Hello there, Audioz folks!

I'm starting to migrate my setup to Windows 11 and I'll be installing a bunch of software over the next few days (tools like Nuendo, Dorico, Reaper, FabFilter, Izotope, Waves, and other plugins and composition apps (for MIDI generation/editing). So, I've run into a question about that Controlled Folder Access thing. I know it's a great tool for protecting important folders, but I wanted to ask you all:

1 - In general, do you recommend keeping this feature on or off for a production machine?

2 - Which folders do you add as exceptions so your DAW and plugins can work without issues?

3 - Have you ever had problems during the installation of audio software and plugins, or when you needed to save presets or samples to specific directories? How did you manage it?

Thanks for the insights!

 

This feature is also on Windows 10 IIRC. I don't like it, but it makes sense for the general public. If you know what you're doing, I would just keep it off. Another example is UAC, it is generally believed to be good for most people, but I always kept it off since Windows 7. I just don't like Windows interfering with my own choices.

That said... Now that the Windows 10 support is almost over, I can't wait until audio work on Linux is finally viable. I'm dreading the upgrade to 11 even though I'm a paying Windows customer.

 

On Win10, CFA is part of the defender A/V junkware. Since there is no need for a/v or firewall on a non-internet connected audio production machine, defender and all its counter parts can be removed (or rendered inert). IF you leave CFA on, you will have to place exception entries for it with every new install of app software - beside the fact that you can't always be certain of every single folder that a new app will need access to. IMO, it is a royal pain and should be eliminated by default on any production box (or any box period). It can be turned off or rendered inert on win11 as well (google)... There is also the default file security settings present on win10/11 that you will need to take-ownership of in order to administer files/folders in windows system areas, program files, ProgramData, etc...

 

Last edited: Aug 11, 2025 at 12:17 AM