Learn how to stop Windows Security from alerting you or blocking a trusted file, file type, folder, or process by adding it to the exclusions list. Follow the steps for Windows 11 or Windows 10 and see the caution and alternatives.

Configure and validate exclusions for Microsoft Defender Antivirus scans. Microsoft security help & learning. If you want a file, file type, or folder to not be scanned by Microsoft Defender antivirus you can add an exclusion for it.

Find out how to stop Windows Security from alerting you about or blocking a trusted file, file type, or process, by adding it to the exclusions list.

There may be times when you’ll want to exclude specific files, folders, file types, or processes from being scanned, such as if these are trusted items and you are certain you don’t need to take time to scan them. In those rare instances you can add an exclusion for them. Learn more about adding an exclusion to Windows Security

Traffic exclusion allows privacy protection to exclude certain applications from using its encrypted tunnel or connection. This means that those applications will use your regular internet connection, not the VPN tunnel, while privacy protection is active.

How to set file exclusions. The steps below apply to Trend Micro but can be adapted depending on the antivirus program you have installed on your device. Launch the Microsoft Store. Make sure that you’re signed in with the correct profile. This will be displayed at the top-right of the Microsoft Store.

Go to the Virus & threat protection > Virus & threat protection settings > Add or remove exclusions. Select Add an exclusion and follow the steps to set up an exclusion for a file, folder, file type or process.

If you just want to exclude a single file or folder from antivirus scanning you can do that by adding an exclusion. This is safer than turning the entire antivirus protection off. See Add an exclusion to Windows Security. If you install a compatible non-Microsoft antivirus program Microsoft Defender antivirus will automatically turn itself off.

Viruses, ransomware, spyware, and more are all types of malware. Microsoft Defender has powerful built-in features that can help protect your device against malware. Note: Microsoft Defender currently offers anti-malware only on Windows, Mac, and Android.