How do I whitelist a program on McAfee?

You’re trying to run a program on your computer, but McAfee® keeps blocking it—even though you know it’s safe. That’s where whitelisting comes in. By adding the program to McAfee’s trusted list (aka whitelist), you can stop the software from being flagged every time you use it. 

Asurion Experts help our millions of customers troubleshoot and personalize their devices—from antivirus settings to app permissions—so everything runs the way it should. Here’s how to whitelist a program on McAfee and keep your software running smoothly.

Why you may need to whitelist a program on McAfee

McAfee blocks programs it views as a security risk. It uses complex rules to decide whether an application presents a threat. If a program fails its test, McAfee automatically quarantines it, rendering it inaccessible. 

Specialized software and newly released programs sometimes get caught up in McAfee's antivirus and malware sweeps. So, if you use a unique program for work or personal reasons, McAfee may block it. 

Adding the program to your McAfee whitelist removes it from quarantine so you can use it again. However, before whitelisting a program McAfee blocks, make sure you're completely comfortable running it on your device. 

How to whitelist a program in McAfee

Whitelisting a program on McAfee is simple. Follow these steps to regain access to a program you need.

Open McAfee security settings

McAfee security settings appear in the My Protection tab. It's where you'll find scanning options, quarantined items, McAfee firewall, and other features. 

1. Open the McAfee app on your device.
2. Click the My Protection icon to view available options.

Add your program to the exception list

There are two places in My Protection that house blocked programs: Quarantined Items and Advanced Firewall. Check both to locate the program and restore your access to it.

1. Click Quarantined Items.
2. Locate the program on the list. Click the arrow to review information about the threat.
3. If you're satisfied the program isn't dangerous, click Restore.

Return to the My Protection window to review programs blocked by the Advanced Firewall.

1. Click Advanced Firewall.
2. Click Allow or block connections.
3. Click Blocked connections.
4. Review the list and click Restore for the desired program.

Confirm and restart for changes to take effect

After adding the programs to your McAfee whitelist, restart your device. This will save the new settings and allow you to use the programs you unblocked.

Tips for managing McAfee whitelist

McAfee gives you complete control over blocked and unblocked programs. You can always reinitiate a block if you later decide the program poses a risk. To do so, follow these steps.

1. Open the McAfee app.
2. Click the My Protection icon.
3. Click Advanced Firewall. 
4. Click Allowed connections. 
5. Click the program. Click Remove from Trusted List.

Perform a similar procedure for quarantined programs.

1. Open the McAfee app.
2. Click the My Protection icon.
3. Click Quarantined Items.
4. Click on the program. Click Remove from Trusted List.  

Common problems when whitelisting programs

Whitelisting a program allows it to run on your computer again. However, some applications may have security flaws that put your device at risk. There is a reason McAfee blocked it—so be careful about allowing programs you're unfamiliar with. Examples of highly risky apps include pirated video games or movies, programs obtained through a torrent site, and software promising to cleanse your hard drive or speed up your computer. 

McAfee offers a free dispute service for software vendors and customers to submit blocked programs. The service helps McAfee identify false positives. If your file is legitimate and doesn't pose a security risk, McAfee will whitelist it within its database. It takes up to two days for McAfee to review submissions and notify you of the outcome. Consider this option if you're concerned about unblocking a program and prefer McAfee to take a thorough look at it. 

FAQ

Is it safe to whitelist a program in McAfee?

It can be—but only if you’re sure the program is from a trusted source. Whitelisting bypasses McAfee’s security checks, so only allow software you recognize and trust.

What happens when you whitelist a program?

When you whitelist a program, McAfee stops flagging it as a threat and allows it to run without interference. The program is moved to your trusted list and is no longer blocked or quarantined.

Can I whitelist a website in McAfee too?

Yes, McAfee lets you whitelist both programs and websites. You can add a website to the whitelist under Web Protection > Web and Email Protection > Firewall > Net Guard settings.

Why does McAfee keep blocking a safe program?

Sometimes McAfee flags legitimate software as a false positive—especially if it’s newly released, not widely used, or behaves in ways similar to malware. You can manually review and allow the program if you’re confident it’s safe.

Do I need admin access to whitelist a program in McAfee?

Yes, in most cases you’ll need administrator privileges on your device to make changes to McAfee’s firewall or security settings, including whitelisting programs.