Windows Defender keeps blocking a program you trust
Add the program to Defender's Exclusions list to stop it from being blocked. Make sure you trust the program first.
Sometimes Windows Defender blocks programs that are actually safe. This is called a false positive. If you know the program is legitimate and from a trusted source, you can tell Defender to stop blocking it by adding it to your Exclusions list. Excluded programs will never be blocked again.
Risk: Medium
⏱ 5-10 minutes
Beginner
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Skip — I just want a technicianCommon mistakes to avoid
- Excluding a program you're not sure about. Always check it's from a trusted source first
- Disabling all of Defender's protections instead of just excluding one program. Use Exclusions, not disabled protection
- Assuming Defender is wrong without checking if the program is from the official source
Signs you need professional help
- You're not sure if a blocked program is actually safe. Get in touch before excluding it The program keeps getting blocked even after you added it to exclusions Defender keeps blocking multiple programs and you're concerned about malware
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