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Windows Defender Exclusions Not Working: 5 Ways to Fix It
Corrupt system files can affect the Windows Defender exclusions
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Windows Defender is a built-in anti-malware security system of Microsoft Windows. One of its core features is that users can select apps or files to exclude from its process. However, users complain about Windows Defender exclusions not working. Also, some reports aboutWindows Defender not working on Windows 11.
Why is the Windows Defender exclusion not working?
Many factors can cause the Windows Defender exclusions not to work on your PC. These factors impede the exclusion placed on the item, causing it to follow Windows Defender’s processing.
However, installingthird-party antivirus softwareon your computer is one of the causes of the problem. Other factors are:
The causes for the issue may vary on different Windows computers, depending on the instance. However, trying some general fixes can solve the problem.
What can I do if Windows Defender exclusion is not working?
Before trying any troubleshooting steps, go through the following preliminary checks:
If you’re unable to fix the Windows Defender exclusion not working, proceed with the solutions below:
1. Check Registry values
Checking the Registry values for Windows Defender will help correct any wrong settings or values assigned to its functions and can fix the issue.
Although very rare,Regedit can stop saving changes, and it will render this fix ineffective. So, check our guide to fix it.
2. Verify Group Policy setting
Changing the Group Policy settings for Windows Defender exclusion to Not configured will render them obsolete. However, it canfix Windows Defender if Group Policy deactivates it.
3. Restart Microsoft Defender Antivirus Service
These steps will enable the related services to help Windows Defender function at its full potential.
If you have issues starting the service, check our guide tofixing the Windows Defender service not startingon Windows 10/11.
4. Make sure the item is intact
To fix Windows Defender exclusion not working for an item, you need to ensure the item is in the exact path Windows Defender excluded it.
It’ll make it visible to the exclusion. But instead, you can reset the exclusion option for the item.
5. Update Windows OS
Windows updates will resolve bugs plaguing your PC, which can prevent Windows Defender exclusion from working as it should.
Sometimes,Windows may not connect to update services. If you encounter this, quickly hop on our guide to troubleshoot it.
Nevertheless, you can check what to do if theWindows Defender is not turning on. Also, read what to do ifWindows Defender is missing on Windows 11.
Leave further questions and suggestions in the comments section. We want feedback from you.
More about the topics:Windows Defender issues
Henderson Jayden Harper
Windows Software Expert
Passionate about technology, Crypto, software, Windows, and everything computer-related, he spends most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world.
He also enjoys gaming, writing, walking his dog, and reading and learning about new cultures. He also enjoys spending private time connecting with nature.
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Henderson Jayden Harper
Windows Software Expert
Passionate about technology, Crypto, software, Windows, and everything computer-related, he spends most of his time developing new skills.
