Windows 10’s newest update added a feature to help protect you from a particularly nasty type of malware called RansomWare. However, the protection isn’t turned on by default. This post will show you how to turn it on and help keep your files safe.

What is Ransomware again?

Ransomware is a type of malware. It’s main purpose is to hold your files for ransom. It does this by encrypting them (making them unreadable) and then demanding money in order to unlock them and give them back to you. If losing your files – photos, business documents, music, and videos – sounds painful, you’ll want to have measures in place to avoid RansomWare. I’ve previously covered a Data Disaster plan to help fight against RansomWare, and I still recommend it, but Windows 10 has introduced another layer of protection and there is no reason not to turn it on!

Windows 10 1709

Windows’ RansomWare protection was introduced in build 1709 of Microsoft’s latest operating system so in order to use it you’ll need to have build 1709. To find out if you have it simply follow these steps:

1. Click the Start Menu Button or press the Windows key to open the Start Menu
2. Type “about” into the search bar without the quotes
3. Click on “About Your PC”
4. Scroll down to the “Windows Specifications” section and look at the Windows Version. As long as you have Version 1709 (or higher) you can follow the rest of the article to turn on the protection.

If you don’t have version 1709, head over the Windows Update and check for new updates. It should be rolling out to everyone soon. If you need help you can contact me.

1. Open your start menu once more and type in “defender’
2. Click on “Windows Defender Security Center”
3. Click the Shield Icon with title “Virus & threat protection”
4. Click “Virus & threat protection settings”
5. Scroll Down until you see “Controlled folder access” and toggle the switch to On.
6. Finally, click on “Protected folders” to see if any important folders you use are missed. I had to add my Downloads folder.

Hopefully, this guide and the pictures were easy to follow and you know have an extra layer of protection against RansomWare! If you’re having trouble following any of it, Y-Not Tech Services will be happy to assist you. If you already have build 1709 installed we can turn on Controlled Folder Access remotely. Contact us and mention this article to get a special price of $20 flat fee to enable this feature remotely. If you don’t have 1709 we can schedule an in-person appointment to take care of it.