I know how to exclude a file or folder (directory) from Windows Defender in Windows 10. What I'm not sure about is whether this exclusion applies to all sub directories within that directory? It seems to me like it should, but I couldn't find anything from a quick Google search that revealed the answer. Thanks!
Update
I'm hoping to get some actual documentation for this. I agree that it seems like it should, but I couldn't find definitive source for the answer, other than my own assumptions.
Yes, excluding a directory in Defender will also exclude all files and subdirectories recursively.
sub directories are excluded, too. documented here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-sg/help/4028485/windows-10-add-an-exclusion-to-windows-defender-antivirus
Yes, subdirectories are covered by exclusions. HOWEVER, exclusions only apply to scanning, not to Real-Time Protection. If Real-Time Protection is active, every loaded executable is scanned, even those loaded from an excluded directory.
