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Windows Defender is a built-in antivirus program in Windows 11 that helps protect your computer from malware and other security threats. While it is important to have a reliable antivirus solution, there may be instances where Windows Defender mistakenly identifies certain files as threats and deletes them. This can be frustrating, especially if the files are important to you. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the steps to stop Windows Defender from deleting files in Windows 11.
Step 1: Open the Windows Security app by clicking on the Start button and typing "Windows Security." Select the app from the search results.
Step 2: In the Windows Security app, click on the "Virus & threat protection" tab located in the left-hand sidebar.
Step 3: Under the Virus & threat protection settings, click on the "Manage settings" link.
Step 4: Scroll down to the "Exclusions" section and click on the "Add or remove exclusions" link.
Step 5: In the Exclusions settings, click on the "Add an exclusion" button.
Step 6: Choose the type of exclusion you want to add. You can exclude a folder, a file, or a file type. Select the option that best suits your needs.
Step 7: Browse to the location of the file or folder you want to exclude, select it, and click on the "Open" button.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Prevents Windows Defender from mistakenly deleting important files. | 1. Excluded files may still pose a potential security risk if they are infected with malware. |
| 2. Offers flexibility to exclude specific files, folders, or file types. | 2. Users need to exercise caution when adding exclusions to avoid excluding legitimate threats. |
| 3. Saves time and effort in recovering or restoring mistakenly deleted files. | 3. Exclusions may require periodic review and updates to ensure ongoing protection. |
By following these simple steps, you can prevent Windows Defender from deleting files in Windows 11. However, it is important to exercise caution when adding exclusions to ensure that your computer remains protected from potential security threats. Regularly review and update your exclusions to maintain a balance between convenience and security.
Video Tutorial:Will Windows 11 keep all my files?
Does Windows 11 permanently delete files?
As a tech blogger, it’s essential to provide accurate information to readers. Based on my professional understanding, Windows 11 doesn’t permanently delete files by default. However, certain actions or situations can lead to data loss. Here are a few scenarios:
1. User action: If a user explicitly deletes a file and bypasses the Recycle Bin by using the Shift + Delete command, the file is immediately removed from the system. In this case, it can be challenging to recover the file unless you have a backup.
2. Disk formatting: Formatting a disk or partition erases all the data stored on it. It’s crucial to exercise caution before formatting to avoid unintended data loss.
3. System reinstallation: If you reinstall Windows 11, it typically overwrites the existing installation, leading to the deletion of all files. It’s crucial to back up your data before initiating such a process.
4. Errors and glitches: While rare, errors or glitches during updates, disk operations, or system crashes can result in file corruption or deletion. Regular backups and using reliable storage solutions can help mitigate the risk.
To protect your files and minimize the chances of permanent data loss, it’s crucial to follow these best practices:
1. Regularly back up your important files using an external storage device, cloud storage, or backup software.
2. Enable the Recycle Bin feature in Windows 11 to give yourself an opportunity to recover accidentally deleted files.
3. Invest in reliable antivirus software and keep it up to date to minimize the risk of malware or ransomware attacks that can result in data loss.
4. Be cautious when performing actions that involve file deletion or disk operations, ensuring you’ve backed up your data or created restore points when necessary.
It’s important to note that while Windows 11 itself doesn’t permanently delete files in most cases, accidental data loss can occur due to various factors. Therefore, regular backups and exercising caution are vital practices to adopt to safeguard your important files.
How do I stop a folder from being deleted in Windows 11?
To prevent a folder from being deleted in Windows 11, you can follow these steps:
Step 1: Right-click on the folder you want to protect and select "Properties." Alternatively, you can select the folder and click on the "Properties" button in the toolbar.
Step 2: In the Properties window, go to the "Security" tab.
Step 3: Click on the "Advanced" button at the bottom of the window.
Step 4: In the Advanced Security Settings window, click on the "Disable inheritance" button. This will prompt a dialog box asking whether you want to copy or remove the inherited permissions.
Step 5: Select "Remove all inherited permissions from this object" and click on the "Convert inherited permissions into explicit permissions on this object" checkbox. Then click on the "Apply" button.
Step 6: A warning message will appear asking if you want to continue. Confirm by clicking on the "Yes" button.
Step 7: With the inherited permissions removed, you can now customize the permissions for the folder. Click on the "Add" button to add specific users or groups.
Step 8: In the Select User or Group window, type the name of the user or group you want to grant permission to, and click on the "Check Names" button to validate.
Step 9: Once the user or group is verified, click on the "OK" button.
Step 10: In the Permissions Entry window, specify the desired permission level for the added user or group. You can choose between "Full control," "Modify," "Read & execute," "List folder contents," "Read," and "Write." Select the appropriate permissions and click on the "OK" button.
Step 11: Back in the Advanced Security Settings window, you can further customize the permissions by clicking on the "Edit" button next to each user or group.
Step 12: Once you have finished configuring the permissions, click on the "OK" button to close the Advanced Security Settings window.
By following these steps, you can effectively protect a folder from being deleted in Windows 11 by granting explicit permissions to specific users or groups.
How do I stop Windows Security from deleting files?
