How to Whitelist a Game in Your Antivirus Software

For avid gamers, encountering false positives from antivirus software can be a frustrating experience. To ensure your gaming sessions are uninterrupted, you may need to whitelist certain games in your antivirus program. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to get your game whitelisted, regardless of which antivirus solution you’re using.

Why Whitelist a Game?

Whitelisting a game in your antivirus software prevents it from being mistakenly flagged as a threat. This is essential for smooth gameplay, avoiding unnecessary interruptions, and ensuring that your gaming files are not mistakenly quarantined or deleted.

General Steps to Whitelist a Game

Here's a step-by-step guide to whitelisting a game:

1. Open Your Antivirus Software

First, open the antivirus program installed on your computer. This can usually be done by clicking on the program’s icon in the system tray or by searching for it in the start menu.

2. Navigate to Settings or Preferences

Once the antivirus software is open, look for the settings or preferences menu. This is often represented by a cogwheel or located under a menu item labeled “Settings”, “Preferences”, or “Options”.

3. Locate the Whitelist/Exclusions Section

In the settings menu, locate the section dedicated to whitelisting or exclusions. This may be labeled as “Exceptions”, “Exclusions”, or “Whitelist”. The exact terminology will vary depending on the antivirus software you are using.

4. Add the Game to the Whitelist

In the whitelist/exclusions section, you should see an option to add a new item. Click on this option and browse your computer for the game’s executable file (usually ending in .exe). Select the file and confirm the addition.

5. Save Your Changes

After adding the game to the whitelist, ensure that you save your changes. This often involves clicking an “Apply” or “Save” button. Once saved, your antivirus should not interfere with the whitelisted game.

Antivirus-Specific Instructions

Different antivirus programs have slightly different steps for whitelisting. Here are instructions for a few popular antivirus solutions:

Norton

1. Open Norton and go to the “Settings” menu.
2. Select “Antivirus” and then “Scans and Risks”.
3. Under “Exclusions / Low Risks”, click “Configure” next to “Items to Exclude from Scans”.
4. Add the game’s executable file and save your changes.

McAfee

1. Open McAfee and select “My Protection”.
2. Click on “Real-Time Scanning” and then “Excluded Files”.
3. Click “Add File” and select the game’s executable file.
4. Save your changes.

AVG

1. Open AVG and navigate to “Menu” > “Settings”.
2. Go to “General” and then “Exceptions”.
3. Click “Add Exception” and select the game’s executable file.
4. Click “Add Exception” and save your changes.

Final Thoughts

Whitelisting a game in your antivirus software is a simple process that can significantly improve your gaming experience. Follow the steps outlined in this guide, and refer to your specific antivirus’s documentation if you encounter any issues.