how to stop windows defender from deleting a program ?

Question

hey everyone ! 

i use some program with .exe extension , windows defender reads those as a virus and it deletes them while i still want them !

how to stop windows defender from deleting a program that i want to keep it ?! 

***Moved from: Windows  / Windows 8  / Security & privacy***

Answer 1

Hi Hicham,

Thank you for posting your question in Microsoft Community.

I understand that you want to stop Windows defender from deleting some programs with .exe extension. Correct me if I am wrong.

I can imagine the inconvenience you have experienced. I will try to help you in fixing the issue.

Follow the below steps to Adding Exceptions in Windows Defender.

a.     Open the Windows Defender, by pressing Windows Symbol key, type Windows Defender and hit Enter.

b.    Go to the Settings tab and select the Excluded Files & Locations.

c.     Browse and locate for the .exe extension.

d.    Add it to the list of Excluded Files & Locations and do the same way for Excluded file types and Excluded processes, then click on Save Changes.

e.    Try to check with the issue.

Your reply is very important for us to ensure a proper resolution. Please get back to us with the above information in order to assist you accordingly.

In future if you come across any issues regarding Windows, please feel free to post your query here on Microsoft Community, we will be more than happy to assist you.

Answer 2

i cant do this for every program i use , im sorry but its lame . i have lots of them .. plus windows defender delete them just after i  download them from my online sharing accounts and it doesnt stop showing up that annoying message that windows defender has detected a malware file or a virus or whatever ! i turn it off all the time by the way , im like i have no antivirus on my notebook ...

Answer 3

I have had no problem with Defender deleting .exe files.  Perhaps something got messed up during your download, or perhaps there really is a virus and you may be sorry if you leave them there.  Why don't you try putting them in another computer that does not have Defender and seeing what happens.

Answer 4

I have exactly the same problem, I want to download the zune music software which is a Microsoft certified product (how embarrassing) and I have exactly the same problem, It will instantly delete the .exe file as soon as the download is completed. annoying and frustrating.

Answer 5

Hi AnthonyTaylorAT  

Please refer to first two posts here:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/ie/forum/ie10-windows\_7/every-download-ends-with-message-file-xxx/364735ab-a76e-4580-af54-2849602e8ff2

I think you will find it solves your issue!