diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-antivirus/configure-extension-file-exclusions-windows-defender-antivirus.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-antivirus/configure-extension-file-exclusions-windows-defender-antivirus.md index 9381eb05f6..2d95ae1508 100644 --- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-antivirus/configure-extension-file-exclusions-windows-defender-antivirus.md +++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-antivirus/configure-extension-file-exclusions-windows-defender-antivirus.md @@ -1,6 +1,6 @@ --- title: Configure and validate exclusions based on extension, name, or location -description: Exclude files from Windows Defender AV scans based on their file extension, file name, or location. +description: Exclude files from antivirus scans based on their file extension, file name, or location. keywords: exclusions, files, extension, file type, folder name, file name, scans search.product: eADQiWindows 10XVcnh ms.pagetype: security @@ -16,29 +16,18 @@ ms.date: 07/10/2018 # Configure and validate exclusions based on file extension and folder location - -**Applies to:** - -- Windows 10 -- Windows Server 2016 - -**Audience** - -- Enterprise security administrators - - **Manageability available with** +- Microsoft Intune +- System Center Configuration Manager - Group Policy - PowerShell - Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) -- System Center Configuration Manager -- Microsoft Intune - Windows Defender Security Center -You can exclude certain files from being scanned by Windows Defender AV by modifying exclusion lists. +You can exclude certain files from antivirus scans by modifying exclusion lists. -Generally, you shouldn't need to apply exclusions. Windows Defender AV includes a number of automatic exclusions based on known operating system behaviors and typical management files, such as those used in enterprise management, database management, and other enterprise scenarios and situations. +Generally, you shouldn't need to apply exclusions. Antivirus includes a number of automatic exclusions based on known operating system behaviors and typical management files, such as those used in enterprise management, database management, and other enterprise scenarios and situations. >[!TIP] >The default antimalware policy we deploy at Microsoft doesn't set any exclusions by default. @@ -53,6 +42,7 @@ A specific file in a specific folder | The file c:\sample\sample.test only | Fil A specific process | The executable file c:\test\process.exe | File and folder exclusions This means the exclusion lists have the following characteristics: + - Folder exclusions will apply to all files and folders under that folder, unless the subfolder is a reparse point. Reparse point subfolders must be excluded separately. - File extensions will apply to any file name with the defined extension if a path or folder is not defined. @@ -61,70 +51,64 @@ This means the exclusion lists have the following characteristics: > >You cannot exclude mapped network drives. You must specify the actual network path. > ->Folders that are reparse points that are created after the Windows Defender AV service starts and that have been added to the exclusion list will not be included. You must restart the service (by restarting Windows) for new reparse points to be recognized as a valid exclusion target. - - - - -To exclude files opened by a specific process, see the [Configure and validate exclusions for files opened by processes](configure-process-opened-file-exclusions-windows-defender-antivirus.md) topic. +>Folders that are reparse points that are created after the antivirus service starts and that have been added to the exclusion list will not be included. You must restart the service (by restarting Windows) for new reparse points to be recognized as a valid exclusion target. +To exclude files opened by a specific process, see [Configure and validate exclusions for files opened by processes](configure-process-opened-file-exclusions-windows-defender-antivirus.md). The exclusions apply to [scheduled scans](scheduled-catch-up-scans-windows-defender-antivirus.md), [on-demand scans](run-scan-windows-defender-antivirus.md), and [real-time protection](configure-real-time-protection-windows-defender-antivirus.md). >[!IMPORTANT] ->Changes made via Group Policy to the exclusion lists **will show** in the lists in the [Windows Defender Security Center app](windows-defender-security-center-antivirus.md#exclusions). +>Exclusion list changes made with Group Policy **will show** in the lists in the [Windows Defender Security Center app](windows-defender-security-center-antivirus.md#exclusions). > >Changes made in the Windows Defender Security Center app **will not show** in the Group Policy lists. - - -By default, local changes made to the lists (by