Windows Security- add allowed program

Question

How do I add a folder/program to "allowed programs" list in Microsoft Security? Thank you for your help!

Answer 1

Welcome Connie Teter to the Q&A forum!

I see you’re looking for a way to add a trusted folder or program to the allowed (exclusions) list in Microsoft Security so it can run without being restricted by security protection. In addition to the methods Q&A Assist has given, you can also try the method below:

This method applies to individual files, entire folders, or specific app executables, and is commonly used when Microsoft Defender is blocking known‑safe items.

1. Open Windows Security from the Start menu.
2. Select Virus & threat protection.
3. Under Virus & threat protection settings, select Manage settings.
4. Scroll down to Exclusions, then select Add or remove exclusions.
5. Select Add an exclusion, then choose one of the following:

• File – for a single executable (e.g. app.exe)
• Folder – to allow everything inside a folder
• Process – allow a process by name

6. Browse to the file or folder and confirm.

Hope this helps. Feel free to post back if you need further assistance or run into any issues.

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Answer 2

There are two common “allowed” lists in Windows Security: the firewall allowed apps list and the Controlled folder access allowed apps list. Steps for both are below.

1. Allow an app through Windows Defender Firewall

1. Open the Windows Security app.
2. Select Firewall & network protection (or use this shortcut: Firewall & network protection).
3. Select Allow an app through firewall.
4. Select Change settings (approve the UAC prompt if shown).
5. To allow an existing app, tick the checkbox next to it (and choose Private and/or Public as needed).
6. To add a new program:
   • Select Allow another app.
   • Browse to the program’s .exe file (for example in C:\Program Files\...).
   • Add it, then tick its checkbox and select OK.
7. To remove an app from the allowed list, clear its checkbox and select OK.

Note: Allowing apps through the firewall or opening ports reduces security. Only allow apps that are trusted and needed, and remove them when no longer required.

2. Allow an app through Controlled folder access (ransomware protection)

If the issue is that Windows Security is blocking a trusted app from saving/opening files in protected folders (Documents, Pictures, Desktop, etc.), add it to the Controlled folder access allow list:

1. Open Windows Security.
2. Select Virus & threat protection.
3. Under Ransomware protection, select Manage ransomware protection.
4. Make sure Controlled folder access is turned on.
5. Select Allow an app through Controlled folder access (or use this shortcut: Allow an app through Controlled folder access).
6. Select Add an allowed app and browse to the app’s executable file.
7. Confirm to add it.

Be careful which apps are added here. Any allowed app can modify files in protected folders, and if that app is later compromised, data in those folders could be at risk.

If a familiar app is blocked and you see an App is blocked notification, you can click that message, choose Add an allowed app, and then browse to the program to unblock it.

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References:

• Risks of Allowing Apps Through Windows Firewall
• Virus and Threat Protection in the Windows Security App
• Customize controlled folder access