Windows Security, also known as Microsoft Defender Antivirus, is a built-in security feature in Windows 10 and Windows 11 that helps protect your computer from malware and other threats. However, there may be instances where Windows Security flags a trusted application or file as malicious, leading to false positives. In such cases, you can add exclusions to prevent Windows Security from scanning specific files, folders, file types, or processes.

Understanding Exclusions in Windows Security

Exclusions are specific files, folders, file types, or processes that you instruct Windows Security to ignore during its scans. This feature is particularly useful when you are confident that a particular item is safe, but Windows Security continues to flag it as a threat. By adding an exclusion, you can prevent unnecessary alerts and ensure that trusted applications run smoothly.

Caution: Adding exclusions can make your device or data more vulnerable. Be certain you want to do this before proceeding. Exclusions only apply to real-time scanning with Microsoft Defender Antivirus. Any third-party antimalware products or scheduled scans with Microsoft Defender Antivirus may still scan these files or processes. (support.microsoft.com) How to Add Exclusions in Windows Security

To add an exclusion in Windows Security, follow these steps:

  1. Open Windows Security:
  • Click on the Start menu and select Settings.
  • Navigate to Privacy & Security and click on Windows Security.
  • Click on Virus & threat protection.
  1. Access Exclusions Settings:
  • Under Virus & threat protection settings, click on Manage settings.
  • Scroll down to the Exclusions section and click on Add or remove exclusions.
  1. Add an Exclusion:
  • Click on Add an exclusion and choose one of the following options:
    • File: Excludes a specific file.
    • Folder: Excludes a specific folder and all its contents.
    • File type: Excludes all files of a specified type (e.g., INLINECODE0 , INLINECODE1 ).
    • Process: Excludes all files opened by a specified process.
    1. Select the Item to Exclude:
    • Depending on your choice, browse to the file, folder, or process you want to exclude and select it.
Removing an Exclusion

To remove an existing exclusion:

  1. Follow steps 1 and 2 above to access the Exclusions settings.
  2. In the list of current exclusions, hover over the item you want to remove.
  3. Click the drop-down arrow next to the item and select Remove.
Additional Considerations
  • Use Exclusions Sparingly: Only add exclusions for files, folders, or processes that you are certain are safe. Overusing exclusions can increase the risk of malware infections.
  • Regularly Review Exclusions: Periodically check your exclusions list to ensure that all items are still necessary and safe.
  • Be Aware of Limitations: Exclusions apply only to real-time scanning by Microsoft Defender Antivirus. Other security software or scheduled scans may still detect and handle these items.
Conclusion

Adding exclusions in Windows Security can help prevent trusted applications from being flagged as threats, ensuring smooth operation of your system. However, it's crucial to use this feature judiciously to maintain the overall security of your device.

References:

By following these guidelines, you can effectively manage exclusions in Windows Security, balancing system performance with robust protection against potential threats.