How to Create QuickBooks Antivirus Exclusions?

Published Date: August 22, 2025   Updated Date: August 22, 2025

Often, QuickBooks Desktop fails to connect to the Internet during certain activities. This typically occurs when the QuickBooks executable files are blocked by antivirus software. This prevents users from accessing QuickBooks in multi-user mode.

To avoid it, create antivirus exclusions for QuickBooks accounting software. This move guarantees that the antivirus does not interfere with QuickBooks operations. Including exclusions boosts stability and stops connection failures.

This guide shares how to include QuickBooks files in the exclusion list in leading antivirus solutions. The guidelines include Norton, Surshark, Malwarebytes, ESET, etc. Integrate the steps based on the antivirus in use.

Prerequisites for Creating QuickBooks Antivirus Exclusions

Address the following points prior to creating an antivirus exclusion for QuickBooks Desktop:

  • To prevent other issues, update QuickBooks Desktop to its current version.
  • To access updated capabilities and tools, install the current Windows updates.
  • Set up the firewall settings for QuickBooks to avoid accidental errors.

What is a Firewall?

A firewall safeguards the system from viruses, malware, and other programs. It prevents unapproved access to the network or system. When QuickBooks is not recognized as a trusted source, the firewall restricts access.

As a result, QuickBooks is blocked from accessing/connecting to the Internet or other systems. When the firewall blocks QuickBooks, the user fails to open company files in a multi-user mode. Updating the firewall or setting it up manually is the best option to fix it.

What are the Reasons for Windows Firewall to Block QuickBooks Desktop 2024?

QuickBooks is blocked by the firewall due to the reasons shared below:

  • The ports needed by QuickBooks Desktop are deactivated on the system.
  • In case Intuit is not included as a trusted site, the firewall identifies QuickBooks as a risk.
  • Internet network or other network problems give rise to firewall limitations.

Which QuickBooks Desktop Files to exclude from the Antivirus Software?

It is crucial to save every excluded file properly to prevent performance and connection problems. Here are the QuickBooks Desktop files to exclude from the antivirus software:

QuickBooks Executable FileFile Path Location
FileManagement.exeC:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks YEAR
AutoBackupExe.exeC:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks YEAR
QuickBooksMessaging.exeC:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks YEAR
IntuitSyncManager.exeC:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\Sync
QBW32.exeC:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks YEAR
QBServerUtilityMgr.exeC:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\QuickBooks
QBLaunch.exeC:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\QuickBooks
FileMovement.exeC:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks YEAR
DBManagerExe.exeC:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks YEAR
QBUpdate.exeC:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\QuickBooks\QBUpdate
Dbmlsync.exeC:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBoosk YEAR
QBCFMonitorService.exeC:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\QuickBooks
OnlineBackup.exeC:\Program Files\QuickBooks Online Backup

Key Guidelines to Create Antivirus Exclusions for QuickBooks Desktop

Here are the key tips to create antivirus exclusions for QuickBooks Desktop:

  • Remove Executable Files: Include all the QuickBooks executable (.exe) files in the exclusion list. This will boost the performance of the accounting software.
  • Enable QuickBooks in Windows Firewall:- While adding exclusions, check that the firewall does not restrict QuickBooks.
  • Download the Latest Windows Updates:- Use updated Windows for improved adaptability with the antivirus and QuickBooks program.
  • Review File Routes:- Check file routes to ensure all exclusions are added.
  • Check Antivirus Settings:- Check the exclusions again after antivirus updates, since settings reset can reset.

What are the Steps to Create QuickBooks Antivirus Exclusions?

Here are the steps to add exclusions for QuickBooks in other antivirus programs. Implement every step in the shared order:

1. Norton Antivirus Exclusion

Norton often restricts QuickBooks Desktop. Include exclusions to enable seamless operation. Here are the steps to create a Norton Antivirus exclusion for QuickBooks:

  1. Open the Norton software.
  2. Head to the “Device Security” option.
  3. Click the “Open” option and select the “Settings” tab.
  4. In the “Settings” screen, choose the “Antivirus” option.
  5. Head to the “Scans and Risks” tab.
  6. In the segment for “Exclusions/Low Risks“, click the “Configure” option.
  7. Apply the following configuration:
    • List of Exclusions for:
      • Scans
      • Auto-Project
      • Download Intelligence Detection
      • Script Control
      • Behavioral Protection
  8. Click the “Add Files” or “Add Folders” option.
  9. Choose the “Add Item” option. Now click the “Browse” option.
  10. Find the QuickBooks program file.
  11. Click the OK button and perform the same for all QuickBooks files. QuickBooks will not work without disturbance from Norton.

2. Surfshark Antivirus Exclusion

To prevent Surfshark antivirus from blocking QuickBooks files as threats, exclude it. Here are the steps to exclude the antivirus and resolve the issue:

  1. Open “Surfshark“.
  2. Now, head to the tab, “Antivirus“.
  3. Click the “Exclusion List” option.
  4. Now choose the “Add Files” option.
  5. Select the QuickBooks application and click the “Open” button.
  6. Reboot the system. QuickBooks will not work without interruptions from the Surfshark antivirus.

