Controlled Folder Access Blocked problem in Windows Defender

Hi Jimmy,

Sorry to hear about your problem with Controlled Folder Access. My PC works

with the feature, exactly as depicted. I am at v1803 Build 17134.228.

Obviously, there is some common problem, that is affecting several of you.

The switch that won't stay turned off, is really weird. Their must be some

sort of corruption in your OS. You may want to consider a Repair Upgrade.

Since mine is working, I am sure I will be of no help. However, you asked for

a place in the Registry where you might be able to gain control over the

feature. I have located just such a place. Ten Forums has an article, describing

how to enable / disable Controlled Folder Access. You may have to determine

how you can get the Registry key to allow you to modify it though. It doesn't

cooperate, even as an administrator.

Hkey_Local_Machine\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Windows

 Defender Exploit Guard\Controlled Folder Access >EnableControlledFolderAccess.

DWord = 0 is Disable.  DWord = 1 is Enable.

If you are adventurous, they also offer a download for a Registry tweak, that is

supposed to do what you want. Good luck. I hope this helps you out.

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/113380-enable-disable-controlled-folder-access-windows-10-a.html#option4

Glen

Hi Fahd,

On the Ransomeware protection screen, below the Controlled folder access button,

there is an option, "Allow an app through Controled folder access". If you select that

option, you can allow an app to pass thru Controled folder access.

Click on  +  "Add an allowed app". When you do, it opens Explorer for you. You

can navigate to the app that you want to allow, click on it, and click "open".

Example: Navigate to C: > Program Files > CCleaner > CCleaner64  (the application).

Click on CCleaner64, and "open.

The application will be added to allowed apps list, and Controlled folder access will

let it through. Much better to do it this way. Turning the feature OFF, takes away some

of your built in protection.

Regards,  Glen

On 12/13 , Windows Defender did an update and ever since I keep getting messages like the following when I try to access programs such as Carbonite, Quicken, etc.  The message says:

Controlled folder Access Blocked C:\Program Folders ...qw.exe from making changes to the folder %userprofile\desktop

I have turned off the Controlled Folder Access off in Windows Defender as this error message popped up every time I wanted to access a program.  I was able to get into the program but need to know what is going on and what I can do about it.  Thank you.

I am having the same problem.  Today I have been trying to save files I was working on in Paint and Notepad.  Windows Defender won't let me.  I was trying to save them into subfolders of my Documents folder.  Defender is telling me that my Documents folder is now a Controlled Folder.  Yesterday, 24 hours ago, I didn't have this problem.  

Now I am trying to add Paint and Notepad to the list of programs permitted to make changes.  I am having a hard time finding them.   

Why does Windows Defender think Windows programs are dangerous?  Is Defender itself turning into a malware program?

A link to MS support article referencing Controlled Folder Access would be more applicable.

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-exploit-guard/controlled-folders-exploit-guard

Or for WD overview>

The Windows Defender Security Center app

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/windows-defender-security-center#customize-notifications-from-the-windows-defender-security-center

~bhringer