Although it is generally not recommended, you may want to exclude certain files, folders, or websites from being scanned by Avast One. This can speed up your scans and prevent false-positive detections.
Add an exception
Setting an exception will exclude individual files, folders, or websites from all scans and shields.
To add an exception:
- Open Avast One and go to
Account ▸ Settings.
- Select the Exceptions tab, then click Add an exception.
- Read through the questions to ask and click Next ▸ I understand risks.
The following exceptions are available:
- Website URL exception: Excludes all websites that contain the same domain name.
- Web Hijack Guard: Excludes a website URL from Web Hijack Guard.
- File or folder location exception: Excludes files / folders with the option to specify your exclusions.
- Command line exception: Excludes scripts presented on the command line.
Website URL exception
- Ensure the Website / Domain option is selected.
- Enter a URL domain to exclude all pages with this domain name, then click Add.
Web Hijack Guard exception
- Ensure the Website / Domain option is selected.
- Type the website URL into the text box using the following example as a reference:
dns://*.example.net*
File or folder location exception
- Select the File / Folder option.
- Click the folder icon.
- Tick the box next to a file or folder, then click OK.
- Click Add.
Command line exception
- Select the Command Line option.
- Enter the command and optionally provide Command parameters, then click Add.
Manage exceptions
You can manage your current exceptions via the application settings:
- Open Avast One and go to
Account ▸ Settings.
- Select the Exceptions tab.
- Hover the cursor over the relevant exception, then select an option:
- Pencil icon: Edit the exception.
- X icon: Remove the exception from your list.
The list updates automatically.
Further recommendations
For information on how to add exceptions for networks or applications in Avast One Firewall settings, refer to the following article:
Add an exception
To exclude files, folders, or applications from being scanned by Avast One:
- Open Avast One and select
Explore ▸ Scan Center ▸ Open Scan Center.
- Ensure that the Scan now tab is selected.
- Click
Settings (the gear icon) in the panel for your chosen scan.
- Click Add exceptions.
- Select the file, folder, or application you want to exclude from being scanned, then click Open.
- If prompted, enter the password that you use when you start your Mac, then click OK to authorize the change.
The file path is added to the exceptions list.

To exclude files, folders, or applications from scanning by File Shield:
- Open Avast One and select
Explore ▸ File Shield ▸ Open File Shield.
- Select the Exceptions tab, then click Add exceptions.
- Select the file, folder, or application you want to exclude from being scanned, then click Open.
- If prompted, enter the password that you use when you start your Mac, then click OK to authorize the change.
The file path is added to the exceptions list.

To exclude websites or domains from scanning by Web Shield:
- Open Avast One and select
Explore ▸ Web Shield ▸ Open Web Shield.
- Select the Exceptions tab, then click Add exceptions.
- Enter the URL of the website you want to exclude from being scanned and select the Web server services type, then click Add.
- If prompted, enter the password that you use when you start your Mac, then click OK to authorize the change.
The website is added to the exceptions list.

Further recommendations
For more information about managing scan, File Shield and Web Shield settings in Avast One for Mac, refer to the following articles:
- Avast One
- Windows and Mac
Updated on: 20/12/2024