When running QuickBooks Desktop for different tasks, you might occasionally find that it fails to connect to the Internet. In such cases, the antivirus software installed on your computer might be responsible, as it can easily restrict QuickBooks executable files from running. Moreover, the antivirus program can hinder you from operating QB in multi-user mode. To fix these problems, you need to create QuickBooks antivirus exclusions on your system.
In this detailed guide, we will look at various steps that will help you seamlessly add QB files to the exclusion list of prominent antivirus apps such as Norton, Windows Defender, Trend Micro, Malwarebytes, etc. Thus, whichever antivirus software you currently use, this blog has something to offer you.
Right, then, let’s go dive into the article to discover how you can effortlessly add QB to the exclusion lists of popular antivirus programs.
Creating QuickBooks antivirus exclusions can be challenging and time-consuming. Therefore, if you need real time assistance when doing so, dial +1-(855)-955-1942 to get in touch with a QB professional.
Do This Before You Exclude QuickBooks in Antivirus Software
Before successfully creating QuickBooks antivirus exclusions, you should do the following:
- Install QuickBooks Desktop updates to ensure that you have the latest bug fixes, tools, and other technical improvements. This will allow you to exclude QB in your antivirus software without facing various issues.
- Download & install Windows updates on your computer. This will ensure that you can utilize the latest Windows features, tools, and other general improvements when using QB Desktop.
- Exempt QuickBooks through Windows Firewall to ensure that you encounter no restrictions when running the software.
To make sure that the antivirus software permits QB Desktop to function seamlessly on your system, you need to grant exemption to different QB files through it. Let’s jump to the following section to examine that.
Exclude These QB Desktop Files in Your Antivirus Software
Here’s the table that lists various QB Desktop executable files that you need to exclude in antivirus software. Ensure that you properly create & save antivirus exclusions for all the files listed here.
QuickBooks Desktop Executable File | Relevant File Path |
FileManagement.exe | C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks YEAR |
AutoBackupExe.exe | C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks YEAR |
QuickBooksMessaging.exe | C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks YEAR |
IntuitSyncManager.exe | C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\Sync |
QBW32.exe | C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks YEAR |
QBServerUtilityMgr.exe | C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\QuickBooks |
QBLaunch.exe | C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\QuickBooks |
FileMovement.exe | C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks YEAR |
DBManagerExe.exe | C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks YEAR |
QBUpdate.exe | C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\QuickBooks\QBUpdate |
Dbmlsync.exe | C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks YEAR |
QBCFMonitorService.exe | C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\QuickBooks |
OnlineBackup.exe | C:\Program Files\ QuickBooks Online Backup |
Let’s move to the next section to explore how you can create exclusions for all these QB files in various antivirus software on the system.
Follow These Steps to Create QuickBooks Antivirus Exclusions
Below are the points that describe different steps to create QuickBooks antivirus exclusions. Ensure that you implement the steps described for each antivirus app in the exact order.
1. Create Norton Antivirus Exclusion
Norton Antivirus can easily block QB Desktop from running, thereby preventing you from carrying out crucial tasks related to business projects. Here’s how you can set exclusions for QB files in Norton:
- Access the Norton application window and move to Device Security.
- Click Open and choose the Settings option. After that, jump to the Settings window to tap the Antivirus option.
- At this point, move to the Scans and Risks tab and jump to the Exclusions/Low Risks section on the window.

- At this stage, select Configure next to these options: Items to Exclude from Scans, Items to Exclude from Auto-Protect, Script Control, Behavioral Protection, and Download Intelligence Detection.
- In the window that opens, choose Add Folders or Add Files.
- Click Add Item and then select Browse. Next, choose the QB program file.
- Click OK and repeat these steps for each additional QB file.
Now, you can open QuickBooks and start working on your tasks without experiencing any interference from Norton.
2. QuickBooks Exclusions in Surfshark Antivirus
Surfshark antivirus software can restrict QB Desktop from running after improperly identifying its files as a security threat. To resolve this problem, you should create exclusions for QB executable files in Surfshark. Here’s how to do so:
- Launch the Surfshark app and navigate to the Antivirus tab.

- Choose Exclusion List and tap Add Files.


- At this point, select QuickBooks from the list of applications and click Open.

- Once you have added QB to the exclusion list, reboot your computer.
Finally, you can run QB Desktop without facing any interruptions from Surfshark.
3. Malwarebytes Antivirus Exclusions For QB Desktop
You can add QB Desktop to the exclusion list of Malwarebytes Antivirus. This will ensure that you can connect QB to the Internet easily & effectively. Here’s what you should do:
- Launch Malwarebytes and navigate to the Detection History card.

- Choose Allow List and tap Add. After that, choose the Allow an application to connect to the Internet option.
- To locate the QB application, click Browse.
- Choose the QB executable file that you want to add, then click Open.
- Click Done to save your changes.
Now, you can easily open QuickBooks and connect to the Internet for various tasks.
4. QB Exclusions For ESET Antivirus Software
ESET antivirus software can block QB from running after incorrectly perceiving its files as a security challenge. To fix this issue, you have to create QB exclusions for ESET antivirus. Here’s how to do so:
- Open your ESET security product and press F5 to launch the Advanced Setup window.

- Go to the Detection Engine menu and select Exclusions. Then, click Edit next to the Performance Exclusions option.

- Click Add and use the Browse option to locate the QB program file.