users with administrator privileges; this includes changes made with PowerShell and WMI) will be merged with the lists as defined (and deployed) by Group Policy, Configuration Manager, or Intune. The Group Policy lists will take precedence in the case of conflicts. +By default, local changes made to the lists (by users with administrator privileges, including changes made with PowerShell and WMI) will be merged with the lists as defined (and deployed) by Group Policy, Configuration Manager, or Intune. The Group Policy lists will take precedence in case of conflicts. You can [configure how locally and globally defined exclusions lists are merged](configure-local-policy-overrides-windows-defender-antivirus.md#merge-lists) to allow local changes to override managed deployment settings. - - - - - ## Configure the list of exclusions based on folder name or file extension - +**Use Intune to configure file name, folder, or file extension exclusions:** + +See [Configure device restriction settings in Microsoft Intune](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/intune/device-restrictions-configure) and [Windows Defender Antivirus device restriction settings for Windows 10 in Intune](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/intune/device-restrictions-windows-10#windows-defender-antivirus) for more details. + +**Use Configuration Manager to configure file name, folder, or file extension exclusions:** + +See [How to create and deploy antimalware policies: Exclusion settings](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sccm/protect/deploy-use/endpoint-antimalware-policies#exclusion-settings) for details on configuring System Center Configuration Manager (current branch). + **Use Group Policy to configure folder or file extension exclusions:** >[!NOTE] ->If you specify a fully qualified path to a file, then only that file will be excluded. If a folder is defined in the exclusion, then all files and subdirectories under that folder will be excluded. +>If you specify a fully qualified path to a file, then only that file is excluded. If a folder is defined in the exclusion, then all files and subdirectories under that folder are excluded. -1. On your Group Policy management machine, open the [Group Policy Management Console](https://technet.microsoft.com/library/cc731212.aspx), right-click the Group Policy Object you want to configure and click **Edit**. +1. On your Group Policy management computer, open the [Group Policy Management Console](https://technet.microsoft.com/library/cc731212.aspx), right-click the Group Policy Object you want to configure and click **Edit**. -3. In the **Group Policy Management Editor** go to **Computer configuration** and click **Administrative templates**. +2. In the **Group Policy Management Editor** go to **Computer configuration** and click **Administrative templates**. -5. Expand the tree to **Windows components > Windows Defender Antivirus > Exclusions**. +3. Expand the tree to **Windows components > Windows Defender Antivirus > Exclusions**. - -6. Double-click the **Path Exclusions** setting and add the exclusions: +4. Double-click the **Path Exclusions** setting and add the exclusions: 1. Set the option to **Enabled**. - 2. Under the **Options** section, click **Show...** + 2. Under the **Options** section, click **Show...**. 3. Enter each folder on its own line under the **Value name** column. If you are entering a file, ensure you enter a fully qualified path to the file, including the drive letter, folder path, filename, and extension. Enter **0** in the **Value** column. -7. Click **OK**. +5. Click **OK**. -![The Group Policy setting for file and folder exclusions](images/defender/wdav-path-exclusions.png) + ![The Group Policy setting for file and folder exclusions](images/defender/wdav-path-exclusions.png) -8. Double-click the **Extension Exclusions** setting and add the exclusions: +6. Double-click the **Extension Exclusions** setting and add the exclusions: - 1. Set the option to **Enabled**. - 2. Under the **Options** section, click **Show...** + 1. Set the option to **Enabled**. + 2. Under the **Options** section, click **Show...**. 