Steps to Exclude Files and Folders from Windows Defender
Windows Defender is an in-built antivirus component that comes with Windows 10. Along with its security features, Windows Defender also allows you to add exclusions for files and folders to prevent scanning. Once you start using this feature, it will significantly improve the performance of your PC and make space for other tasks.
Steps to exclude files and folders from Windows Defender:
- Click on the Windows key once.
- Type “Security” and open the Windows Security.
- Then, click on the “Virus and threat protection” and click on “Manage Settings.”
- In Settings, select the “Exclusions” option and add the files and folders you want to exclude.
- After that, click on “Add or remove exclusions.”
- Now, tap on “Add an exclusion” and choose what you want to exclude from Windows Defender. The File option allows you to exclude a specific file. The Folder option lets you exclude a complete folder from scanning. In the File Type option, you can mention the file extensions you want to exclude from scanning. Last but not least, the “Process” option allows you to exclude background tasks and processes from scanning.
How to remove exclusions?
If you want to remove any exclusions on files and folders, then click on the file you want to remove and click on the “Remove” option, and it will remove your file from exclusions.
Conclusion
Windows Defender is one of the most efficient components of Windows 10 to protect your PC from online threats. Windows Defender is completely free to use. If you do not want to spend a hefty amount on antivirus software, then Windows Defender is a perfect choice to protect your PC. It effectively tackles malware and spyware. Windows Defender also acts like a decluttering app for your Windows. As the same company develops Windows Defender, it acquires significantly less amount of space in your PC. Third-party antivirus software comes with heavy set up configurations, but Windows Defender is very simple to set up and comes with a user-friendly interface. Another benefit of Windows Defender is that it does not come with irritating pop-ups you generally face with third-party software. Keeping in mind the benefits as mentioned above you get with Defender; you can also exclude files and folders from scanning. You can follow the steps mentioned above to exclude files and folders. But keep in mind that files you exclude from scanning may contain threats and they can make your device vulnerable.
