Although it is generally not recommended, you may want to exclude certain files, folders, or websites from being scanned by Avast Antivirus. This can speed up your scans and prevent false-positive detections.

Refer to the sections below to manage exceptions in Avast Antivirus:

Add an exception

Setting an exception will exclude individual files, folders, or websites from all scans and shields.

To set an exception:

1. Open Avast Antivirus and go to ☰ Menu ▸ Settings.
2. Select General ▸ Exceptions, then click Add exception.
3. Read through the questions to ask and click Next ▸ I understand risks.
4. Add an exception in one of the following ways:
   • Type the specific file / folder path or URL into the text box, then click Add exception.
   • Click Browse, tick the box next to a file or folder, then click OK ▸ Add exception.

Your specified file, folder, or website is added to the exceptions list.

Add an advanced exception

Setting advanced exceptions allows you to define your exclusions more precisely.

To set an advanced exception:

1. Open Avast Antivirus and go to ☰ Menu ▸ Settings.
2. Select General ▸ Exceptions, then click Add advanced exception.

The following advanced exceptions are available:

• Website / Domain: Excludes all websites that contain the same domain name.
• File / Folder: Excludes files / folders with the option to specify your exclusions.
• Command: Excludes scripts presented on the command line.
• Real Site: Excludes a website URL from Real Site.

Website / Domain

1. Select the Website / Domain tab.
2. Enter a URL domain to exclude all pages with this domain name, then optionally tick or untick Apply to Web Shield and Apply to Bank Mode, and click Add exception.

File / Folder

1. Select the File/Folder tab.
2. Type the specific file/folder path, or click Browse to navigate to it.
3. Optionally, untick a feature you do not want the exception to apply for:
   • Apply to all scans: Enables all scans.
   • Apply to Behavior Shield: Warns you if any application behaves suspiciously.
   • Apply to File Shield: Scans any file added to or opened on your PC.
   • CyberCapture: Analyzes unrecognized files and warns you about new threats.
   • Hardened Mode: Determines which executable files are safe to open.
4. Click Add exception.

Command

1. Select the Command tab.
2. Enter the Command and optionally provide Command parameters, then click Add exception.

Real Site

1. Select the Website / Domain tab.
2. Type the website URL into the text box using the example below as a reference: dns://*.example.net*. Then, optionally tick or untick Apply to Web Shield and Apply to Bank Mode, and click Add exception.

Manage exceptions

You can manage your current exceptions via the application settings:

1. Open Avast Antivirus and go to ☰ Menu ▸ Settings.
2. Select General ▸ Exceptions.
3. Hover the cursor over the relevant exception, then select an option:
   • Pencil icon: Edit the exception.
   • Trash icon: Remove the exception from your list.
   The list updates automatically.

Further recommendations

For other related topics, refer to the following articles:

• Allowing internet access when Avast Firewall blocks a program
• Using the Blocked & Allowed apps settings screen in Avast Antivirus