3. Enter each file extension on its own line under the **Value name** column. Enter **0** in the **Value** column. +7. Click **OK**. -9. Click **OK**. - -![The Group Policy setting for extension exclusions](images/defender/wdav-extension-exclusions.png) - + ![The Group Policy setting for extension exclusions](images/defender/wdav-extension-exclusions.png) + **Use PowerShell cmdlets to configure file name, folder, or file extension exclusions:** Using PowerShell to add or remove exclusions for files based on the extension, location, or file name requires using a combination of three cmdlets and the appropriate exclusion list parameter. The cmdlets are all in the [Defender module](https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/itpro/powershell/windows/defender/defender). @@ -139,9 +123,9 @@ The following are allowed as the \: Configuration action | PowerShell cmdlet ---|--- -Create or overwrite the list | `Set-MpPreference` -Add to the list | `Add-MpPreference` -Remove item from the list | `Remove-MpPreference` +Create or overwrite the list | `Set-MpPreference` +Add to the list | `Add-MpPreference` +Remove item from the list | `Remove-MpPreference` The following are allowed as the \: @@ -150,10 +134,8 @@ Exclusion type | PowerShell parameter All files with a specified file extension | `-ExclusionExtension` All files under a folder (including files in subdirectories), or a specific file | `-ExclusionPath` - >[!IMPORTANT] ->If you have created a list, either with `Set-MpPreference` or `Add-MpPreference`, using the `Set-MpPreference` cmdlet again will overwrite the existing list. - +>If you have created a list, either with `Set-MpPreference` or `Add-MpPreference`, using the `Set-MpPreference` cmdlet again will overwrite the existing list. For example, the following code snippet would cause Windows Defender AV scans to exclude any file with the **.test** file extension: @@ -161,8 +143,7 @@ For example, the following code snippet would cause Windows Defender AV scans to Add-MpPreference -ExclusionExtension ".test" ``` -See [Use PowerShell cmdlets to configure and run Windows Defender Antivirus](use-powershell-cmdlets-windows-defender-antivirus.md) and [Defender cmdlets](https://technet.microsoft.com/itpro/powershell/windows/defender/index) for more information on how to use PowerShell with Windows Defender Antivirus. - +See [Use PowerShell cmdlets to configure and run antivirus](use-powershell-cmdlets-windows-defender-antivirus.md) and [Defender cmdlets](https://technet.microsoft.com/itpro/powershell/windows/defender/index) for more information on how to use PowerShell with Windows Defender Antivirus. **Use Windows Management Instruction (WMI) to configure file name, folder, or file extension exclusions:** @@ -176,25 +157,15 @@ ExclusionPath The use of **Set**, **Add**, and **Remove** is analogous to their counterparts in PowerShell: `Set-MpPreference`, `Add-MpPreference`, and `Remove-MpPreference`. See the following for more information and allowed parameters: + - [Windows Defender WMIv2 APIs](https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn439477(v=vs.85).aspx) -**Use Configuration Manager to configure file name, folder, or file extension exclusions:** - -See [How to create and deploy antimalware policies: Exclusion settings](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sccm/protect/deploy-use/endpoint-antimalware-policies#exclusion-settings) for details on configuring System Center Configuration Manager (current branch). - - -**Use Microsoft Intune to configure file name, folder, or file extension exclusions:** - -See [Configure device restriction settings in Microsoft Intune](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/intune/device-restrictions-configure) and [Windows Defender Antivirus device restriction settings for Windows 10 in Intune](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/intune/device-restrictions-windows-10#windows-defender-antivirus) for more details. - **Use the Windows Defender Security Center app to configure file name, folder, or file extension exclusions:** See [Add exclusions in the Windows Defender Security Center app](windows-defender-security-center-antivirus.md#exclusions) for instructions. - - ## Use wildcards in the file name and folder path or extension exclusion lists @@ -205,8 +176,7 @@ You can use the asterisk `*`, question mark `?`, or environment variables (such > >- Environment variable usage is limited to machine variables and those applicable to processes running as an NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM account. >- You cannot use a wildcard in place of a drive letter. ->- The use of asterisk `*` in a folder exclusion will stand in place for a single folder. Use multiple instances of `\*\` to indicate multiple nested folders with unspecified names. - +>- An asterisk `*` in a folder exclusion will stand in place for a single folder. Use multiple instances of `\*\` to indicate multiple nested folders with unspecified names. The following table describes how the wildcards can be used and provides some examples. @@ -231,7 +201,7 @@ The following table describes how the wildcards can be used and provides some ex
  1. C:\MyData\\notes.txt
    2. -
  2. Any file in: +
  3. Any file in:
    • C:\somepath\\Archives\Data and its subfolders
    • C:\somepath\\Authorized\Data and its subfolders
      • @@ -246,7 +216,7 @@ The following table describes how the wildcards can be used and provides some ex
- ? (question mark) + ? (question mark) Replaces a single character.
