Windows Defender Blocks Games | Solutions

Windows Defender It is one of the most decent antivirus that comes built in Windows 10. It gives you solid security, but sometimes it can cause certain problems, especially when it comes to gaming.

In addition, third-party antivirus applications often provide better security and additional features. Many users complain that they are unable to play games due to Windows Defender blocks gamesSo, if you are also facing the same problem, here are some solutions mentioned below.

Common Windows Defender Issues

Although it is well known that Windows Defender is not the best antivirus software you can install, the truth is that it can do a decent job. However, for some specific users this antivirus can be the cause of some inconveniences.

Some users have reported that Windows Defender blocks games or account SteamBelow are some of the most common issues that have been reported by users:

• Windows Defender blocks applications and programs: This antivirus software can sometimes block certain applications or programs from running. Unblock the application or disable the controlled folder access feature.
• Steam is being blocked by Windows Defender: Many players have reported that Windows Defender won't let them run Steam or that it is blocking it. In this case, the solution is to add the Steam folder to the exclusions list.
• Windows Defender exclusions don't work: Windows Defender may block certain applications even if they are on the exclusions list. Disabling Windows Defender completely may be the solution, or switching to a different antivirus solution.

Windows Defender blocks games. Solutions

Depending on the specific issue causing your Windows Defender to block games, you may find a solution below. If you know the exact problem, go to the specific solution, if you don't know, try one by one until the problem is solved.

Solution 1. Add an exclusion

You can try to fix the issue of Windows Defender blocking games by adding the game folder to the antivirus exclusions. This makes the antivirus allow the programs to run without any issues. To add an exclusion you can follow these instructions given below:

• Navigate to the app Configuration in your system.
• There select the option "Update and security".
• Once you get to the left side menu, choose the option Windows security.
• Go to the right panel and choose the option «Open Windows Defender Security Center«.
• Access the right panel of the screen and select the option "Protection against viruses and threats"
• Then choose the option «Add or remove exclusions».
• You must click on the option "Add an exclusion".

• then choose the game directory which is closing Windows Defender.
• Now, select the option «Exclude this folder» and Windows Defender will not monitor this folder.

Solution 2. Disable Windows Defender via Group Policy and Registry

If after doing the exclusion Windows Defender blocks the games, then you should try disabling the antivirus to be able to load and play your games. To disable Windows Defender through group policy and registry you can do so by following these instructions provided below:

• Go to the search section and enter «gpedit.msc» and select the button Accept.
• After that, get to the left panel and go to the following path: «Computer Configuration / Administrative Templates / Windows Components / Windows Defender».

• Navigate to the right panel and search for "Turn off Windows Defender" and then double-click on it.
• You must click on the button Deactivate.

• Now, click the button Apply.
• Finally click on Accept.

You may be interested in: Best Windows 10 for Gaming | Comparison

Solution 3. Disable controlled folder access

Another alternative you have to solve the problem of Windows Defender blocking games is to disable controlled folder access. This type of controlled access reviews the applications and programs on your PC and can make changes that prevent games from working properly. To disable this option, just follow these steps:

• First of all, open the app Configuration in your system.
• Then select the option "Windows Defender Security Center".
• You must reach "Protection against viruses and threats" on the left side and select the option "Virus and threat protection settings" On the right side.
• After that, go to the section of «Controlled folder access» and select the option «Manage controlled access to the folder».
• Now, disable the function of «Controlled access to folders».

Solution 4. Disable real-time protection

This is an option that is not generally recommended because it means that your system will be unprotected by There in which this option is activated. However, if Windows Defender blocks games and none of the other solutions have worked, you can try this to solve the problem. To disable real-time protection, follow the instructions provided below:

• Go to option "Windows Defender Security Center" and click on it.
• Then, choose the option "Protection against viruses and threats" and choose the option «Virus & threat protection settings».
• You should find the option to "Real-time protection" and then turn it off.

Solution 5. Activate game mode

Windows has a game mode that was designed to prevent issues with gamers and their applications. This means that it should be a viable solution when Windows Defender blocks games. To activate this mode on your Windows Operating System you just need to follow the steps below:

• Go to the app Configuration in your system.
• Once you have launched the Settings app, select the section of Games.

• Go to the left panel and choose the option Game mode y activate the function from Game Mode.

Solution 6. Perform an in-place upgrade

Windows 10 In-Place Upgrade means that you can upgrade your Windows 10 to the new feature update without using the ISO file. Some users have reported that doing this type of upgrade has helped them resolve Windows Defender blocking games. To run an in-place upgrade you need to do the following:

• First, download and launch the «Media creation tool«.
• Then choose “Upgrade this PC” and then follow the steps in the window.
• Go to option «Download and install updates (recommended)».
• Then follow the steps on the screen until you see the page "Ready to install".
• Select option "Change what you want to keep."
• Now, click on the option «Keep personal apps and files» and select the button Next.

Final words

Si tu Windows Defender blocks games and you don't know what to do, don't hesitate to try these solutions to try to solve it. Considering that the causes of this problem can be several, the effectiveness of these solutions will depend largely on the exact cause of the problem on your PC. If you know of another solution that works and that we haven't mentioned, don't hesitate to tell us in the comments.