How to set an exception in the Surfshark Antivirus

In this article, we explain how to set up an exception for an application in Surfshark Antivirus. To get started, you’ll need an active Surfshark One or Surfshark One+ subscription.

Surfshark Antivirus is available on Windows and macOS computers, as well as on Android devices.

Windows

If Surfshark Antivirus is flagging a specific application, you can add it to the exclusion list to allow it to run without interruptions. This is useful if an application or file is being blocked incorrectly. To add an exclusion in Surfshark Antivirus on a Windows device, follow the steps below:

1. Open the Surfshark application.
2. Click the Antivirus tab in the left-side menu:
   
   
    
3. Click the gear icon to open the Antivirus settings:
   
   
    
4. Select Exclusions list:
   
   
5. Click Add:
   
   
6. Choose the application you want to exclude, then click Open:
   
   

After adding the application to the exclusion list, restart your computer to apply the changes. Once your Windows device restarts, the application should run without interruption.

macOS

Occasionally, Surfshark Antivirus may block items that are necessary for your daily workflow. If this happens, you can add an exclusion to prevent trusted applications or files from being flagged as false positives. To set up an exclusion in Surfshark Antivirus on your macOS device, follow the steps below:

1. Open the Surfshark application.
2. Click the Antivirus tab on the left:
   
   
    
3. Click the gear icon to open the Antivirus settings:
   
   
    
4. Select Exclusions list:
   
   
    
5. Click Add:
   
   
    
6. Authenticate using your macOS password or fingerprint to allow changes:
   
   
    
7. Select the application you want to exclude, then click Open:
   
   

Once the application is added to the exclusion list, restart your macOS device to apply the changes. After restarting, the excluded item will no longer be blocked by Surfshark Antivirus.

Android

If Surfshark Antivirus is blocking a legitimate application or feature, adding it to the exclusion list can help resolve the issue. Exclusions allow trusted apps or files to run on your device without interference. To add an exclusion in Surfshark Antivirus on an Android device, follow the steps below:

1. Open the Surfshark application.
2. Tap the Products tab:
   
   
    
3. Select Antivirus:
   
   
    
4. Tap Excluded apps:
   
   
    
5. Choose the applications you want to exclude by tapping the checkbox next to each one:
   
   

After adding the exclusions, restart your device to apply the changes. Once your device restarts, the excluded applications should run without interference.