How to Add Exclusion for Software in Windows Defender
When Windows Security (Windows Defender) blocks or deletes proxy software, you can add an Exclusion so that Defender skips that software while keeping the rest of your system protected.
Recommendation
This is the safest approach — it only bypasses protection for specific software without affecting your overall security.
Method 1: Add Exclusion via Windows Security (GUI)
Open Windows Security
Press Windows + I → Privacy & Security → Windows Security → Open Windows Security.
Or click the shield icon on the taskbar.
Go to Virus & threat protection settings
Select Virus & threat protection → click Manage settings.
Go to Exclusions
Scroll down to Exclusions → click Add or remove exclusions.
Add an Exclusion
Click + Add an exclusion → choose the exclusion type:
Folder (Recommended): Select the folder containing the software
File: Select the specific
.exefileFile type: Enter the file extension (e.g.,
.exe,.dll)Process: Enter the process name (e.g.,
TMProxyManager.exe)
Select the software folder
Select Folder → navigate to the folder containing the software (e.g., TMProxyManager) → click Select Folder.
Done
The exclusion has been added successfully. Windows Defender will no longer scan or block files in this folder.
Method 2: Add Exclusion using PowerShell
For users comfortable with the command line or who need to add multiple exclusions at once.
Open PowerShell as Administrator
Right-click Start → select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
Add Exclusion by Folder
Add-MpPreference -ExclusionPath "C:\Users\Admin\Downloads\TMProxyManager"Add Exclusion by File (optional)
Add-MpPreference -ExclusionPath "C:\TMProxy\TMProxyManager.exe"Add Exclusion by Process (optional)
Add-MpPreference -ExclusionProcess "TMProxyManager.exe"View Current Exclusion List
Get-MpPreference | Select-Object -Property ExclusionPath, ExclusionProcess, ExclusionExtensionTo remove an Exclusion
Remove-MpPreference -ExclusionPath "C:\Users\Admin\Downloads\TMProxyManager"Summary
| Method | Best for | Windows Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Method 1: Windows Security (GUI) | General users | All editions |
| Method 2: PowerShell | Quick setup, multiple exclusions | All editions |