Enabling Controlled Folder Access in Windows 11!
Tags: windows11, beginners, tutorials, tips
Published: 2024-07-09 14:24:49

---
title: Enabling Controlled Folder Access in Windows 11!
published: true
date: 2024-07-07 14:35:28 UTC
tags: Windows11,beginners, tutorials, tips
canonical_url: https://winsides.com/how-to-enable-controlled-folder-access-in-windows-11/
cover_image: https://winsides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Controlled-Folder-Access-in-Windows-11.webp
---

 **Controlled Folder Access in Windows 11** : It is a **security feature** in Windows 11 designed to protect your files and folders from unauthorized changes by malicious applications, such as **[ransomware](https://dev.to/winsides/how-to-manage-ransomware-protection-in-windows-11-3780)**. A **protected folder** is a directory safeguarded from unauthorized changes by untrusted applications, especially malware and ransomware. When a folder is protected, only trusted and **whitelisted applications** can modify, delete, or create files within that folder. This helps prevent malicious software from encrypting or corrupting important data. Controlled Folder Access is a part of **Windows Defender Exploit Guard** and helps ensure that only trusted apps can access protected folders. This article will use simple steps to navigate the steps on How to Turn on Controlled Folder Access in Windows 11.

> ## Key Points
> 
> - Open **Windows Settings**.
> - Navigate to **Security and Privacy**.
> - Click on **Manage Settings** under the **Virus & Threat Protection settings** section.
> - Enable **Controlled Folder Access**.

- Go to **Windows Settings** using the key combination **<kbd>Win Key</kbd> + <kbd>I</kbd>**.
- You can find **Privacy and Settings** on the left pane. Click on that. 

![Privacy & Security](https://winsides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Privacy-Settings-1024x700.webp "Privacy & Security")
_Privacy & Security_

- Under **Security** , click on **Windows Security**. 

![Windows Security](https://winsides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Windows-Security-1024x247.webp "Windows Security")
_Windows Security_

- Now, click on **Virus & Threat Protection** under **Protection areas**.

![Virus & threat protection](https://winsides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Virus-Threat-Protection-1024x435.webp "Virus & threat protection")
_Virus & threat protection_

- Click on **Manage Settings** under Virus & Threat Protection Settings. 

![Manage Settings](https://winsides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Manage-Settings.webp "Manage Settings")
_Manage Settings_

- Scroll down and locate **Controlled Folder Access**. Click on **Manage Controlled Folder Access**. 

![Manage Controlled Folder Access](https://winsides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Manage-Controlled-Folder-Access-1024x427.webp "Manage Controlled Folder Access")
_Manage Controlled Folder Access_

- Toggle the Controlled Folder Access switch to **ON**.

- **User Account Control** will open and ask for confirmation. “ **Do you want to allow this app to make changes in this Computer?** “. Click **Yes**. 
- That is it. Controlled Folder Access is now enabled in Windows 11. 

![Enable Controlled Folder Access](https://winsides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Enable-Controlled-Folder-Access-1024x555.webp "How to Enable Controlled Folder Access in Windows 11? 12")
_Enable Controlled Folder Access_

## How to Allow an App through Controlled Folder Access in Windows 11?

This option allows users to **explicitly permit specific applications** to access and modify files within **protected folders**. This is essential when you have trusted applications that need to interact with the files in these protected folders but are being blocked by the Controlled Folder Access feature. **Some legitimate applications** may need access to files within protected folders to function correctly. By allowing these apps, you ensure they can perform necessary tasks without being hindered by security restrictions. The following are the steps.

- Click on “ **Allow an App through Controlled Folder Access** ” under Controlled Folder Access. 

![Allow an app through Controlled folder access](https://winsides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Allow-an-App-through-Controlled-Folder-Access-1024x566.webp "Allow an app through Controlled folder access")
_Allow an app through Controlled folder access_

- User Account Control will prompt for confirmation. Click **Yes**. 
- Now, click on **Add an allowed app**. 

![Add an allowed app](https://winsides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Add-an-allowed-app-1024x539.webp "Add an allowed app")
_Add an allowed app_

- You can find two options, “ **Recently Blocked Apps** “, and “ **Browse All Apps** “. 

![Choose an App](https://winsides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Choose-App-1024x534.webp "Choose an App")
_Choose an App_

- If you have encountered any apps blocked recently, then click on Recently Blocked Apps, you can find the app over there, making it easy to choose. If not, click on Browse All Apps. 
- Finally, choose the App that you want to allow through Controlled Folder Access. That is it!

### Controlled Folder Access – Things to know:

![Controlled Folder Access](https://winsides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Controlled-Folder-Access-1024x576.webp "Controlled Folder Access")
_Controlled Folder Access_

- By default, Controlled Folder Access protects common folders such as Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music, Favorites, and Desktop.
- Users can add **additional folders** to be protected or remove default-protected folders as needed.
- If an **unauthorized app** attempts to modify files in a protected folder, you will receive a notification from Windows Security.
- This feature is integrated with **Windows Defender Antivirus** , providing a **comprehensive security** solution without needing third-party software. **Check out: [How to Enable Real-Time Protection in Windows 11?](https://dev.to/winsides/enabling-real-time-protection-in-windows-11-15ha)**

## Take away:

**Controlled Folder Access in Windows 11** is an essential feature for enhancing your system’s security and safeguarding your data from potential threats. By enabling this feature, you can add an **extra layer** of protection to your valuable files and ensure they remain safe from malicious attacks. For more interesting articles, stay tuned to Winsides. **Safe Computing! Peace out!**