Are you tired of Norton Antivirus blocking a program you know is safe? It can be frustrating when you’re trying to use software, but your antivirus keeps throwing up roadblocks. Luckily, there’s a way to stop Norton from blocking your trusted programs. Let’s dive in and learn how to manage Norton’s overzealous security measures.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Stop Norton from Blocking a Program
Before we get into the steps, it’s important to understand that what we’re going to do is tell Norton that a particular program is safe. We’re going to adjust Norton’s settings to exclude the program from its auto-protect, SONAR, and download intelligence detections. This will stop Norton from blocking the program in the future.
Step 1: Open Norton Antivirus Software
Open your Norton Antivirus software by double-clicking on the icon on your desktop or finding it in your start menu.
Once Norton is open, you’ll be able to navigate its various settings and options. Make sure that you’re logged in with an account that has administrative privileges, as you’ll need these to make changes to the security settings.
Step 2: Go to the Settings Menu
Click on the ‘Settings’ menu, usually located at the top of the Norton window.
In the settings menu, you’ll find a wide range of options that control how Norton operates on your computer. This is where you can tell Norton to take a chill pill with specific programs.
Step 3: Navigate to the Exclusions/Low Risks Section
Look for the ‘Antivirus’ section under settings, then find the ‘Scans and Risks’ tab. Under this tab, you’ll see an option for ‘Exclusions / Low Risks.’
The Exclusions/Low Risks section is where you can specify certain files or folders that you don’t want Norton to mess with. It’s like telling Norton, "Hey, I got this, leave my stuff alone."
Step 4: Add the Program to the Exclusions List
Once in the Exclusions/Low Risks section, you’ll have the option to add items to the ‘Items to Exclude from Auto-Protect, SONAR, and Download Intelligence Detection’ list. Click on the ‘Configure’ button.
Here’s where you’ll add the program that Norton has been blocking. You can choose to exclude a file or folder, depending on what the program requires to run properly.
Step 5: Browse and Select the Program
A window will pop up, allowing you to browse your computer for the program you want to exclude. Once you’ve found it, select it, and press ‘OK.’
Make sure you select the main executable file for the program, usually ending in .exe, to ensure that Norton recognizes it as the file to exclude.
Step 6: Apply the Changes and Close Norton
After adding the program to the exclusions list, click ‘Apply’ to save the changes, then ‘OK’ to close out of the settings menu. Close Norton completely.
By applying the changes, you’re telling Norton that it’s okay to let this program run on your computer. Remember, it’s essential to only do this for programs you trust completely.
After you’ve completed these steps, Norton will stop blocking the program you’ve excluded. You should now be able to use the program without any interference from your antivirus software.
Tips on How to Stop Norton from Blocking a Program
- Always make sure the program you’re excluding is entirely safe and free from any malware.
- Keep your Norton Antivirus updated to ensure it functions correctly.
- Regularly review your exclusions list to ensure that all programs are still trusted.
- If you’re unsure about a program, do some research or ask a tech-savvy friend before excluding it.
- Remember that excluding a program can leave your computer more vulnerable, so use this feature wisely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Norton block programs?
Norton blocks programs that it deems potentially harmful to protect your computer from viruses and malware. It’s an automatic safety measure, but sometimes it’s a little too protective.
Can I exclude a program temporarily?
Yes, you can exclude a program temporarily by adding it to the exclusions list and then removing it when you’re done using the program.
Will excluding a program affect Norton’s overall performance?
No, excluding a program from Norton’s detection will not affect the overall performance of Norton Antivirus. It will still protect your computer from other threats.
Is it safe to exclude programs from Norton’s detection?
It’s safe to exclude programs from Norton’s detection as long as you are absolutely sure that the program is safe and does not contain any malware.
Can I exclude multiple programs at once?
Yes, you can exclude multiple programs at once by adding them to the exclusions list in Norton’s settings.
Summary
- Open Norton Antivirus Software
- Go to the Settings Menu
- Navigate to the Exclusions/Low Risks Section
- Add the Program to the Exclusions List
- Browse and Select the Program
- Apply the Changes and Close Norton
Conclusion
Dealing with antivirus software can be a hassle, but it’s a necessary evil to keep our digital lives safe and secure. Norton, like any good guard dog, can sometimes be a bit too eager to protect us, even from programs we trust. But now you know how to teach Norton to play nice with your favorite software. By following the steps outlined above and using our handy tips, you can ensure that Norton stops blocking the program you need without compromising your computer’s security. Always remember to proceed with caution and make sure the programs you exclude from Norton’s watchful eye are entirely safe. After all, the safety of your digital world is in your hands. Happy computing!
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
You can read his full bio here.