helps protect your valuable data from malicious apps and threats, such as ransomware. […]
[…] This post shows students and new users steps to turn Core Isolation Memory Integrity on or off with Microsoft Security in Windows 11. Core Isolation is a security feature that protects critical Windows core processes from malicious software like ransomware. […]
[…] Microsoft Defender Firewall helps protect your device and data against unauthorized access, malware, and other attacks that may steal your identity or lock your computer for ransom. […]
[…] Windows 11 has many security tools to keep your PC safe from viruses and malware. One important tool is called Core Isolation. Core Isolation protects the most important parts of Windows from attacks like ransomware. […]