On Windows 10, Microsoft Defender Antivirus is the default anti-malware solution to protect your device and data against all sorts of threats, including viruses, spyware, ransomware, rootkits, and other types of malware and hackers.
Although the antivirus offers robust real-time protection at the level of most sophisticated anti-malware solutions, sometimes, it can detect some files and applications as threats when you know they are not. However, if this ever happens, the default protection built into Windows 10 includes an option to review and allow the file or application on your device.
This guide will teach you the steps to allow a file or app recently blocked by Microsoft Defender Antivirus on Windows 10. In addition, we’ll look at the steps to block allowed items if you need to revert the changes.
- Allow blocked files or apps on Microsoft Defender Antivirus
- Block manually allowed files or apps on Microsoft Defender Antivirus
Warning: Allowing items flagged as threats by the antivirus can potentially harm your computer and files. It is assumed you know what you are doing and have previously created a system backup.
Allow blocked files or apps on Microsoft Defender Antivirus
To allow an item that Microsoft Defender has blocked, use these steps:
Open Windows Security.
Click on Virus & threat protection.
Under the “Current threats” section, click the Protection history option.
Select the file or application you want to allow.
Quick note: Read the details and understand why the antivirus blocked the item before allowing it on your device.
Click the “Actions” drop-down menu and select the Allow on device option.
Once you complete the steps, your device will allow the item.
Block manually allowed files or apps on Microsoft Defender Antivirus
To block a file or application you allowed manually, use these steps:
Open Windows Security.
Click on Virus & threat protection.
Under the “Current threats” section, click the Allowed threats option.
Select the file or application you want to block.
Click the “Don’t allow” button.
After you complete the steps, the item will no longer be allowed on your device.