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How Can I Create QuickBooks Antivirus Exclusions: A Guide

  • jamesaultman812Hy8n
  • Dec 12, 2025
  • 5 min read

While launching QBDT for various tasks, you might experience an inability to connect to the internet. In that case, the antivirus software is installed on your device, which might be responsible for restricting the QB executable files from launching. 


quickbooks-antivirus-exclusions
QuickBooks Antivirus Exclusions

This program might interrupt you from QB in multi-user mode. To resolve this issue, you first need to create QB antivirus exclusions on your system. 


Remove These QBDT Files from Your Antivirus Software

Go through the Below is the list of various QBDT executable files that you need to exclude from the antivirus software. Make sure you correctly generate and save the antivirus exclusions for all the files mentioned below: 

QBDT Executable File

Applicable File Path

QuickBooksMessaging.exe

C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks YEAR

IntuitSyncManager.exe

C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\Sync

QBServerUtilityMgr.exe

C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\QuickBooks

QBUpdate.exe

C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\QuickBooks\QBUpdate

QBCFMonitorService.exe

C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\QuickBooks

OnlineBackup.exe

C:\Program Files\ QuickBooks Online Backup

FileManagement.exe

C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks YEAR

QBLaunch.exe

C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\QuickBooks

Dbmlsync.exe

C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks YEAR

Now move to the next segment, which is about how to create the QuickBooks antivirus exclusions on your system. 


Steps to Create QuickBooks Antivirus Exclusions

In this segment, we have discussed the various steps to create the QuickBooks antivirus exclusion. 


Step 1: Generate Norton Antivirus Exclusion 

  • Open the Norton app window > Device Security 

  • Hit on the Open and select the Settings option. After that, move to the Settings window and click the Antivirus option

  • Then move to the Scans and Risks tab > Exclusions/Low Risks segment on the window

  • At this point, you need to choose Configure next to these options: Few Items to Exclude from Scans, Items to Exclude from Auto-Protect, Script Control, Behavioral Protection, and Download Intelligence Detection

  • Open Windows, you need to select Add folders / Add files

  • Pick Add item > Browse > pick the QB program file

  • Select Ok and do the step again for each additional QB file


Step 2: ESET antivirus software

  • Access your ESET security product > click F5 to run the Advanced setup window

  • Move to Detection Engine > Exclusions > Edit next to the Perform Exclusion option 

  • Hit Add and use the Browse to find the QB program file

  • Choose Open > OK to add the program file to the exclusion list

  • Now repeat these steps for each QB executable file


Step 3: McAfee antivirus exceptions

  • Access your McAfee app > go to the My Protection tab

  • Move to Device > Real-time scanning

  • Hit the Excluded Files option > select Add File

  • Look for the QB Desktop program file to exempt it completely

  • Follow these steps again for each remaining QuickBooks executable file


Conclusion

In this blog, we have discussed the procedure of effortlessly creating QB antivirus exclusions. Now you can easily run the application on your system. However, if you are stuck at a certain point of working through this, you can directly dial +1(855)-738–0359 to connect with our team to resolve these queries 24/7. 


Note:- QuickBooks Error H202 appears when the software cannot communicate with the server, disrupting multi-user access and slowing critical accounting operations.


QuickBooks Antivirus Exclusions FAQ

What are QuickBooks antivirus exclusions?

  • QuickBooks antivirus exclusions are specific settings in your antivirus program that allow QuickBooks files, folders, and processes to operate without interference. These exclusions prevent antivirus programs from mistakenly blocking or scanning essential QuickBooks components, ensuring smooth operation, uninterrupted updates, and seamless access to company files.

Why is it important to set antivirus exclusions for QuickBooks?

  • Without proper antivirus exclusions, QuickBooks may encounter performance issues, errors, or crashes while opening company files, performing updates, or printing reports. Exclusions help maintain system stability, protect data integrity, and ensure QuickBooks operations are not disrupted by real-time scans or firewall restrictions.

Which QuickBooks files should be added to antivirus exclusions?

  • Essential files include company files, program files, backup files, and temporary folders used by QuickBooks. Common locations include the QuickBooks installation folder, the folder containing company files, and the directory where backup and temporary files are stored. Excluding these ensures smooth functionality without interference.

How do antivirus exclusions affect QuickBooks updates?

  • Antivirus software can block QuickBooks updates or prevent them from downloading fully. By adding exclusions for update files and update folders, QuickBooks can connect to its servers, download updates without interruption, and apply them correctly, preventing errors related to incomplete or blocked updates.

Can antivirus exclusions improve QuickBooks performance?

  • Yes, antivirus exclusions prevent real-time scanning from slowing down QuickBooks processes. When essential QuickBooks files are excluded, the software runs faster, opening company files, generating reports, and processing payroll without delays caused by constant security checks.

Do all antivirus programs require the same exclusions for QuickBooks?

  • While most antivirus programs require similar exclusions, specific steps may vary depending on the software. The core principle is to exclude QuickBooks folders, executable files, and temporary directories. Users should consult their antivirus settings and ensure that these essential components are safely excluded.

What happens if I don’t set antivirus exclusions for QuickBooks?

  • Failure to set exclusions can lead to errors such as blocked updates, slow performance, printing issues, or corrupted files. Real-time scans may interfere with QuickBooks operations, leading to data access delays or unexpected crashes that disrupt normal accounting activities.

How can I verify that my antivirus is not blocking QuickBooks?

  • Users can check for blocked processes, error messages, or unusually slow performance during operations. Ensuring QuickBooks can open company files, download updates, and complete tasks without interference usually confirms that antivirus exclusions are properly configured.

Are antivirus exclusions safe for system security?

  • Yes, when set correctly, exclusions allow QuickBooks components to operate without affecting overall system security. Only specific QuickBooks files and folders are exempt from scanning, while the rest of the system remains fully protected from viruses and malware.

Can setting antivirus exclusions prevent QuickBooks errors?

  • Absolutely. Many common QuickBooks errors, such as issues with opening files, network errors, update failures, or printing problems, occur because antivirus programs block critical files. Proper exclusions reduce the risk of these errors and improve overall software reliability.

How often should antivirus exclusions be reviewed for QuickBooks?

  • It’s recommended to review exclusions whenever QuickBooks is updated or when antivirus software is upgraded. New updates may add files or folders that need to be excluded, ensuring continuous protection and uninterrupted QuickBooks performance.

Is technical support required to set antivirus exclusions for QuickBooks?

  • Most users can set exclusions using antivirus settings, but consulting technical support is helpful if the antivirus interface is complex. Following the correct steps ensures all critical QuickBooks files are excluded safely without compromising system security.


Read about:- Windows Firewall connection sharing not allowed prevents QuickBooks from accessing network resources, causing errors and blocking seamless multi-user collaboration.

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