Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →If Kaspersky blocks a program, first determine whether it prevents the program from starting or accessing a resource, or whether the program opens but cannot connect to the internet. The first problem points to Application Control or an application rule; the second points to Firewall. Check the alert and the affected program’s rules before changing anything, and verify the exact Kaspersky product and version because menus and features differ.
Identify what Kaspersky is blocking
Note the full alert text and what happens when you use the program. Does it fail to launch, fail to access a file or another computer resource, or open normally but fail to connect online? These symptoms can involve different controls, so an internet-scanning exclusion is not a universal fix.
Check the affected executable in Kaspersky’s application rules, history, or reports if those are available in your product. Kaspersky’s Windows help describes application history as recording actions such as program starts and trust-group assignments. See Kaspersky’s application rules and group rules documentation.
If the program will not start or cannot access a resource
Inspect Application Control, the program’s trust group, and its application rules. These controls can restrict what an application is allowed to do on the computer. The exact labels and paths depend on the Kaspersky product and version installed; the Kaspersky Internet Security 21.2 guide to controlling application activity describes that product’s controls.
#1 Best Overall
- ONGOING PROTECTION Download instantly & install protection for 3 PCs, Macs, iOS or Android devices in minutes!
- TOP-PERFORMING VPN Faster speeds, more server locations, and greater connection control to protect your privacy across all your devices, including Smart TVs.
- ADVANCED SCAM PROTECTION Help spot hidden scams online. With the built-in Genie AI assistant, you’ll never wonder if a message or email is suspicious again.
- REAL-TIME PROTECTION Advanced security protects against existing and emerging malware threats, including ransomware and viruses, and it won’t slow down your device performance.
- DARK WEB MONITORING Identity thieves can buy or sell your information on websites and forums. We search the dark web and notify you should your information be found.
Check whether a parent process passed on restrictions
A program can inherit restrictions from the process that launched it. For example, if a command process has a rule denying network activity, a child program launched from it may be affected too. When the blocked program was opened from another application, check the parent process and its rules as well as the child program’s own trust group.
If the program opens but cannot connect to the internet
Check the program’s Firewall rule and its network permissions. If your product exposes them, review the connection direction and port involved. Kaspersky’s Internet Security 21.2 documentation assigns application network activity to Firewall; the application activity guide explains the distinction.
Rank #2
- THREAT DETECTION – Stay one step ahead. Suspicious links, risky sites, viruses, and scams, caught automatically before they reach you.
- PERSONAL INFO PROTECTION – Keep your personal info safer. Identity monitoring watches for your exposed info and tells you what to do about it.
- SECURE CONNECTIONS – Just a few easy clicks, and we'll automatically protect your info on public Wi‑Fi, every time you connect.
- GUIDED ACTION – Know what matters and what to do next. Clear alerts and simple guidance make it easy to take action.
- MORE THAN ANTIVIRUS – Scam protection, identity monitoring, VPN, web protection, and antivirus work together to protect you, all in one place.
Do not assume that adding a scan exclusion will allow a connection. Kaspersky’s Windows help says that its “Do not scan all traffic” and encrypted-traffic exclusions do not affect Firewall operation. A scanning exclusion and a firewall permission control different things.
Only trust or exclude an app after verifying it
Before allowing an application, confirm that the executable is the exact file being blocked and that it came from the software publisher or another source you trust. A trusted-app entry is a security decision, not just a way to dismiss an alert: Kaspersky’s Anti-Ransomware Tool for Home documentation says an application added to its Trusted apps list is trusted and will not be blocked by that tool.
Rank #3
- NEVER WORRY about losing important files and photos again! With 25GB of secure online storage, you know your files are safe and sound.
- KEEP YOUR COMPUTER RUNNING FAST with our system optimizer. By removing unnecessary files, it works like a PC tune-up, so you can keep working smoothly.
- Our PASSWORD MANAGER by Last Pass creates, encrypts, and saves all your passwords, so you only have to remember one.
- As the #1 TRUSTED PROVIDER OF THREAT INTELLIGENCE, Webroot protection is quick and easy to download, install, and run, so you don’t have to wait around to be fully protected.
- STAY PROTECTED EVERYWHERE you go, at home, in a café, at the airport—everywhere—on ALL YOUR DEVICES with cloud-based protection against viruses and other online threats.
That instruction applies specifically to Anti-Ransomware Tool for Home 5.0, whose exclusions page was last reviewed April 21, 2022. Follow documentation for your installed product rather than copying a menu path from a different Kaspersky application. See Kaspersky’s Anti-Ransomware Tool for Home exclusions instructions.
If this is a work or school computer
Contact your IT administrator instead of trying to bypass the block. Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Windows can use centrally managed Application Control policies, including allowlist and denylist modes. Its documentation directs users who believe a block is mistaken to request administrator review. See Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Windows 12.4 Application Control.
Rank #4
- THREAT DETECTION – Stay one step ahead. Suspicious links, risky sites, viruses, and scams, caught automatically before they reach you.
- PERSONAL INFO PROTECTION – Keep your personal info safer. Identity monitoring watches for your exposed info and tells you what to do about it.
- SECURE CONNECTIONS – Just a few clicks, and your info stays protected on public Wi-Fi every time you connect.
- PERSONAL DATA SCANS – Take your info off the market. We’ll find your personal information on sites selling it, then guide you on how to remove it.
- SOCIAL PRIVACY MANAGER – Decide what you share. McAfee finds the privacy settings buried in your social accounts and fixes them.
When the cause is still unclear
Keep the alert details, the program’s name and file location, and what you were doing when the block occurred. Share them with Kaspersky support or the device administrator if the rules and reports do not identify the controlling feature. Avoid turning off protection wholesale: that removes safeguards without showing which rule caused the problem.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check instructions against your Kaspersky version
Application Control, Firewall, and available settings vary across Kaspersky products and versions. For example, Kaspersky Internet Security documentation says Trusted Applications mode was no longer included starting with Kaspersky Internet Security 2021. If an online guide tells you to enable that mode, confirm it applies to your installed edition and version before following it. See Kaspersky Internet Security 21.2’s application activity documentation.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- SPEED-OPTIMIZED PROTECTION FOR WINDOWS: World-class antivirus security and cyber protection for Windows PCs (Windows 7 with Service Pack 1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows 11), Organize and keep your digital life safe from hackers
- ESSENTIAL THREAT DEFENSE: Your software is always up-to-date to defend against the latest attacks, and includes: complete real-time data protection, multi-layer malware, ransomware, cryptomining, phishing, fraud, and spam protection, and more.
- SUPERIOR PRIVACY PROTECTION: Your privacy is our priority. Bitdefender keeps you safe with: a dedicated safe online banking browser, anti-tracker, file shredder, social network protection, wi-fi security advisor, and more
- TOP-TIER PERFORMANCE: Bitdefender technology provides near-zero impact on your computer’s hardware, including: Autopilot security advisor, auto-adaptive performance technology, game/movie/work modes, OneClick Optimizer, battery mode, and more
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