As a tech blogger, I understand how frustrating it can be when Windows Security deletes files that you don’t want it to. Here are a few steps you can take to prevent Windows Security from automatically deleting files:
1. Whitelist the file or folder: Windows Security operates with a set of default security settings that might mark certain files or folders as potential threats. To whitelist a file or folder:
– Open Windows Security by clicking on the Windows Security icon in the taskbar or by searching for it in the Start menu.
– Go to "Virus & threat protection" and click on "Manage settings."
– Scroll down to the "Exclusions" section and click on "Add or remove exclusions."
– Choose the type of exclusion you want to add (file, folder, file type) and select the file or folder you want to exclude from Windows Security scans.
2. Adjust Windows Security settings: You can customize the behavior of Windows Security to prevent it from automatically deleting files. To modify the settings:
– Open Windows Security as mentioned earlier.
– Go to "Virus & threat protection" and click on "Manage settings."
– Scroll down to the "Automatic sample submission" section and turn off the toggle switch. This will prevent Windows Security from automatically submitting files for analysis and potential deletion.
3. Restore deleted files: In case Windows Security has already deleted files that you want to keep, you can try to recover them from the quarantine folder. To do this:
– Open Windows Security.
– Go to "Virus & threat protection" and click on "Protection history."
– Look for the file(s) that have been deleted and click on the item to expand it.
– Click on the "Restore" button to recover the file(s) to their original locations.
It’s worth noting that while adjusting these settings can help prevent unnecessary file deletions, it’s important to prioritize your computer’s security. Always be cautious when excluding files or folders from security scans and make sure you are confident in their safety. Regularly updating your antivirus software, running system scans, and practicing safe browsing habits are essential for maintaining a secure computer environment.
Why my files are deleting permanently?
There could be several reasons why your files are being permanently deleted. Here are a few possible explanations:
1. User Error: It is possible that you may have accidentally deleted the files yourself. This can happen if you mistakenly select and delete important files instead of the intended ones. Double-check your actions to ensure you are not deleting files unintentionally.
2. Software Glitches: Sometimes, software glitches or bugs can cause files to disappear or be permanently deleted. This can happen if you are using unstable or beta versions of software or if there are compatibility issues with your operating system or other software applications. Make sure you keep your software up to date and report any issues to the software developer for resolution.
3. Hardware Failure: In some cases, hardware failure can result in files being permanently deleted. If your storage device (such as a hard drive or solid-state drive) is failing or has encountered an issue, it may corrupt or delete files. Ensure that your hardware is in good condition and regularly backup your files to minimize the risk of permanent loss.
4. Malware or Viruses: Malicious software can potentially delete or corrupt your files. If your computer or device is infected with malware or viruses, they may perform actions that lead to permanent deletion. It’s essential to have updated and reputable antivirus software installed on your device to prevent such incidents.
5. System Settings: Certain system settings can cause files to be permanently deleted. For example, if you have enabled an automatic file cleanup feature or a scheduled deletion of files, it can result in files being permanently removed from your system. Review your system settings and disable any options that may be causing unwanted deletions.
6. Third-party Applications: Certain applications, especially file management or disk cleaning tools, may have settings or features that lead to permanent file deletion. Verify the functionality of any third-party applications you have installed and review their settings to ensure they are not responsible for permanently deleting your files.
To prevent permanent file deletion, it is advisable to regularly back up your important files to external storage devices or cloud services. This will provide an additional layer of protection and enable file recovery in case of accidental deletion or other issues.
How do I restore Windows 11 keep files?
Restoring Windows 11 while keeping your files is a relatively straightforward process. Here are the steps you can follow:
1. Open the "Settings" app: Click on the "Start" button (Windows icon at the bottom left corner) and select the gear-shaped "Settings" icon from the Start menu or press the Windows key + I shortcut to open it directly.
2. Access the "System" settings: In the Settings window, locate and click on the "System" option.
3. Choose "Recovery": Within the System settings, find and select the "Recovery" tab from the left sidebar.
4. Initiate the restoration: Under the "Recovery" tab, click on the "Reset PC" button in the right-hand pane.
5. Keep your files: In the next window titled "Choose an option," select the "Keep my files" option. This will reinstall Windows 11 while retaining your personal files such as documents, pictures, and videos.
6. Proceed with the reset: After selecting the "Keep my files" option, you might be prompted to insert your Windows installation media if necessary. Please ensure you have your Windows installation media ready beforehand. If not, Windows will offer an alternative method to reset without the installation media.
7. Confirm and initiate the reset: Once you have chosen the "Keep my files" option, Windows may display additional information about the reset process. Read through it, and if you’re ready to proceed, click on the "Next" button.
8. Start the restoration: Lastly, click on the "Reset" button to initiate the Windows 11 restoration process while keeping your files. Windows will begin removing apps and settings but retain your personal files during the process.
Please note that while this process retains your personal files, it will remove third-party software programs. Therefore, you might have to reinstall them after the restoration is complete. Additionally, ensure that you have backed up all your important data before proceeding with any system restore to avoid potential data loss.
Remember, in case you encounter any challenges or confusion during this process, it’s always recommended to consult official Microsoft documentation or seek assistance from their support channels for the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.