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Fix: Antivirus is Blocking Internet or Wi-Fi Network
6 min. read
Updated onApril 3, 2024
updated onApril 3, 2024
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Key notes
Cybercrime is a real thing andantivirusis a must if you want to protect your data, privacy, and functionality on a daily basis.
Furthermore, contemporaryantivirussolutions are mostly all-in-one suits with cloud protection and firewalls, system optimization, and what not else.
However, sometimes, the aforementioned firewalls can block yourWi-Finetwork, preventing you to connect to the Internet.
My antivirus is blocking my Internet! That can be a grave problem, so we thought that it’s something worth addressing in this article.
Make sure to check out the steps below and we should be able to reach the resolution of this problem in no time.
How to unblock the Internet access blocked by the antivirus?
1. Run the Internet Connections troubleshooter
Using the dedicated troubleshooter is the first thing to do in this situation. And although it may be considered basic, it helped a lot of users fix their connection.
2. Verify the connection
Firstly, let’s eliminate other possible causes for this occurrence. There are so many various reasons why yourPC is unable to connect to the Internetor the Wi-Fi network of choice.
So, we advise you to follow the instructions below, and check for the alternative causes for this burning issue:
On the other, if you’re prompted by theantivirusitself and informed about the blocked network, subtly continue reading.
3. Check firewall exceptions
Theantivirusor antimalware solution can’t block the internet connection per se. However, with the unifying of various security solutions into one package, we got ourselves third-party firewalls.
Those firewalls may be blocking the Internet or Wi-Fi connections. Sometimes by mistake, other times because of the justified suspicion that your network isn’t safe.
In order to regulate that, you can reconnect your router, reset all equipment like we already advised, and look for changes.
If those actions are to no avail, make sure to thoroughly inspect the Firewall part of yourantimalwaresuite.
You can create exceptions to let individual programs (like browsers and e-mail clients) to communicate through the firewall.
This procedure varies, so make sure to google yourantimalwareor check the Help section in order to find out how to do it.
In addition, some users reported that large updates caused issues for variousantivirussolutions. Make sure to update it again and, hopefully, the developers will provide timely patches.
4. Reset the antivirus to default settings
If you meddled with the implemented firewall on your own or a peculiar update changed something and thus blocked the internet access, you should just reset theantivirusto its default values.
That seems like the best way to resolve the problem at hand. It’s not an unusual practice forantivirussolutions to go bonkers and, with the introduction of secondary security tools, that practice flourished.
Reset everything to default values, restart yourPCand look for changes. If you’re still unable to connect, there’s still one thing you can do.
5. Disable the antivirus or use another one
We can’t call this a solution but rather a workaround, but you might want to disable yourantivirusor go for an alternative.
Of course, there’s always an option to contact theantivirussupport and ask for help.
Maybe there’s a bug at hand with the current iteration and you pointing towards it should help developers deal with it swiftly.
If you find out that the antivirus was the problem blocking the Internet access, we strongly suggest changing your antivirus with less problematic one.
The security solution recommended below will not interfere with your system or your connection and it’s less prone to errors such as this one.
This antivirus is perfect for the modern people who use the Internet for shopping, banking, work and communication but are aware of the online risks involved.
ESET HOME Security Essential
6. Reinstall the antivirus
Finally, if none of the previous steps proved fruitful, the only solution that we can offer is the reinstallation of theantivirussolution.
Now, before you navigate to Control Panel and uninstall theantivirus, have in mind that most of the supporting applications that come with the suit are not really essential.
Meaning: Windows Firewall is quite sufficient and you don’t need a third-party firewall unless you’re a knowledgeable user who can take advantage of extra features.
So, reinstall yourantivirus, but consider installing only theantivirusthis time. That should resolve your problem and you should be able to connect to the internet just like before.
In case you’re unable to do so with the standard procedure, make sure to boot in the Safe Mode and try again.
That should do it. We hope this helped you resolve your issues with firewall or antivirus blocking the Internet.
If you’re tired of the problems caused by your present antivirus, you can also take a look at our selection of thetop antiviruses with unlimited licensesand pick one from there.
Before you go, you should know that we covered a similar problem in ourAllow Chrome to access the network in your firewall or antivirus settingsguide, so don’t miss it.
Don’t forget to share your experience with us in the comments section below. We look forward to hearing from you.
More about the topics:antivirus,internet
Aleksandar Ognjanovic
Aleksandar’s main passion is technology. With a solid writing background, he is determined to bring the bleeding edge to the common user. With a keen eye, he always spots the next big thing surrounding Microsoft and the Windows OS.
Focused on Windows errors and how to solve them, he also writes about the OS’s latest features as well as its interface.
In his free time, he likes to read, listen to music, and enjoy the nature. Hiking is one of his newly found passions.
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