[KB3258] How do I exclude files or folders from scanning in ESET Cyber Security Pro or ESET Cyber Security?

Issue

File-level scanning of some email servers, backup software, gaming applications, etc. is causing abnormal system behavior
Exclude specific files, folders, drives or devices from Real-time file-system protection and all scan activity (Startup scan, On-access scan and Computer (On-demand) scan)

Solution

VIDEO: Exclude certain files or folders from Real-time scanning in ESET Cyber Security or ESET Cyber Security Pro

NOTE:

If you are excluding a removable device (iPod, iPad, etc.), it needs to be inserted and mounted before you begin.

Open ESET Cyber Security or ESET Cyber Security Pro. How do I open my ESET product?
Click Setup → Enter application preferences.

Figure 1-1
Click the image to view larger in new window

Click General (in versions 5 and earlier: click Exclusions and skip to step 5).

Figure 1-2

Click Setup.

Figure 1-3

Click Add.

Figure 1-4
Click the image to view larger in new window

Navigate to the file or folder that you want to exclude, select it from the file system tree and click OK.

Excluding an entire drive

To exclude the contents of an entire drive, the * symbol can be used as a wildcard. For example, to exclude scanning of the entire Macintosh HD drive, you would enter /* in the exclusion path field. When excluding a specific file, ensure that you use the full path beginning with the drive name.

Figure 1-5
Click the image to view larger in new window

Click OK to save your changes and return to the main program window.

Figure 1-6
Click the image to view larger in window

Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Last Updated: Aug 5, 2022