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How do I allow controlled folder access in Windows Defender to an app that I trust (such as LibreOffice)?

Anonymous
2018-03-15T20:23:20+00:00

I have searched for ready-made answers, but all of them lead me to a Windows Defender page where I should find the words "Add an allowed app", but in my current version of Windows 10 I find different words in the same place: "Always protected with controlled folder access".

In the unlikely event that it is just the words that have changed, I have entered the full addresses of the apps I want to allow through - such as C:\Program Files\LibreOffice 5\program\soffice.bin . This does not work: I still cannot save LibreOffice files inside controlled folders. And I still get the "Unauthorised changes blocked" message in notifications whenever I try to save these files.

I want to retain the protection offered by controlled folder access while also being able to add apps that I trust. Solutions welcome - the easier the better.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Security and privacy

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  1. Anonymous
    2018-03-15T21:06:55+00:00

    The interface for allowing an app through Controlled Folder Access is a “file-picker” dialog that’s accessed through the Allow an app through Controlled folder access link in Virus & threat protection settings – or else just by clicking on the Unauthorized changes blocked notification:

    1. Click on the notifications icon at the far right in the taskbar.
    2. Write down the file path provided in the notification.
    3. Click on the notification, and then on the Add button (+).
    4. Navigate to the file identified in the notification and open it.

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

    GreginMich

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  1. Anonymous
    2018-03-16T17:22:19+00:00

    Problem solved. Thank you. I can now save LibreOffice files in controlled folders and I no longer get the notification "Unauthorised changes blocked".

    It would be full marks if the screenshots on https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-exploit-guard/customize-controlled-folders-exploit-guard can be updated to show the words that now appear beside the plus sign in Defender: the words I see are: "Always protected with controlled folder access" (and not those in the screenshots which read: "Add an allowed app").

    I was surprised to see that the instructions on how to allow an app are intended for "Enterprise security administrators". I feel I have been promoted above my grade! 

    I really appreciate the quick solution. Thank you.

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