@@ -295,23 +265,23 @@ The following table describes how the wildcards can be used and provides some ex > >This argument, however, will not match any files in **subfolders** under *c:\data\final\marked* or *c:\data\review\marked*. - + ## Review the list of exclusions -You can retrieve the items in the exclusion list with PowerShell, [System Center Configuration Manager](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sccm/protect/deploy-use/endpoint-antimalware-policies#exclusion-settings), [Intune](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/intune/deploy-use/help-secure-windows-pcs-with-endpoint-protection-for-microsoft-intune), or the [Windows Defender Security Center app](windows-defender-security-center-antivirus.md#exclusions). +You can retrieve the items in the exclusion list with [Intune](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/intune/deploy-use/help-secure-windows-pcs-with-endpoint-protection-for-microsoft-intune), [System Center Configuration Manager](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sccm/protect/deploy-use/endpoint-antimalware-policies#exclusion-settings), PowerShell, or the [Windows Defender Security Center app](windows-defender-security-center-antivirus.md#exclusions). >[!IMPORTANT] ->Changes made via Group Policy to the exclusion lists **will show** in the lists in the [Windows Defender Security Center app](windows-defender-security-center-antivirus.md#exclusions). +>Exclusion list changes made with Group Policy **will show** in the lists in the [Windows Defender Security Center app](windows-defender-security-center-antivirus.md#exclusions). > >Changes made in the Windows Defender Security Center app **will not show** in the Group Policy lists. If you use PowerShell, you can retrieve the list in two ways: -- Retrieve the status of all Windows Defender AV preferences. Each of the lists will be displayed on separate lines, but the items within each list will be combined into the same line. +- Retrieve the status of all antivirus preferences. Each of the lists will be displayed on separate lines, but the items within each list will be combined into the same line. - Write the status of all preferences to a variable, and use that variable to only call the specific list you are interested in. Each use of `Add-MpPreference` is written to a new line. -**Review the list of exclusions alongside all other Windows Defender AV preferences:** +**Review the list of exclusions alongside all other antivirus preferences:** Use the following cmdlet: @@ -320,13 +290,11 @@ Get-MpPreference ``` In the following example, the items contained in the `ExclusionExtension` list are highlighted: - ![PowerShell output for Get-MpPreference showing the exclusion list alongside other preferences](images/defender/wdav-powershell-get-exclusions-all.png) See [Use PowerShell cmdlets to configure and run Windows Defender Antivirus](use-powershell-cmdlets-windows-defender-antivirus.md) and [Defender cmdlets](https://technet.microsoft.com/itpro/powershell/windows/defender/index) for more information on how to use PowerShell with Windows Defender Antivirus. - **Retrieve a specific exclusions list:** Use the following code snippet (enter each line as a separate command); replace **WDAVprefs** with whatever label you want to name the variable: @@ -341,14 +309,10 @@ In the following example, the list is split into new lines for each use of the ` ![PowerShell output showing only the entries in the exclusion list](images/defender/wdav-powershell-get-exclusions-variable.png) - -See [Use PowerShell cmdlets to configure and run Windows Defender Antivirus](use-powershell-cmdlets-windows-defender-antivirus.md) and [Defender cmdlets](https://technet.microsoft.com/itpro/powershell/windows/defender/index) for more information on how to use PowerShell with Windows Defender Antivirus. - - - - +See [Use PowerShell cmdlets to configure and run antivirus](use-powershell-cmdlets-windows-defender-antivirus.md) and [Defender cmdlets](https://technet.microsoft.com/itpro/powershell/windows/defender/index) for more information on how to use PowerShell with Windows Defender Antivirus. + ## Validate exclusions lists with the EICAR test file You can validate that your exclusion lists are working by using PowerShell with either the `Invoke-WebRequest` cmdlet or the .NET WebClient class to download a test file. @@ -359,11 +323,11 @@ In the following PowerShell snippet, replace *test.txt* with a file that conform Invoke-WebRequest "http://www.eicar.org/download/eicar.com.txt" -OutFile "test.txt" ``` -If Windows Defender AV reports malware, then the rule is not working. If there is no report of malware, and the downloaded file exists, then the exclusion is working. You can open the file to confirm the contents are the same as what is described on the [EICAR testfile website](http://www.eicar.org/86-0-Intended-use.html). +If antivirus reports malware, then the rule is not working. If there is no report of malware, and the downloaded file exists, then the exclusion is working. You can open the file to confirm the contents are the same as what is described on the [EICAR testfile website](http://www.eicar.org/86-0-Intended-use.html). You can also use the following PowerShell code, which calls the .NET WebClient class to download the testfile - as with the `Invoke-WebRequest` cmdlet; replace *c:\test.txt* with a file that conforms to the rule you are validating: -```PowerShell +```PowerShell $client = new-object System.Net.WebClient $client.DownloadFile("http://www.eicar.org/download/eicar.com.txt","c:\test.txt") ``` @@ -376,12 +340,10 @@ If you do not have Internet access, you can create your own EICAR test file by w You can also copy the string into a blank text file and attempt to save it with the file name or