Fix Ghost of Tsushima PC Save Issues - Controlled Folder Access

You are trying to save your progress in Ghost of Tsushima and nothing happens, or the option is completely greyed out. Windows is likely flagging the game's attempt to write save files as suspicious activity and blocking it, which prevents you from starting or continuing your game.

Why this happens

Windows Defender's Controlled Folder Access feature is designed to stop ransomware, but it often misidentifies legitimate game save processes as threats.

Steps

1. 01
   Open the Start menu, search for 'Windows Security', and select it from the results.
2. 02
   Navigate to 'Virus & threat protection' and click on 'Manage ransomware protection' at the bottom.
3. 03
   Click 'Allow an app through Controlled folder access' and select 'Yes' when prompted by User Account Control.
4. 04
   Click 'Add an allowed app' and select 'Browse all apps'.
5. 05
   Navigate to your game folder, typically located at 'C:/Program Files (x86)/Steam/steamapps/common/Ghost of Tsushima DIRECTORS CUT/', and select 'GhostOfTsushima.exe'.
6. 06
   Relaunch the game and try to save your progress to verify the permission change worked.
7. 07
   If it still fails, return to the 'Controlled folder access' menu and toggle the main switch to 'Off' to test if the feature is causing the interference.

Still not working?

If you are still unable to save, right-click 'Ghost of Tsushima' in your Steam library, go to 'Properties', select 'Installed files', and click 'Verify integrity of game files'. This checks for corrupted files that may have been damaged by the initial block. If the game still refuses to save after this, check your local antivirus software for similar 'ransomware' or 'document protection' features that may be running in parallel to Windows Security.

Frequently asked questions

Will I lose my current save files by doing this?

No, this process simply grants the game permission to write new files and access existing ones. It does not delete or alter your current game data.

Is it safe to turn off Controlled Folder Access?

It is safer to add the game as an exception rather than turning the feature off globally. If you must turn it off, ensure you have another form of reliable real-time antivirus protection active.