Do you find your Avast blocking wireless printer and you’re not sure how to resolve it?
Are you looking for a tutorial that will completely and comprehensively resolve this problem?
If so, then you are on the right page!
In this guide, we’ll be going over the complete list of things that can cause the blocking of the wireless printer, as well as the complete process of how you can get rid of it or fix it.
To fix Avast antivirus blocking your printer, open Avast, and then go to Protection. From there, choose Firewall > Application Settings. Create a new Firewall rule or inclusion, and then add your wireless printer to that. To finalize, restart your printer, and then re-pair it to your laptop/computer.
Before we get to that even further, do you know why Avast keeps on blocking your wireless printer?
Why is the Avast Firewall Blocking Wireless Printer?
These antivirus and anti-malware programs are designed to block off anything that would seem unusual – and yes, including wireless printers and other devices.
Since their main purpose is to protect the device they’re installed on, you can expect that they’ll block outside or external devices trying to connect to your laptop/computer.
What we mean by this simply is that wireless printers aren’t the only devices that Avast blocks. Primarily, it will restrict websites and webpages, those that contain malicious content.
But it also blocks out certain devices, some of which include:
- Cameras
- Earphones, headphones, speakers, and microphones (audio devices)
- Unsafe and unchecked apps, programs, and webpages
- Other Bluetooth-enabled devices
How to Fix Avast Blocking Wireless Printer? [Complete Steps]
Regardless of the brand of your wireless printer and the operating system you’re using for your computer, here are the steps on how you can free your wireless printer from being blocked out by the Avast antivirus system.
Let us learn the steps:
Step #1: Launch the Avast Antivirus Program
The first step is to launch and open the Avast antivirus program on your computer. Launch the app/program independently, not just via the taskbar.
Once open, wait for it to finish running initial scans, and then proceed to the next step, which is…
Step #2: Navigate to Firewall
After launching the antivirus program, its user interface (UI) will pop up.
By default, the app would launch automatically under the Scan tab, you just have to go to Protection.
On the left side, you’ll see Status, Protection, Privacy, and Performance. From here, you have to select Protection > Firewall.
Scan and check the image below for reference.
Go to the 2nd tab (Protection), and access Firewall.
Step #3: Create a New Firewall Rule
Under Firewall, you’ll see all the different devices that have been previously connected to the network, and to create a new rule.
Follow these steps:
- Click the gear icon (cog) on the right-hand-side of the UI.
- In the list, choose Firewall > View Firewall Rules.
- Then, go to the Network Rules tab, and select More > Add New Rule.
- Fill out all the information such as the Name, Action, Protocol, etc.
- Hit on Save to apply all these changes.
Here are a few images to help you visualize the Firewall rule creation process.
The gear or cog icon on the right is the Settings, click on it to open the page below.
Then, click View Firewall Rules and it will open this page:
Select Network Rules and on the right side, you’ll see More. Select Add New Rule.
Step 3.3: Add the Wireless Printer’s IP Address
After creating a new Firewall Rule, add the IP address of your wireless printer to the Avast system.
To do this, go to Firewall Settings > Expert Settings > Friends, and then add the printer’s IP address.
How to Find a Wireless Printer’s IP Address?
Finding it is easy. As a matter of fact, there are various ways you can find your printer’s IP address.
One method would be to check the printer’s display and navigate to Settings and then trace the printer’s IP.
If you’ve previously connected your printer to your computer, you can look for the IP address under Devices.
Go to your computer’s Settings/Control Panel > Devices > Printers & Scanners.
Then, select the printer you want to find the IP address of. After that, select Manage > Printer Properties; you should be able to find the IP address in the General Tab > Location.
Step #4: Apply and Save the Changes
Then last, but most definitely not least is to apply and save the changes you’ve made (new Firewall rule).
Exiting or closing it before you save it will result in failure to create the new Firewall rule.
QUICK NOTE: Do not forget to click on Save before exiting the window.
Step #5: Restart Your Computer/Device
Of course, to finalize and top it all off, lock the changes in by restarting or rebooting your computer.
No need to complicate things, do it like how you would normally shut or turn it off. Wait it out for about three (3) minutes, and then turn your computer back on.
When you’ve done and completed this 5-step process, you should now be able to use your wireless printer even with Avast turned on.
Avast’s prompt should not be about restricting or blocking the printer. It should just be a reminder that an external device is about to connect with your computer.
Still, Avast Blocking My Wireless Printer, What Should I Do?
If in case your Avast antivirus program is still blocking your printer even after you did all the steps we mentioned above, the next best two (2) things to do is –
Locally Using the Printer
Another option is to use the printer locally or wired. To do this, you simply need to connect your printer to your computer via a USB cable, then turn it on.
On your computer, go to Settings > Devices > Printer or Scanner. Your computer should detect the scanner or printer you are connected to, and from there, you can start using it.
Disabling the Antivirus Program
Although seen as an unprofessional and temporary solution, it can get the job done immediately.
You can proceed to disable your Avast antivirus software temporarily by right-clicking the Avast icon on your taskbar and selecting Avast Shields Control. Choose the time you want your program to be disabled.
Confirm and verify that you disabled it and restart your laptop/computer.
To get rid of the Avast software blocking your wireless printer, launch the software, and then proceed to Firewall. Create a new Firewall rule by adding the printer’s IP address, save the changes, and then restart your device. If this fails, you can either use the printer locally or temporarily disable Avast.
Read Next: Why Does Google Wifi Keeps Dropping Connection?
Conclusion
With this tutorial, you’ll no longer worry about your Avast blocking wireless printer! You can have it fixed in a jiffy without an expert or a professional!
Keep this guide handy because it’s useful for a wide range of devices – not just for printers!
The next time you feel like your antivirus software is restricting any of your devices, go back to this guide and resolve it on your own!
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.