Some firewall and antivirus programs can occasionally block Sync from working properly. To prevent this, you can add Sync as an exception in Avast Antivirus. The instructions below explain how to exclude Sync’s files and folders from Avast scans and shields on both Windows and macOS.
To set an exception in Avast (Windows)
Setting an exception will exclude individual files, folders, or websites from all scans and shields.
- Open Avast Antivirus and go to ☰ Menu ▸ Settings.
- Select General ▸ Exceptions, then click Add exception.
- Read through the security notice and click Next ▸ I understand risks.
- Select the File/Folder tab.
- Click the folder icon, then navigate to the specific file or folder path you want to exclude, and click OK.
- Optionally, click Advanced options to customize which protections the exception applies to.
- Click Add to confirm your exception.
To exclude files or folders from scans (macOS)
To exclude files, folders, or applications from being scanned by Avast Security:
- Open Avast Security and click ☰ Menu ▸ Preferences.
- Select the Scans tab.
- Choose the relevant scan type.
- Click Add exceptions.
- Select the file, folder, or application you want to exclude from being scanned, then click Open.
- If prompted, enter your Mac password and click OK to authorize the change.
The file path is now added to the exceptions list.
Tip: To remove an excluded item, hover your cursor over the file path in the exceptions list and click the X icon.
For additional details on managing exceptions, visit the official Avast support article on scan exclusions.