Windows 10 Fall Creators Update introduced a new security feature named Controlled Folder Access as part of Windows Defender, which helps to protect valuable data. However, in some situations, to allow software to install, it may be necessary to manually whitelist an application or temporarily disable Controlled Folder Access.


Temporarily Disable Controlled Folder Access


Using the steps below will temporarily disable the Controlled Folder Access feature of Windows Defender in order to allow software to install.

  1. From the Windows taskbar select Start, the Settings cogwheel icon and then Update & Security.
  2. Select Windows Security and then Virus & threat protection.
  3. Alternatively, in the Cortana search field of the Windows taskbar type Virus & threat protection and click Enter.
  4. Select Virus & threat protection settings.
  5. Scroll down to Controlled folder access and select Manage Controlled folder access.
  6. Under Controlled folder access, click the toggle switch to Off and close the window.
  7. Close the Windows and reinstall your application.


NOTE: To re-enable Controlled Folder Access after installation completes, simply navigate the above steps again but in Step 5 toggle the switch back to On.



Temporarily whitelist the Windows Temp folder


Using the steps below will temporarily whitelist the Windows Temp folder location that our software uses for the purpose of installation. Software using the Windows Temp folder is by design of Microsoft and within the parameters of software installing the Windows environment.

  1. From the Windows taskbar select Start, the Settings cogwheel icon and then Update & Security.
  2. Select Windows Security and then Virus & threat protection.
  3. Alternatively, in the Cortana search field of the Windows taskbar type Virus & threat protection and click Enter.
  4. Select Virus & threat protection settings.
  5. Scroll down to Controlled folder access and select Manage Controlled folder access.
  6. Under Controlled folder access, click the toggle switch to On, if it is not already.
  7. Select Allow an app through Controlled folder access.
  8. Select Add an allowed app.
  9. Navigate to the location you want to add and click the Select folder button and add the folder locations:

C:\Users\<YOURUSERPROFILE>\AppData\Local\Temp\iolo technologies


NOTE: To re-enable Controlled Folder Access after installation completes, simply navigate the above steps again but in Step 5 toggle the switch back to On.



Whitelist an Application


In the event that Controlled folder access in Windows Defender Security Center is blocking trusted software from further starting once installed, you can manually add the application to the list of safe or allowed software (whitelist) to prevent them from being blocked.


To locate and add the application you want to allow:

  1. From the Windows taskbar select Start, the Settings cogwheel icon and then Update & Security.
  2. Select Windows Security and then Virus & threat protection.
  3. Alternatively, in the Cortana search field of the Windows taskbar type Virus & threat protection and click Enter.
  4. Select Virus & threat protection settings.
  5. Scroll down to Controlled folder access and click on Manage Controlled folder access.
  6. Under Controlled folder access, click the toggle switch to On, if it is not already.
  7. Select Allow an app through Controlled folder access.
  8. Select Add an allowed app.
  9. Navigate the new location you want to add and click the Select folder button and, in turn, add the iolo software location below:

C:\Program Files\iolo technologies\System Mechanic



Remove a Whitelisted Application


If you no longer want to allow previously whitelisted applications then you can use the same steps as above to remove them.

  1. From the Windows taskbar select Start, the Settings cogwheel icon and then Update & Security.
  2. Select Windows Security and then Virus & threat protection.
  3. Alternatively, in the Cortana search field of the Windows taskbar type Virus & threat protection and click Enter.
  4. Select Virus & threat protection settings.
  5. Scroll down to Controlled folder access and click on Manage Controlled folder access.
  6. Under Controlled folder access, select Allow an app through Controlled folder access.
  7. Select the application that you want to remove and select the Remove button.