---
title: "Microsoft Defender exclusions for game folders: do they fix stutter, and are they safe?"
description: "Defender scans files as a game opens them, which can stall loading and shader compilation. What it changes, when it hurts, and how to undo it."
url: https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/defender-exclusions-for-games
author: Frost LIVE, Founder of Frozen Tweaks
published: 2026-10-08
updated: 2026-10-08
category: "Security"
source: Frozen Tweaks (https://frozentweaks.com)
---

# Microsoft Defender exclusions for game folders: do they fix stutter, and are they safe?

**Short answer:** Defender scans files as a game opens them, which can stall loading and shader compilation. An exclusion tells it to skip a folder or program. This tweak adds exclusions for the Steam and Riot Games folders it finds and for common launcher programs.

## In the app

- Switch: Defender Performance Exclusions (Security, Pro, Advanced)
- Undo: Yes. Switching it off sets a standard Windows value, which may not be exactly how you had it.
- Game profiles that switch it on: Apex Legends, ARC Raiders, Battlefield 6 and 18 more
- Catalog row: https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks#t-1077

## What it does

Defender scans files as a game opens them, which can stall loading and shader compilation. An exclusion tells it to skip a folder or program. This tweak adds exclusions for the Steam and Riot Games folders it finds and for common launcher programs.

In the app the switch is called "Defender Performance Exclusions", described there as: Adds AV exclusions for common launchers/games to prevent scan stalls.

## When it helps

- Loading hitches and stutter while shaders compile or assets stream in, when Defender is the cause.

## When it hurts

- Files in excluded folders are not scanned, so a malicious file placed there would not be caught. Mods and downloads from unknown sources are the usual way that happens.
- Switching the tweak off removes the exclusions it added.

## What it writes

Read from the app's source. "Switching it off" is what the app writes when you turn the tweak off again.

This tweak has no fixed list of registry values: it works through a driver's own settings, scheduled tasks or values that differ from PC to PC. The app reads what your PC has and changes only that.

## How to undo it

Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks.

## Verdict

Effective when Defender is the cause, with a real security cost. Keep downloads and mods out of excluded folders.

## Questions

### Is "Defender Performance Exclusions" safe to switch on?

Effective when Defender is the cause, with a real security cost. Keep downloads and mods out of excluded folders. The main cost: Files in excluded folders are not scanned, so a malicious file placed there would not be caught. Mods and downloads from unknown sources are the usual way that happens.

### How do I undo it?

Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks. Switching it off sets a standard Windows value, which may not be exactly how you had it.

### Is "Defender Performance Exclusions" free in Frozen Tweaks?

It is part of Frozen Pro and Elite. You can also make the change by hand with the values on this page.

## Related guides

- [How to Fix Stuttering and Frame Drops: Diagnose Before You Tweak](https://frozentweaks.com/guides/fix-stuttering-frame-drops)
- [Is PC Optimization Software Safe? What to Check Before Installing](https://frozentweaks.com/guides/is-pc-optimization-software-safe)

## More tweak explainers

- [Remote Desktop Services (TermService)](https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/disable-remote-desktop-services)
- [Location access](https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/disable-location-tracking)
- [Advertising ID](https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/disable-advertising-id)

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Written by Frost LIVE, founder of Frozen Tweaks. Canonical version: https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/defender-exclusions-for-games