Windows Defender keeps blocking a program you trust
Windows Defender sometimes misidentifies safe programs as threats. You can add the program to an exclusion list so Defender stops blocking it.
Windows Defender analyzes programs for suspicious behavior. Sometimes legitimate programs trigger false alarms, especially if they are new or less well-known. You can add the program to Defender's exclusion list to tell it that this program is safe.
Risk: Low
⏱ 5-10 minutes
Beginner
⚡ Before you start
- ✓Know the name and location of the program
- ✓Be certain the program is from a trusted source
- ✓Have Windows Defender running
Fix-IT-Bot will walk you through each step, just tap, no typing needed.
Skip, I just want a technicianCommon mistakes to avoid
- Adding only the executable file (.exe) when the program needs a whole folder — some programs have multiple files
- Not confirming the program is from a trusted source before excluding it — this disables protection for potentially dangerous programs
- Expecting exclusions to survive a Defender reset — some updates may clear exclusions
Signs you need professional help
- If you are unsure whether a program is safe to exclude. If adding exclusions does not stop Defender from blocking. If you want a technician to check a program is legitimate.
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