in the folder you are attempting to exclude. - - ## Related topics -- [Configure and validate exclusions in Windows Defender AV scans](configure-exclusions-windows-defender-antivirus.md) +- [Configure and validate exclusions in antivirus scans](configure-exclusions-windows-defender-antivirus.md) - [Configure and validate exclusions for files opened by processes](configure-process-opened-file-exclusions-windows-defender-antivirus.md) -- [Configure exclusions in Windows Defender AV on Windows Server](configure-server-exclusions-windows-defender-antivirus.md) -- [Customize, initiate, and review the results of Windows Defender AV scans and remediation](customize-run-review-remediate-scans-windows-defender-antivirus.md) -- [Windows Defender Antivirus in Windows 10](windows-defender-antivirus-in-windows-10.md) +- [Configure antivirus exclusions on Windows Server](configure-server-exclusions-windows-defender-antivirus.md) +- [Customize, initiate, and review the results of antivirus scans and remediation](customize-run-review-remediate-scans-windows-defender-antivirus.md) +- [Antivirus in Windows 10](windows-defender-antivirus-in-windows-10.md) diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-antivirus/configure-local-policy-overrides-windows-defender-antivirus.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-antivirus/configure-local-policy-overrides-windows-defender-antivirus.md index 55f4c3f930..a8b170b550 100644 --- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-antivirus/configure-local-policy-overrides-windows-defender-antivirus.md +++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-antivirus/configure-local-policy-overrides-windows-defender-antivirus.md @@ -16,24 +16,15 @@ ms.date: 04/30/2018 # Prevent or allow users to locally modify Windows Defender AV policy settings -**Applies to:** - -- Windows 10 - -**Audience** - -- Enterprise security administrators - **Manageability available with** - Group Policy - -By default, Windows Defender AV settings that are deployed via a Group Policy Object to the endpoints in your network will prevent users from locally changing the settings. You can change this in some instances. +By default, antivirus settings that are deployed via a Group Policy Object to the endpoints in your network will prevent users from locally changing the settings. You can change this in some instances. For example, it may be necessary to allow certain user groups (such as security researchers and threat investigators) further control over individual settings on the endpoints they use. -## Configure local overrides for Windows Defender AV settings +## Configure local overrides for antivirus settings The default setting for these policies is **Disabled**. @@ -43,25 +34,25 @@ The following table lists each of the override policy setting and the configurat To configure these settings: -1. On your Group Policy management machine, open the [Group Policy Management Console](https://technet.microsoft.com/library/cc731212.aspx), right-click the Group Policy Object you want to configure and click **Edit**. +1. On your Group Policy management computer, open the [Group Policy Management Console](https://technet.microsoft.com/library/cc731212.aspx), right-click the Group Policy Object you want to configure and click **Edit**. -3. In the **Group Policy Management Editor** go to **Computer configuration** and click **Administrative templates**. +2. In the **Group Policy Management Editor** go to **Computer configuration** and click **Administrative templates**. -5. Expand the tree to **Windows components > Windows Defender Antivirus** and then the **Location** specified in the table below. +3. Expand the tree to **Windows components > Windows Defender Antivirus** and then the **Location** specified in the table below. -6. Double-click the policy **Setting** as specified in the table below, and set the option to your desired configuration. Click **OK**, and repeat for any other settings. +4. Double-click the policy **Setting** as specified in the table below, and set the option to your desired configuration. Click **OK**, and repeat for any other settings. -7. Deploy the Group Policy Object as usual. +5. Deploy the Group Policy Object as usual. Location | Setting | Configuration topic ---|---|---|--- MAPS | Configure local setting override for reporting to Microsoft MAPS | [Enable cloud-delivered protection](enable-cloud-protection-windows-defender-antivirus.md) Quarantine | Configure local setting override for the removal of items from Quarantine folder | [Configure remediation for scans](configure-remediation-windows-defender-antivirus.md) -Real-time protection | Configure local setting override for monitoring file and program activity on your computer | [Enable and configure Windows Defender AV always-on protection and monitoring](configure-real-time-protection-windows-defender-antivirus.md) -Real-time protection | Configure local setting override for monitoring for incoming and outgoing file activity | [Enable and configure Windows Defender AV always-on protection and monitoring](configure-real-time-protection-windows-defender-antivirus.md) -Real-time protection | Configure local setting override for scanning all downloaded files and attachments | [Enable and configure Windows Defender AV always-on protection and monitoring](configure-real-time-protection-windows-defender-antivirus.md) -Real-time protection | Configure local setting override for turn on behavior monitoring | [Enable and configure Windows Defender AV always-on protection and monitoring](configure-real-time-protection-windows-defender-antivirus.md) -Real-time protection | Configure local setting override to turn on real-time protection | [Enable and configure Windows Defender AV always-on protection and