Add or remove protected folders

By default, Ransomware Shield automatically secures folders where your personal data is usually stored (such as your Documents folder). Subfolders of the protected folders are also secured. To add or remove folders from the Protected folders list:

1. Open Avast Antivirus, then select Protection ▸ Ransomware Shield.
2. Add or remove a selected folder:
   • To add a folder: Click Protect new folder, select the folder you want to protect, then click OK.
   • To remove a folder: Hover your cursor over the folder's panel, click the X icon, then click Stop protecting.

Specify protected file types

Ransomware Shield secures specified file types in your protected folders. You can modify the predefined list, and add and remove additional file types by following the steps below:

1. Click Settings (the gear icon) in the top-right corner of the Ransomware Shield screen.
2. Scroll to File types to view which file types are secured in your protected folders. Untick the box next to any file types you don't want Ransomware Shield to protect, or tick the box next to the file types you do want to be protected.
3. Add or remove other file types:
   • To add a new file type: Type the file extension into the box below the default list (for example .html).
   • To remove an added file type: Click in the box below the default list and use the delete key on your keyboard to remove the file extension.

Manage Ransomware Shield behavior

You can adjust Ransomware Shield's sensitivity when monitoring applications that attempt to access files in your protected folders. To configure Ransomware Shield's behavior:

1. Click Settings (the gear icon) in the top-right corner of the Ransomware Shield screen.
2. Select an option under Select your preferred mode:
   • Smart Mode (default and recommended setting): Ransomware Shield refers to a list of commonly used and trusted applications to determine which applications can modify files in your protected folders. If any applications that are not in this list attempt to modify files in your protected folders, you are notified and asked for permission.
   • Strict Mode: If any applications attempt to modify files in your protected folders, you are notified and asked for permission every time (excluding those you have already added to the Blocked & Allowed apps lists). Selecting this option may result in frequent and potentially obtrusive alerts.
   
3. When a Ransomware Shield pop-up notification appears, click Allow app to add the application to your Allowed apps list, or click Block app to always block the application from accessing your protected folders.

For more information about managing Blocked & Allowed apps, refer to the following article:

• Using the Blocked & Allowed apps settings screen in Avast Antivirus

Disable Ransomware Shield

Ransomware Shield is enabled by default, but can be disabled for troubleshooting purposes by following the steps below:

1. Click the green (ON) slider so that it changes to red (OFF), then select a time duration to disable Ransomware Shield.
2. Click OK, stop to confirm.

Ransomware Shield is now disabled. To enable it, click the red (OFF) slider so that it changes to green (ON).

Troubleshoot issues

Refer to the information below to troubleshoot common issues:

• Ransomware Shield does not appear in the main menu: Ensure you are using the latest version of your Avast Antivirus. To update Avast Antivirus, go to ☰ Menu ▸ Settings ▸ Update, and click Check for updates in the application section.
• Ransomware Shield displays pop-ups too frequently: Ensure that Ransomware Shield behavior is set to Smart Mode. If Ransomware Shield is set to Strict Mode, Avast Antivirus notifies you every time any application attempts to modify files in your protected folders (excluding those you have already added to the Blocked & Allowed apps lists).
• You cannot save files using an editing application: Ensure the application you are using is not in your Blocked Apps list. Alternatively, you can add the application to your Allowed Apps list.

Further recommendations

For more information about Ransomware Shield, refer to the following article:

• Avast Ransomware Shield - Frequently Asked Questions