3. Malwarebytes Antivirus Exclusion

Here are the steps to add exclusions to Malwarebytes and resolve the issue:

  1. Open Malwarebytes.
  2. Head to the “Detection History” card.
  3. Choose the “Allow List” option.
  4. Now, click the “Add” option.
  5. Select the option “Allow an application to connect to the Internet“.
  6. Click the “Browse” option to find QuickBooks files.
  7. Choose the executable file and click the “Open” button.
  8. Click the “Done” button to save the modifications. QuickBooks will now link to the Internet minus any issues.

4. ESET Antivirus Exclusion for QuickBooks

Here are the steps to enable QuickBooks to run without any disturbance:

  1. Open the ESET security product.
  2. Now click the “F5” key. The “Advanced Setup” screen is displayed.
  3. Click the “Edit” button beside “Performance Exclusions“.
  4. Choose the “Add” option and access “Browse” to find the QuickBooks program file.
  5. Click the “Open” button.
  6. Now, click the “OK” button to include it in the exclusion list.
  7. Perform the same steps for all the QuickBooks executable files.

5. Windows Defender Exclusion for QuickBooks

Here are the steps to add exclusions to Windows Defender for QuickBooks:

  1. Click the Start button.
  2. Now, open “Settings“.
  3. Head to the “Update and Security” option.
  4. Now choose the option “Windows Security“.
  5. Click the “Virus and Threat Protection” option. Now, select “Manage Settings“.
  6. Under the “Exclusions” tab, click the option “Add or Remove Exclusions“.
  7. Choose the option “Add an Exclusion” and find the QuickBooks program file.
  8. Click the “OK” button and perform the same steps for all other files.

6. McAfee Antivirus Exclusion for QuickBooks

Here are the steps to add exclusions to McAfee antivirus for QuickBooks:

  1. Open the McAfee program.
  2. Head to the tab “My Protection“.
  3. Choose the “Device” option. Now, click the option “Real-time Scanning“.
  4. Select the option “Excluded Files“.
  5. Now, click the option “Add File“.
  6. Search for the QuickBooks Desktop program file.
  7. Include it into the exclusion list.
  8. Perform the same steps for all the QuickBooks executable file.

7. Trend Micro Exclusion for QuickBooks

Here are the steps to add exclusions to Trend Micro for QuickBooks:

  1. Open Trend Micro.
  2. Now, head to the “Settings” option.
  3. Choose the “Exception Lists“.
  4. Select the “Programs/Folders” option.
  5. Click the “Add” button.
  6. Now, access the “Browse” option to locate the QuickBooks program file.
  7. Click the “Open” button and then select the “OK” button.
  8. Choose the “Apply” button.
  9. Now, verify with the “OK” button.

8. Webroot SecureAnywhere Exclusion for QuickBooks

QuickBooks can be blocked by Webroot software. Here are the steps to include exclusions to enable seamless operation:

  1. Open Webroot Secure Anywhere.
  2. Now choose the option “PC Security“.
  3. Click the “Block/Allow Files” option.
  4. Choose the “Add File” option.
  5. Search for the QuickBooks program file.
  6. Now, select it.
  7. Select the “Allow” option.
  8. Perform the same steps for every QuickBooks executable file.

9. Sophos Exclusion for QuickBooks

QuickBooks files can be identified as threats by Sophos antivirus. Here are the steps to include exclusions to resolve this issue:

  1. Sign in to the “Sophos Home Dashboard“.
  2. Choose the system to include exclusions.
  3. Open the “Protection” menu.
  4. Click the “General” option.
  5. Now, head to the “Exceptions” section.
  6. Add the QuickBooks program file route.
  7. Click the “OK” button.
  8. Perform the same steps for every QuickBooks executable file.

10. Bitdefender Exclusion for QuickBooks

To enable QuickBooks run without any disturbance from Bitdefender, add exclusions:

  1. Open the Bitdefender software.
  2. Now, head to the “Protection” menu.
  3. Choose “Antivirus” and click the “Open” option.
  4. Select the “Settings” option.
  5. Now, click the “Manage Exceptions” option.
  6. Choose the “Add an Exception” option.
  7. Now add the route of the QuickBooks program file.
  8. Switch on the Antivirus.
  9. Click the “Save” button.
  10. Repeat the same steps for every QuickBooks file.

Conclusion

In this guide, complete information on the topic “Creating QuickBooks antivirus exclusion” is shared. Implementing the steps will help QuickBooks Desktop work without any limitations.

Still, if the issue persists, feel free to reach out to our team. Our support team provides professional and expert help to users in this regard.


Frequently Asked Questions

Does adding QuickBooks Files to the Antivirus Software Exclusion list Hinder Security?

Excluding QuickBooks executable files only does not impact the security of a system. The antivirus keeps safeguarding against risks. Do not exclude irrelevant folders or files. Restricting exclusions to QuickBooks guarantees seamless functioning without facing any unwanted risks.

How to resolve the Internet Connection issue in QuickBooks Online?

Load the website twice with the help of the “Reload icon” or “F5“. In case the issue continues, try using the QuickBooks Online program in incognito mode. Check the network settings and include Intuit in the list of reliable websites.

What happens When the QuickBooks Email is Blocked by Windows Firewall?

When QuickBooks cannot send emails due to firewall limitations, connect the default email program. Connect it with Windows Firewall exceptions. Enabling the program via the firewall guarantees QuickBooks links with other email providers.

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