Avast Exceptions Not Working? Fix in Easy Steps

It can be extremely frustrating to find your Avast exceptions not working.

Imagine every website you visit, every activity you do, and every file you open is blocked and restricted, isn’t that a bummer?

So, in this guide, we’ll be walking you through the steps on what you can do to add exclusions or exceptions to be able to let your systems or programs function normally.

If the exceptions on your Avast software aren’t working, check if you’re running the latest version of your Avast program, then restart your system fully. After that, add the exception via the advanced exception panel inside Avast’s settings.

Before we answer why the exceptions in Avast behavior shield not working, let us first walk you through the different reasons why you’re unable to add exceptions on your Avast antivirus software.

Why Can’t I Add Exceptions to Avast?

There are multiple reasons why you’re unable to add the exceptions you want in your Avast antivirus program.

The most common of which, though, include:

• You don’t have the latest Avast version
• The Avast program running is overloaded
• The file you’re trying to add isn’t allowed

You Don’t Have the Latest Avast Version

One of the most common reasons why you notice your Avast behavior shield exceptions not working is because of an outdated Avast version.

We often think that since it’s an antivirus program, it will update itself. Although that statement is true most of the time, there are situations where it doesn’t.

An outdated Avast version won’t only restrict you from adding exceptions, it can cause quite a few problems of its own, too!

Overloaded Avast Program

It’s common knowledge that antivirus programs and software run in the background even if you don’t have it physically open.

Due to this, they could be running multiple commands and actions that we’re not aware of, causing it to slow down and malfunction.

Ineligible File to be Added to the Exceptions

Last, but most definitely not least is when the file or the program you’re trying to add to the exception isn’t eligible to be added.

This is usually due to an incompatible Avast antivirus software or an outdated one.

Some versions do not have the user interface that allows these exceptions and exclusions, and therefore, they aren’t able to add it.

Are your Avast behavior shield exceptions not working? These 3 are the most common reported issues and situations.

And in case you don’t know what to do, here’s the complete solution to this problem!

Avast Exceptions Not Working? Follow These Steps to Fix It!

Here’s the ultimate guide we were able to find online. We did deep research and were able to come up with the following steps to help you in adding exceptions and/or exclusions.

Step #1: Check If You’re on the Latest Avast Version

The first thing you want to do is to check if you’re running the latest version of your Avast antivirus software.

To do this, you simply have to follow these steps:

• Open the Avast antivirus program, and click Menu.
• From there, select About Avast or About (depending on your version).
• Then at the top, you’ll see the Program Version.

Unless you know updates or you have the specific version in mind, you would know.

Otherwise, you’ll know if you’re eligible for an update in 2 ways, via the taskbar or the Avast UI.

Regardless of what method you use, it’ll always end up inside the UI:

1. Select the Avast icon at the bottom-right part of the taskbar.
2. Then, select Update > Engine and Virus Definitions.
3. Wait for the program to finish loading and select Check For Update.
4. This will automatically update the program.

NOTE: You can also do the update by opening the Avast program by going to Menu > Settings > Update. 

Also, make sure you restart your system for the changes to take effect.

Step #2: Utilize the Component Services to Restart Avast

After you do the update, it’ll instruct you to restart or reopen the Avast antivirus application.

So, do as you’re told. Close the Avast program completely from running in the system.

How do you restart it without a restart option? Follow these steps:

1. Select the Start Menu and search for Component Services.
2. When it opens, choose Services (Local).
3. Look for the Avast Antivirus program.
4. Right-click it and select Restart.

Step #3: Restart Your System Completely

Once you’re done with that, you now have to perform a complete restart of your computer system.

To do this, simply turn your computer off for about 2 minutes, and turn it back on again.

NOTE: This is also called a power cycle, however, users regularly just select the restart option instead of turning it off. 

In this case, turning it off is better so you drain the battery out completely. Once done, relaunch the Avast antivirus software and open the UI.

Step #4: Add Single Files in the Exception/Exclusion List

The next thing to do is to try adding the exceptions manually.

Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open the Avast antivirus program UI.
2. Click Menu at the top-right part and choose Settings.
3. From there, select General > Exceptions.
4. Choose Add Exception.
5. This will open a prompt where you can add a path, folder, or URL.
6. Type in the path, folder, or URL you want to add.
7. You can also click Browse if you don’t know the exact location.
8. Click Browse and locate the file, app, or system you want to exempt or exclude.
9. Select Apply or Save and then restart your system.

Step #5: Add Advanced Exception via the Avast UI Settings

Lastly, add exceptions and exclusions via the advanced settings. This will allow multiple exclusions and exceptions, and here’s how you can do it:

1. Reopen the Avast antivirus program UI.
2. Click at the top-right part and choose Menu > Settings.
3. Then, click General > Exceptions.
4. Click Add Advanced Exception beside Add Exception.
5. Select Exception Type so you could add multiple files, websites, and commands.
6. Then, select the type of exception you want, you can choose from:

NOTE: The available options for exemptions and exclusions include: All Scans, Behavior Shield, File Shield, CyberCapture, and Hardened Mode.

Avast Exceptions Are Still Not Working, What Should I Do?

In case you’ve successfully done the process and you see that your Avast Exceptions are still not working, then perform an uninstallation and reinstallation of the Avast antivirus software.

Simply uninstall the program either via your computer’s control panel or the Avast Uninstall Utility.

Wait for the program to be removed, then restart your system. After that, reinstall the program and restart the system after reinstalling.

Thus, to make the Avast Exceptions work, check if you’re running the newest Avast version, then restart the system. Try the manual adding of exceptions as well as the advanced. If it still doesn’t work, uninstall and reinstall.

Read Next: Why Does Avast Infection Blocked Keeps Popping Up?

Final Verdict

If you ever find your Avast Exceptions not working and you’re not sure how you can fix it, we got you!

We made this guide, so you don’t need to wait for days to contact Avast’s customer support team – solve it on your own!