How to Set Up QuickBooks Antivirus Exclusions for Seamless Accounting

Jhon Martin
3 days ago
4 min read

QuickBooks Desktop is a widely used accounting software that helps manage financial operations efficiently. However, sometimes antivirus software can interfere with QuickBooks operations by mistakenly blocking essential QuickBooks files or processes. This interference can cause issues such as program crashes, connectivity problems in multi-user mode, or errors accessing company files. To prevent these disruptions and ensure seamless accounting, it is important to configure antivirus exclusions specifically for QuickBooks. This guide provides detailed steps and best practices for setting up QuickBooks antivirus exclusions across various popular antivirus programs.

Why Set Up Antivirus Exclusions for QuickBooks?

Antivirus programs are designed to protect your system by scanning files and blocking potentially harmful processes. However, QuickBooks uses multiple executable files and data files that antivirus software might falsely identify as threats. If these files are scanned or blocked, QuickBooks can experience:

Program crashes and unexpected closures
Multi-user mode connectivity errors
Inability to access company files or the internet
Slow performance or freezing

By adding QuickBooks files and folders to the antivirus exclusion list, you allow the antivirus to skip scanning these trusted files, thereby eliminating conflicts and enhancing QuickBooks’ reliability.

Key QuickBooks Files and Folders to Exclude

Before adding exclusions, it's important to identify critical QuickBooks files and folders that need exemption:

QuickBooks program installation folder (Default path):C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks
QuickBooks Database Server Manager folder (Default path):C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooksDBXX (XX is the version year)
Company file extensions to exclude:.QBW (QuickBooks company file).QBA, .QBB (Backup files).ND (Network descriptor files).TLG (Transaction log files)
Additional important executables:QBDBMgr.exe, QBW32.exe, QBGDSPlugin.exe, etc.

These files and folders host the core QuickBooks operations and data, so excluding them from antivirus scans is essential to prevent interruptions.

Preparations Before Configuring Exclusions

To ensure the smoothest experience when setting up antivirus exclusions, make sure to:

Install the latest QuickBooks Desktop updates. This helps fix bugs and improves compatibility.
Update your Windows operating system with the latest patches and security fixes.
Allow QuickBooks through Windows Firewall to ensure network connections for multi-user mode are not blocked.

Step-by-Step Guide to Create Antivirus Exclusions for QuickBooks

Because every antivirus software differs slightly, below are detailed exclusion setup instructions for some of the most common antivirus programs.

1. Windows Defender Exclusions

Windows Defender is the default Windows antivirus and often blocks QuickBooks if exclusions are not set properly.

Click Start and open Settings.
Go to Update & Security > Windows Security.
Select Virus & Threat Protection, then click Manage Settings.
Scroll to Exclusions and click Add or Remove Exclusions.
Click Add an Exclusion, then select Folder or File and browse to add the QuickBooks installation folder and key files.
Repeat for each crucial folder and file.

Once done, Windows Defender will exclude QuickBooks from scans, preventing blocking or slowing down the software.

2. Norton Antivirus Exclusions

Norton Antivirus requires adding the QB files to multiple exclusion lists:

Open Norton and navigate to Device Security > Settings.
Select Antivirus then the Scans and Risks tab.
Under Exclusions/Low Risks, click Configure.
Add QuickBooks files/folders under all relevant exclusion categories:
- Items to Exclude from Scans
- Items to Exclude from Auto-Protect
- Script Control, Behavioral Protection, Download Intelligence Detection
Click Add Item, then browse and select the QuickBooks executable and data files.
Click OK after each addition.

Restart QuickBooks to ensure smooth operation without Norton interruptions.

Learn More:- QuickBooks Desktop to Online

3. McAfee Antivirus Exclusions

To exclude QuickBooks in McAfee:

Launch McAfee and go to My Protection > Device.
Select Real-Time Scanning.
Click Excluded Files > Add File.
Browse and add QuickBooks program files and related executables.
Repeat for each required file.

These exclusions prevent real-time scanning interfering with QuickBooks tasks.

4. Avast Antivirus Exclusions

To add QuickBooks exclusions in Avast Antivirus:

Open Avast and click on Menu > Settings.
Navigate to General > Exceptions > Add Exception.
Enter the path of the QuickBooks program folder or files.
Confirm by clicking Add Exception.
Repeat for multiple executable and data files.

This will stop Avast from scanning QuickBooks and causing operational issues.

Additional Tips for Smooth QuickBooks Functionality

Run QuickBooks File Doctor (via QuickBooks Tools Hub) to detect and fix network and file-related problems.
Regularly check for antivirus and QuickBooks updates to maintain compatibility.
If working in multi-user mode, ensure all workstations have proper exclusions set to avoid network conflicts.
Backup your QuickBooks company files before making major security changes.

FAQ: QuickBooks Antivirus Exclusions

Q1: Why is my QuickBooks crashing or running slowly?

This often happens when antivirus software scans or blocks QuickBooks files. Setting antivirus exclusions prevents these interruptions and stabilizes QuickBooks operations.

Q2: Can I exclude only QuickBooks program files or do I need to exclude data files too?

Both program files and data files (like .QBW, .ND, .TLG) should be excluded for full protection since antivirus scanning of either can cause problems.

Q3: What if my antivirus software is not listed here?

The process is generally similar: find the exclusions or exceptions settings in your antivirus interface, then add QuickBooks’ key folders and files. Consult your antivirus help resources for exact steps.