How to add or remove exclusions for Windows Defender in Windows 10

JamieKavanagh

Commendable
Apr 19, 2016
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It is hard to recommend users rely entirely on Windows Defender to protect their computer but I know many do. While it is the best Windows protection yet, it is still quite a ways behind third-party malware protection. However, if you’re happily running Windows Defender and want to know how to add or remove exclusions for Windows Defender in Windows 10 to manage it better, here’s how.

Add exclusions for Windows Defender in Windows 10
Adding exclusions to Windows Defender will help avoid false positives. It will enable you to use your computer as you see fit without Defender getting in the way by telling you the app you’re using is dangerous.

1. Navigate to Settings, Update & security and then Windows Defender.
2. Select ‘Add an exclusion’ under Exclusions.
3. Select to exclude a file, folder, file extension or process as your needs dictate.

To exclude a file, click Exclude a file and navigate to that file in the explorer window that appears. Highlight the file and select Exclude this file.

To exclude a folder, click Exclude a folder and navigate to that folder in the explorer window that appears. Highlight the folder and select Exclude this folder.

To exclude an extension, click Exclude an extension. Type the extension into the new window and click OK.

To exclude a process from Windows Defender, click Exclude a process. Type the process type into the new window and click OK.

Remove exclusions for Windows Defender in Windows 10
Removing an exclusion from Windows Defender is just as simple.

1. Navigate to Settings, Update & security and then Windows Defender.
2. Select ‘Add an exclusion’ under Exclusions.
3. Select the listed exclusion(s) and click Remove.

More Windows 10 tweaks on Tom’s Hardware:
How to Enable Dark mode in Windows 10
How to Turn On or Off Tablet Mode in Windows 10
How to open color management in Windows 10