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How to Turn on Ransomware Protection on a Windows Device

Safeguarding your Windows device against ransomware attacks is crucial to prevent malicious software from encrypting your files and holding them hostage. Enabling Ransomware Protection through Windows Security is a built-in feature that helps protect your files. Follow these steps to set it up:

Turn on Ransomware Protection

1. Click the Start Button> Click on the gear icon to open the Settings window.

2. In the Settings window, select “Update & Security”> Click on “Windows Security” from the left-hand panel. This will open the Windows Security dashboard.

3. In the Windows Security dashboard, click on “Virus & Threat Protection.”

4. Scroll down to the Ransomware Protection section and click on “Manage Ransomware Protection.”

5. In the settings, find the “Controlled Folder Access” section> Move the slider to “On.”

6. Click on “Protected Folders” to see the list of folders that are protected by default, such as Documents, Pictures, and Desktop. To add more folders, click on “Add a Protected Folder” and select the additional folders you want to protect.

Allow Trusted Applications

If a legitimate application is blocked by Controlled Folder Access, you can allow it by adding it to the trusted list.

Click on “Allow an App Through Controlled Folder Access” and follow the prompts to add trusted applications.

Set Up OneDrive for Additional Protection

1. In the Ransomware Protection settings, look for the option to set up OneDrive.

2. Follow the instructions to configure OneDrive for automatic file backup.

3. In case ransomware encrypts your files, you can restore your data from OneDrive, ensuring your files are safe and recoverable.

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