What is the recommended method for excluding a specific folder in Microsoft Defender Antivirus across all client devices?

Using Microsoft Intune to deploy a policy for exclusions is the recommended method for excluding a specific folder in Microsoft Defender Antivirus across all client devices. Intune provides a centralized management platform that allows administrators to apply policies uniformly across numerous devices. This approach ensures consistent application of the exclusion settings without requiring manual intervention on each individual device, making it efficient for organizations with multiple endpoints.

With Intune, administrators can easily create and manage device configuration profiles that include specific antivirus exclusions. By leveraging cloud-based management, Intune allows for swift deployment and updates, meeting the demands of modern remote and hybrid work environments where devices may be located in various locations.

Using Group Policy for exclusions is also a viable option, but it is typically more suited for on-premises environments and may not be as flexible for organizations that have transitioned to cloud management strategies. Similarly, when it comes to Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, while it can certainly manage exclusions, it may not be as agile or straightforward as Intune, especially for organizations focused on cloud-first strategies.

Therefore, leveraging Microsoft Intune stands out as a modern solution that aligns with current management practices for endpoint security and configuration.