- Select Open and click OK to add the QB program file to the exclusion list.
- Repeat these steps for each QB executable file.
You can run QB Desktop without encountering any interference from ESET antivirus software.
5. Create QB Exclusions in Windows Defender
Windows Defender, an antivirus product offered by Microsoft, can prevent QB from operating on the computer. Here’s how you can exclude QB files through it:
- Click Start and go to Settings. Then, select Update & Security and choose Windows Security.

- Next, click Virus & Threat Protection and select Manage Settings.
- Under Exclusions, click Add or Remove Exclusions. Then, choose Add an Exclusion and select the QB program file.
- Click OK and repeat the steps for each remaining QB file.
Now, you can easily utilize QB without facing any restrictions by Windows Defender.
6. McAfee Antivirus Exceptions For QuickBooks
McAfee antivirus software can obstruct QB from functioning on the computer after incorrectly detecting its files as a security issue. You need to exempt QB files through it to resolve this problem. Here’s what you must do:
- Open your McAfee app and navigate to the My Protection tab.
- Go to Device and select Real-time Scanning.

- Click Excluded Files and then choose Add File.
- Browse for the QB Desktop program file to fully exempt it.
- Repeat these steps for each remaining QuickBooks executable file.
Now, you should reopen QB Desktop and start working on various projects without facing any interference from McAfee.
7. Create QB Desktop File Exceptions in Trend Micro
Trend Micro antivirus software can easily prevent QB from functioning, and as a result, you won’t be able to finish any project that requires connecting to the Internet. Once you add QB to the exclusion list of this antivirus product, you can easily finish all your tasks. Here’s what you need to do:
- Open your Trend Micro app and go to Settings.

- Select Exception Lists and choose the Programs/Folders option.
- Click the Add button and use the Browse option to locate the QB program file.
- Click Open, then select OK. Finally, click Apply and confirm by selecting OK again.
Finally, you can start running QB for various tasks without experiencing any challenges from Trend Micro.
8. QB Exclusions For Webroot SecureAnywhere
Adding QB Desktop to the exclusion list of Webroot SecureAnywhere is necessary to ensure that you can successfully carry out your accounting & bookkeeping tasks. Here’s what you should do:
- Start by opening the Webroot SecureAnywhere application window and selecting PC Security.

- Click Block/Allow Files and choose the Add File button.
- Browse for the QB program file and select it, then choose the Block radio button.

- Repeat these steps for each QB executable file.
Finally, you can utilize QB for different tasks easily & effectively.
9. Exempt QB Desktop in Sophos Antivirus Software
Sophos antivirus software can obstruct QB from operating after improperly categorizing its files as a security issue. You should fix this problem by creating exclusions for QB files in Sophos software. Here’s what you should do:
- Start by accessing the Sophos Home Dashboard and signing into your account.
- Select the system where you want to set up exemptions, then go to the PROTECTION menu.

- Click General and navigate to the Exceptions section.
- Enter the file path for the QB program file and click OK.
- Repeat these steps for each QB executable file.
Now, you should open QB Desktop and seamlessly finish your projects.
10. QuickBooks Exclusions in Bitdefender Antivirus
Bitdefender antivirus software can block QB from running on your computer. You need to add QB files to the exclusion list of this antivirus software to ensure that you can finish your tasks easily & effectively. Here’s what you need to do:
- Start by opening the Bitdefender app and selecting the Protection menu

- Go to the Antivirus section and click Open, then choose Settings and select Manage Exceptions.

- Click the Add an Exception button and enter the path of the QB program file.


- Turn on the switch next to Antivirus and click Save to exclude the selected file.

- Repeat these steps for each QB executable file.
Finally, you can easily run QuickBooks Desktop without any interference from Bitdefender antivirus software.
Tips to Help You Create Antivirus Exclusions for QB Programs
Here are some useful tips to help you when setting up antivirus exclusions for QB Desktop:
- Exclude Key Executable Files: Add the main QuickBooks executable files (.exe) to the exclusion section & ensure the smooth performance of the application.
- Install QB Updates: Always use an updated QB application to ensure that you have the latest tools & bug fixes.
- Exempt QB in Windows Firewall: Make sure that Windows Firewall does not block QB, and you can smoothly set up antivirus exceptions.
- Download Windows Updates: Use the latest Windows version to ensure compatibility with QB & antivirus software.
- Double-Check File Paths: Make sure the file paths are accurate to avoid missing any important exclusions.
- Update Antivirus Settings Regularly: Recheck exclusions after antivirus updates, as settings may reset or change.
Winding Up
In this comprehensive guide, we showed you how you can effortlessly create QuickBooks antivirus exclusions. Hopefully, you can now run QB Desktop on your computer without experiencing any interference from the antivirus or security application. If, however, you continue to face difficulties or have a query, you can contact a QB expert for immediate guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The antivirus software is tasked with detecting & blocking all files & folders that can pose a challenge to the system security. Once the antivirus app mistakenly detects QB files as a security threat, it can prevent them from executing. Consequently, you won’t be able to run QuickBooks for your tasks.
The steps to create QuickBooks antivirus exclusions are different for each antivirus program. You should follow the steps that are relevant to the antivirus app installed on your computer when creating exclusions for QB executable files.
No, there won’t be any adverse impact on your computer’s security if you only exclude QB executable files in antivirus software. Ensure that you don’t exclude any other files or folders.