diff --git a/.github/actions/just-setup/action.yml b/.github/actions/just-setup/action.yml
index 22c04020..b5dce2f4 100644
--- a/.github/actions/just-setup/action.yml
+++ b/.github/actions/just-setup/action.yml
@@ -30,12 +30,21 @@ runs:
       env-mapping: |
         CARGO_HOME,{{ DEV_DRIVE }}/.cargo
         RUSTUP_HOME,{{ DEV_DRIVE }}/.rustup
+        
+  - name: Exclude cargo/rustup home from windows defender
+    if: runner.os == 'Windows'
+    run: Add-MpPreference -ExclusionPath $DEV_DRIVE
+    
   - uses: samypr100/setup-dev-drive@v3
     if: runner.os == 'Windows'
     with:
       mount-path: ${{ github.workspace }}/target
       drive-size: 3GB
       drive-type: Fixed
+
+  - name: Exclude target from windows defender
+    if: runner.os == 'Windows'
+    run: Add-MpPreference -ExclusionPath $DEV_DRIVE
   
   - name: Add just to tools to install
     run: echo "tools=just" >>"$GITHUB_ENV"