How to change Windows Defender exploit protection settings in Windows. Each operating system secures devices from exploitation differently, and Windows, for example, has Windows Defender Exploit protection. In this video, we'll explore this Windows feature and its configurable settings. Before we begin, be sure to subscribe to Ninja One's IT Video Hub and our YouTube channel for more tech content like this. What is Windows Defender Access Exploit Protection? Windows Defender Exploit Protection is a built-in Windows security feature that mitigates vulnerabilities and protects your system from exploits and sophisticated attacks. Unlike antivirus tools that block known threats, exploit protection targets attack vectors by applying advanced mitigations at the system and application level. To access these settings, open the Window Security app, go to app and browser control and click on exploit protection settings. From here, you can adjust system wide protections, such as data execution, prevention, control, flow guard, and more. These help prevent code execution, exploits, and memory-based attacks. How to apply different settings. If you wanna apply different settings to individual applications, go to the program settings tab. Add the program by selecting its executable file, and customize the mitigations according to your needs. This is especially useful if certain apps conflict with strict security configurations for advanced users or IT administrators. Exploit protection can also be configured using group policy or PowerShell in group policy. Navigate to Windows Defender, exploit guard settings under administrative templates. From there, you can define exploit policies across multiple machines. With PowerShell, you can view or adjust certain protections using the GET process mitigation and set amp preference commands. However, PowerShell doesn't support full customization for every setting, so the Windows security app remains the most accessible method for most users. Best practices when adjusting settings Before applying changes, always test new settings in a controlled environment, such as a virtual machine to avoid unintentional disruptions, document all modifications thoroughly and restart your system when prompted to apply changes. These settings are especially important in high risk or enterprise environments. They can help protect sensitive data, reduce zero day vulnerabilities, and prevent attacks that exploit application flaws. If a program fails to run correctly after changes, consider adjusting or reverting its custom settings to maintain compatibility. Windows Defender Exploit protection is a powerful tool to enhance your device's defense posture. By understanding and properly configuring these settings, you can create a balance between strong security and smooth system performance. For more information, check out our official blog post on Changing Windows Defender Exploit Protection Settings linked in the description below.