monitoring](configure-real-time-protection-windows-defender-antivirus.md) +Real-time protection | Configure local setting override for monitoring file and program activity on your computer | [Enable and configure antivirus always-on protection and monitoring](configure-real-time-protection-windows-defender-antivirus.md) +Real-time protection | Configure local setting override for monitoring for incoming and outgoing file activity | [Enable and configure antivirus always-on protection and monitoring](configure-real-time-protection-windows-defender-antivirus.md) +Real-time protection | Configure local setting override for scanning all downloaded files and attachments | [Enable and configure antivirus always-on protection and monitoring](configure-real-time-protection-windows-defender-antivirus.md) +Real-time protection | Configure local setting override for turn on behavior monitoring | [Enable and configure antivirus always-on protection and monitoring](configure-real-time-protection-windows-defender-antivirus.md) +Real-time protection | Configure local setting override to turn on real-time protection | [Enable and configure antivirus always-on protection and monitoring](configure-real-time-protection-windows-defender-antivirus.md) Remediation | Configure local setting override for the time of day to run a scheduled full scan to complete remediation | [Configure remediation for scans](configure-remediation-windows-defender-antivirus.md) Scan | Configure local setting override for maximum percentage of CPU utilization | [Configure and run scans](run-scan-windows-defender-antivirus.md) Scan | Configure local setting override for schedule scan day | [Configure scheduled scans](scheduled-catch-up-scans-windows-defender-antivirus.md) @@ -69,35 +60,30 @@ Scan | Configure local setting override for scheduled quick scan time | [Configu Scan | Configure local setting override for scheduled scan time | [Configure scheduled scans](scheduled-catch-up-scans-windows-defender-antivirus.md) Scan | Configure local setting override for the scan type to use for a scheduled scan | [Configure scheduled scans](scheduled-catch-up-scans-windows-defender-antivirus.md) - - - - + ## Configure how locally and globally defined threat remediation and exclusions lists are merged You can also configure how locally defined lists are combined or merged with globally defined lists. This setting applies to [exclusion lists](configure-exclusions-windows-defender-antivirus.md) and [specified remediation lists](configure-remediation-windows-defender-antivirus.md). -By default, lists that have been configured in local group policy and the Windows Defender Security Center app are merged with lists that are defined by the appropriate GPO that you have deployed on your network. Where there are conflicts, the globally defined list takes precedence. - -You can disable this setting to ensure that only globally defined lists (such as those from any deployed GPOs) are used. +By default, lists that have been configured in local group policy and the Windows Defender Security Center app are merged with lists that are defined by the appropriate Group Policy Object that you have deployed on your network. Where there are conflicts, the globally-defined list takes precedence. +You can disable this setting to ensure that only globally-defined lists (such as those from any deployed GPOs) are used. **Use Group Policy to disable local list merging:** -1. On your Group Policy management machine, open the [Group Policy Management Console](https://technet.microsoft.com/library/cc731212.aspx), right-click the Group Policy Object you want to configure and click **Edit**. +1. On your Group Policy management computer, open the [Group Policy Management Console](https://technet.microsoft.com/library/cc731212.aspx), right-click the Group Policy Object you want to configure and click **Edit**. -3. In the **Group Policy Management Editor** go to **Computer configuration** and click **Administrative templates**. +2. In the **Group Policy Management Editor** go to **Computer configuration** and click **Administrative templates**. -5. Expand the tree to **Windows components > Windows Defender Antivirus**. +3. Expand the tree to **Windows components > Windows Defender Antivirus**. -6. Double-click the **Configure local administrator merge behavior for lists** setting and set the option to **Enabled**. Click **OK**. +4. Double-click **Configure local administrator merge behavior for lists** and set the option to **Enabled**. Click **OK**. > [!NOTE] -> If you disable local list merging, it will override Controlled folder access settings in Windows Defender Exploit Guard. It also overrides any protected folders or allowed apps set by the local administrator. For more information about Controlled folder access settings, see [Enable Controlled folder access](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-exploit-guard/enable-controlled-folders-exploit-guard). - +> If you disable local list merging, it will override controlled folder access settings. It also overrides any protected folders or allowed apps set by the local administrator. For more information about controlled folder access settings, see [Enable controlled folder access](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-exploit-guard/enable-controlled-folders-exploit-guard). ## Related topics -- [Windows Defender Antivirus in Windows 10](windows-defender-antivirus-in-windows-10.md) -- [Configure end-user interaction with Windows Defender AV](configure-end-user-interaction-windows-defender-antivirus.md) \ No newline at end of file +- [Antivirus in Windows 10](windows-defender-antivirus-in-windows-10.md) +- [Configure end-user interaction with antivirus](configure-end-user-interaction-windows-defender-antivirus.md)