How to Add Antivirus Exclusions to Your Antivirus Software

Antivirus software may sometimes interfere with the Private Internet Access (PIA) app. If this happens, add the relevant PIA files and folders to your antivirus software’s exclusions list.

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PIA File and Folder Exclusions by Operating System

Add Exclusions in Your Antivirus Software

PIA File and Folder Exclusions by Operating System

If your antivirus software is interfering with PIA, adding PIA's files and folders as exclusions can resolve the issue.

Depending on your antivirus software, you can either:

  • Add the top-level folder: This covers all PIA files at once and is the simplest option if your antivirus supports folder exclusions.
  • Add TAP driver subfolders: Some antivirus software may specifically flag the TAP driver. Add these subfolders if you are experiencing issues with the VPN connection itself.
  • Add individual files: If your antivirus only supports file-level exclusions, add the specific executable files listed below.

Windows

Top-level folder:

C:\Program Files\Private Internet Access

TAP driver subfolders:

C:\Program Files\Private Internet Access\tap\win10

Individual files:

C:\Program Files\Private Internet Access\pia-client.exe
C:\Program Files\Private Internet Access\pia-openvpn.exe
C:\Program Files\Private Internet Access\pia-service.exe
C:\Program Files\Private Internet Access\pia-support-tool.exe
C:\Program Files\Private Internet Access\pia-wgservice.exe
C:\Program Files\Private Internet Access\pia-unbound.exe

macOS

Top-level folder:

/Applications/Private Internet Access/
/Applications/Private Internet Access.app/Contents/MacOS/pia-wireguard-go
/Applications/Private Internet Access.app/Contents/MacOS/pia-unbound

Linux

Top-level folder:

/opt/piavpn

Individual files:

/opt/piavpn/bin/pia-wireguard-go
/opt/piavpn/bin/pia-unbound

Add Exclusions in Your Antivirus Software

Use the steps for your antivirus software below. When prompted to select a file or folder, use the relevant path from the operating system section above.

Note: The exact steps vary by antivirus software and version. If these instructions do not match your antivirus software, check your antivirus provider’s support documentation for instructions on how to add file or folder exclusions.

Microsoft Defender / Windows Security

  1. Open Windows Security.
  2. Select Virus & Threat Protection.
  3. Under Virus & Threat Protection Settings, select Manage Settings.
  4. Scroll to Exclusions.
  5. Select Add or Remove Exclusions.
  6. If prompted, select Yes.
  7. Select Add an Exclusion.
  8. Choose the exclusion type you want to add:
    • File to exclude a specific PIA file.
    • Folder to exclude the PIA installation folder.
    • Process to exclude a PIA process.
  9. Select the PIA file, folder, or process you want to exclude.
  10. Repeat these steps for each exclusion you want to add.

Avast and AVG Antivirus

  1. Open Avast Antivirus.
  2. Go to Menu > Settings.
  3. Select General > Exceptions.
  4. Select Add Exception.
  5. Read the warning, then select Next > I Understand Risks.
  6. Add an exception using one of these methods:
    • Enter the file or folder path, then select Add Exception.
    • Select Browse, select the checkbox next to the file or folder, then select OK.

Bitdefender

  1. Open Bitdefender.
  2. Go to Protection.
  3. In the Antivirus pane, select Open.
  4. Select the Settings tab.
  5. Select Manage Exceptions.
  6. Select + Add an Exception.
  7. Enter the PIA file or folder path, or select the browse icon and choose the file or folder.
  8. Turn on the switch next to Antivirus.
  9. Select Save.

Kasperski

  1. Open Kaspersky.
  2. Select the Settings icon.
  3. Go to Security Settings > Exclusions and Actions on Object Detection.
  4. Select Manage Exclusions.
  5. Select Add.
  6. Add the exclusion using one of these methods:
    • Select Browse, choose the PIA file or folder, then select Select.
    • Enter the full file or folder path in the File or Folder field.
  7. Make sure the rule status is set to Active.
  8. Select Add.

Malwarebytes

  1. Open Malwarebytes.
  2. Select the Detection History card.
  3. Select the Allow List tab.
  4. Select Add.
  5. Select Allow File or Folder.
  6. Select Select a file or Select a folder.
  7. Choose the PIA file or folder you want to exclude, then select Open.
  8. Under Exclusion Rules, choose how you want Malwarebytes to exclude the file or folder.
  9. Select Done.

ESET

  1. Open ESET.
  2. Press F5 to open Advanced Setup.
  3. Go to Scan.
  4. Next to Performance Exclusions, select Edit.
  5. Select Add.
  6. Select the three dots icon (...).
  7. Browse to the PIA file or folder you want to exclude.
  8. Select Open.
  9. Select OK > OK > OK to save the exclusion.

McAfee

  1. Open McAfee.
  2. Go to My Protection > Real-Time Scanning. If you do not see PC Security, select the settings gear, then select Real-Time Scanning.
  3. Select Excluded Files.
  4. Select Add File.
  5. Browse to and select the PIA file you want to exclude.
  6. Repeat these steps for each PIA file you want to exclude.

Norton

  1. Open Norton.
  2. In the left pane, select Security.
  3. In the Scans tile, select Open.
  4. Select the Exclusions tab.
  5. Select Add or Add Exclusion.
  6. Select the browse icon.
  7. Choose the PIA file or folder you want to exclude.
  8. Select OK.
  9. Select Add.

For macOS, the path is different: Security > Antivirus > Open > Exclusions > Add Exclusion. 

Webroot

  1. Open Webroot SecureAnywhere.
  2. Select the gear icon next to PC Security.
  3. Select the Block/Allow Files tab.
  4. Select Add File or drag and drop the file into the window.
  5. Select the PIA executable file you want to allow.
  6. In the right column, select Allow.
  7. Repeat these steps for each PIA executable file you want to allow.

For Windows, that would usually mean adding the .exe files from the PIA folder, not the full folder path.

After you add the exclusions, save your changes. Restart your device, then reinstall the PIA app to apply the changes.

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