> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.allout.game/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.allout.game/reference/windows-defender-exclusion.md).

# Windows Defender Exclusion

The editor creates and scans many project files. On some systems, Microsoft Defender real-time scanning can make those operations noticeably slower. Measure the problem before adding an exclusion; most projects do not need one.

{% hint style="warning" %}
An exclusion bypasses real-time malware scanning for that path. Exclude only the narrowest trusted project or generated-cache folder that shows the slowdown. Do not exclude your entire games directory, Downloads folder, repository collection, or any location containing untrusted projects.
{% endhint %}

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### 1) Open Windows Security

Open **Windows Security** from the Start menu (or search for it).

![Windows Security in the Start menu](https://3803321901-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzA8RGUKJ88fD0oXVALlz%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-cf6a83e7aa8fe8627f6b566699eada7b386020f9%2Fimage.png?alt=media)

*Windows Security app.*
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### 2) Go to Virus & threat protection

From the left sidebar, select **Virus & threat protection**.

![Virus and threat protection entry in Windows Security](https://3803321901-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzA8RGUKJ88fD0oXVALlz%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-f5d51aeda3f1d95c009757e29d7bf136f60e1bc3%2Fimage.png?alt=media)

*Virus & threat protection entry.*
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### 3) Open Virus & threat protection settings

Scroll to **Virus & threat protection settings**, then click **Manage settings**.

![Manage settings under Virus and threat protection settings](https://3803321901-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzA8RGUKJ88fD0oXVALlz%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-1981769ec0af530cac98436ff608508cf2fbb2f4%2Fimage.png?alt=media)

*Manage settings button.*
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### 4) Open exclusions

Scroll to **Exclusions**, then click **Add or remove exclusions**.

![Add or remove exclusions control](https://3803321901-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzA8RGUKJ88fD0oXVALlz%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-d6be9b2e0b6f7a7611a4acf1d2f9a869655c5f46%2Fimage.png?alt=media)

*Add or remove exclusions.*
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### 5) Add a new exclusion

Click **Add an exclusion**.

![Add an exclusion menu](https://3803321901-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzA8RGUKJ88fD0oXVALlz%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-21e10ecf1e918d51ab2189781f7adbdbde3121ff%2Fimage.png?alt=media)

*Add an exclusion dropdown.*
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### 6) Choose “Folder”

Select **Folder**.

![Folder option in the Add an exclusion menu](https://3803321901-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzA8RGUKJ88fD0oXVALlz%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-39899941d0934ca65aa193f811be5f0f5b72d1c2%2Fimage.png?alt=media)

*Choose a folder exclusion only after measuring a scanning-related slowdown.*
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### 7) Pick the narrowest affected folder

Select one trusted project's folder, or only the generated subfolder identified by your performance investigation. Do not select the parent directory that contains every project.

![Folder picker for a narrow project exclusion](https://3803321901-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzA8RGUKJ88fD0oXVALlz%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-8e4fce155effe8c6b11a948105caed01dfc5513d%2Fimage.png?alt=media)

*Confirm the folder selection.*
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Removing the exclusion

Return to **Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Manage settings → Add or remove exclusions**. Select the exclusion and choose **Remove**. Remove it after troubleshooting, when the project is no longer active, or before placing third-party files in that path.

For managed devices and current Windows-specific details, see Microsoft's [Defender Antivirus exclusion guidance](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/defender-endpoint/microsoft-defender-antivirus-exclusions-configure).