Ransomware is nasty stuff. This kind of malware encrypts information in your PC so that you could’t entry them—until you will need to pay the attacker to unlock the info. In different phrases, your information are held hostage till you cough up the demanded ransom, until you’re in a position to survive the ransomware attack utilizing different means.

The finest protection towards ransomware is avoiding websites and downloads riddled with it, however you may take different protecting measures, too. Modern antivirus software program typically limit which apps can change information in folders generally focused by ransomware. Microsoft Defender, which is constructed into Windows, can do that too. (Microsoft modified the identify from Windows Defender a number of years in the past, however it’s the identical program.) Some antivirus suites additionally run computerized backups, in case that you must restore your information.

The catch? Unlike third-party antivirus software program, these additional safeguards are not turned on by default in Microsoft Defender. You need to allow them your self.

Further studying: PCWorld’s top picks for best antivirus software 2024.

How to activate ransomware safety in Windows

Step One: Open Windows Security

Open the Windows Security app in your PC. You can entry it in one among a number of methods:

• Press Alt + Spacebar in your keyboard, kind in home windows safety, then hit Enter
• Open your Start Menu and kind in home windows safety, then press Enter
• Open your Settings app, then select Windows Security within the left pane

Step Two: Find your ransomware settings

In the Windows Security app, click on on Virus & menace safety. Then click on Manage ransomware safety on the backside of the display.

Next, activate Controlled folder entry. This setting restricts app entry to your PC’s default OneDrive, Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music, and Favorites folders. You may also manually add different folders to the record.

Not all apps might be barred from these areas in Windows—Microsoft Office packages are mechanically allowed to open and alter information. But if it’s not on Microsoft’s inside record of trusted apps, a program can’t see something in these folders till express permission is granted in Windows Security.

Step three: Make positive you’re logged into OneDrive

Limiting entry to information and folders received’t fully defend them. Another essential methodology of protection is to have good backups—which Windows mechanically does in case you’re logged into OneDrive. (You can both join a Microsoft account to your entire Windows PC, or simply the OneDrive app particularly.)

To verify that this safety is on, you may take a look at Ransomware safety > Ransomware knowledge restoration.

Of course, for the aim of keeping off ransomware’s worst results, the most secure backup of your information is the one you retain offline. You ought to make one along with something saved within the cloud—in case you solely have one copy of your knowledge, you’re not correctly backed up in any case.

Should you activate ransomware safety in Windows?

Security and comfort dwell on reverse ends of a spectrum, and that’s the case right here, too. Controlling folder entry in Windows can hold attackers out of your essential folders, however it can be barely inconvenient. Gamers, for instance, might discover that entry to save lots of information may be blocked by default, as they’re typically saved in your Documents folder.

You can resolve this downside with minimal work—add the app to the entry record. Or save recreation information to a unique folder in your PC that doesn’t have managed entry to it. (You’ll simply have to make use of third-party software program to arrange a schedule for normal backups.)

Protect your Windows PC from different on-line threats, too

For extra details about Windows Security (and its completely different elements), you may take a look at our video overview on YouTube. If you like extra refined software program, plus further protections, you may also look into upgrading your antivirus software. For instance, Norton 300 Deluxe, our present high choose for antivirus, bundles robust malware safety with a VPN, password supervisor, darkish internet monitoring in your private knowledge, and extra. It might help simplify staying safer on-line.

Finally, in case you’re involved in studying extra about ransomware safety, take a look at our separate information on how to prevent (or survive) a ransomware attack.

Editor’s notice: This article was up to date to incorporate hyperlinks to our information on methods to stop and get better from ransomware assaults.