While ransomware has evolved into targeted attacks rather than mass spam campaigns, it is still a significant threat to businesses and consumers. Microsoft must agree, as in the upcoming Spring Creators Update, Microsoft has added a dedicated Ransomware Protection section in the Windows Defender Security Center settings.

This new Ransomware Protection section is located in the Windows Defender Security Center under the "Virus & threat protection" settings.

Virus & Threat Protect Settings in Windows Defender

When going into the Ransomware protection section, you will currently only see the Controlled folder access tool. Controlled Folder Access is a feature that allows you to protect files in certain folders to that they cannot be modified by unknown applications. This protects the files within these folders from being encrypted by a ransomware infection.

Ransomware Protection Settings

If you enable Controlled folder access, then further settings will appear that allow you to configure what folder will be protected and to whitelist apps that can bypass CFA.

Controlled Folder Access Enabled

BleepingComputer has reached out to Microsoft about whether any other features are expected to be found there, but have not heard back at the time of this publication.