Controlled access to folders is a new feature introduced in the Fall Creator Update for the Microsoft Windows 10 operating system. This feature disables all applications to use or control any of the specified folders found in Windows 10. Only applications specified in the settings can access or control the secure folder . This is by far the best feature introduced to combat ransomware problems that have occurred in the past.
Now, since watched folders or protected folders cannot be edited or touched by any other application, it will be nearly impossible for Ransomwares like WannaCry to modify the files saved in the protected folder.
How to enable Controlled Folder Access in Windows 10
Step 1: Go to Home > settings > To update And safety
Step 2: Click Windows security in the menu on the left.
Step 3 - No, click Virus and threat protection settings.
Step 4: Now scroll down and activate Controlled access to folders.
Note: - You have enabled controlled folder access. But enabling this option will protect only the default Windows system folders by default. To protect the folder of your choice, you need to add the folder to the protected folder list. So, now let's do it.
Step 5: Click Protected folders.
Step 6 - Now, click on the Add a Secure Folder button.
Step 7: Now navigate and add the desired folder.
That is. Now you have protected your folder from any damn application in the world. But wait what happens if you want a particular application to access this folder. For example, there may be some spreadsheets in the folder, and you want libre office or open office to access this folder, as you want to constantly change the documents in the folder.
How to allow a particular application to communicate with the folder
Step 1: Click allow an app through controlled access to folders.
Step 2: Click add app allowed.
Step 3: Now find the location of the program on your PC and add the app.
Note that since I added the putty here, the putty can now access the folder I added in the protected folder list.
That is. Now, when any other application other than the allowed application tries to access the secure folder, a notification will pop up on the PC. Unless and until you grant access, you won't be able to tap your folder.
Note: - if you want to remove your folder from the protected folders list, click protected folders again and go to the next window. Now, click on the file binder to expand and click remove.
Likewise, you can add or remove apps to check your protected folder.
