Manage these settings from: Settings ▸ Components ▸ Web Shield ▸ Customize
Web Shield is an additional layer of active protection in Avast Antivirus. It scans data that is transferred when you browse the internet in real-time to prevent malware, such as malicious scripts, from being downloaded and run on your PC.
How to fix random blocking of websites in Windows 10 I've recently upgraded to Windows 10 and have found that some normal/safe (ie. Govenerment ) websites are randomly being blocked. I had Norton antivirus which I blamed it on and uninstalled but the problem is still persisting. The Site blocking screen allows you to block access to specific websites. This can be useful if you want to prevent children or other users from accessing certain content on the web. To block a website: Tick the box next to Enable site blocking. Type the URL address of the website you want to block into the text box.
By default, Web Shield is configured to provide optimal protection when switched on. We therefore strongly recommend you keep this Shield turned on at all times and only make configuration changes if you have an advanced understanding of malware protection principles.
Use the tabs on the left-side of the window to manage different aspects of Web Shield behavior. After making any changes, click OK to save Web Shield settings.
This screen allows you to set the main parameters for Web Shield.
- Web scanning: scans all content on websites you visit while browsing the web.
- Warn when downloading files with poor reputation: sends an alert message when a file with a bad rating or no rating at all based on reputation services is being downloaded. We recommend that only novice users tick this option.
- Scan traffic from well-known browser processes only: resolves conflicts with less known browsers and other web applications that you trust if they are blocked by the Shield while trying to access the internet. By ticking this option, data traffic from these less known web applications is authorized and is not scanned for malware by the Shield.
- HTTPS scanning: scans websites with encrypted connections. If disabled, only websites with unsecured connections are scanned.
- Use intelligent stream scanning: scans files continuously while they are being downloaded. If you untick this box, the whole file is downloaded to a temporary folder, then scanned.
- Do not scan trusted sites: excludes websites with valid SSL certificates from scanning.
- Block malware URLs: blocks untrusted websites based on a database of known malware URLs.
- Script scanning: blocks malicious scripts from the web and other sources, including encrypted transfers via HTTPS connections. Additional options can be configured in the Script scanning section.
All settings are enabled by default, except the subsettings for Web Scanning.
The Web scanning screen allows you to specify which type of content Web Shield scans. The following options apply if Web scanning is enabled in Main settings.
- Scan all files: scans all downloaded files. This option is selected by default.
- Scan selected file types only: only scans files with certain extensions or MIME-types that you specify. If selected, tick the relevant option, then type the file extension into the text box. To add another extension to the list, click Add. To remove an extension, click the relevant row, then click Delete.
- Do not unpack archives with valid digital signatures: excludes trusted archive files from verified publishers from being scanned.
Note: File extensions can include wildcard characters * or ?. The asterisk replaces zero or more characters, whereas the question mark replaces a single character. For example:
- To scan all HTML file types, type htm* into the text box.
- To scan all file types with two characters in a file extension, type ?? into the text box.
The Exclusions screen allows you to specify URL addresses, MIME-type extensions, or processes that you want Web Shield to ignore. To add a new item, tick the relevant option, then type the URL, extension, or file location into the text box. To add a process, click Browse, select a file (.exe), then click OK.
To add another item to the list, click Add. To remove an item, click the relevant row, then click Delete.
URLs, extensions, and file locations can include wildcard characters ? and *. The asterisk replaces zero or more characters, and the question mark replaces a single character. For example:
- To block all subdomains and domains of a particular website, add *. to the beginning and /* to the end of the website domain, for instance *.example.com/* .
- To exclude all HTML file types, type *.htm* into the text box.
Note: Exclusions that you specify on this screen only apply to Web Shield and do not affect any other scans or Shields. If you want to exclude a location from all Avast Antivirus scans, go to Settings ▸ General ▸ Exclusions to specify the location.
The Actions screen allows you to configure automatic responses to any online threats detected by Web Shield.
Select a detection type (Virus, PUP or Suspicious), then select an action:
- Abort connection (default): terminates your connection with the applicable website as soon as a potential threat is detected.
- Ask: gives you the option to terminate the connection with the applicable website or remain connected when a potential threat is detected. Remaining connected may be risky.
Tick Show a notification window when action is taken to be notified of all actions (ticked by default).
Note: You can specify different actions for each detection type (Virus, PUP or Suspicious).
The Packers screen allows you to indicate the compressed file types that you want Web Shield to unpack when checking for malware. For example, .zip, and .rar. The Shield is better able to analyze files for malware when files are unpacked. To unpack a file is the same as to extract a file from an archive. Original archives, including the files contained within, remain intact when being processed by the Shield.
By default, All packers are ticked.
Note: For more information about a specific file type, tick the file type and refer to the information under Packer description at the bottom of the screen.
The Sensitivity screen allows you to define the following settings for Web Shield:
- Heuristics: heuristics enable Avast to detect unknown malware by analyzing code for commands which may indicate malicious intent. Specify your preferences for the following options:
- Use the orange bars to indicate your preferred level of heuristic sensitivity. The default setting is Normal (three bars). With higher sensitivity, Avast is more likely to detect malware, but also more likely to make false-positive detections (incorrectly identify files as malware).
- Tick Use Code Emulation to unpack and test any suspected malware in an emulated environment where the file cannot cause damage to your PC. This option is ticked by default.
- Sensitivity: tick Test whole files if you want the scan to analyze entire files rather than only the parts typically affected by malicious code. When this option is ticked, the scan is slower but more thorough.
- PUP and suspicious files: tick Scan for potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) if you want the scan to look for programs that are stealthily downloaded with other programs and typically perform unwanted activity.
Note: The more options you tick and the higher the sensitivity you set, the more thoroughly the Shield scans your PC. With higher sensitivity, false-positive detections are more likely and more resources are consumed on your PC.
The Site blocking screen allows you to block access to specific websites. This can be useful if you want to prevent children or other users from accessing certain content on the web. To block a website:
- Tick the box next to Enable site blocking.
- Type the URL address of the website you want to block into the text box.
- Click OK.
To add another URL to the list, click Add. To remove a URL, click the relevant row, then click Delete.
URLs can include wildcard characters * or ?. The asterisk replaces zero or more characters, whereas the question mark replaces a single character. For example:
- To block all subdomains and domains of a particular website, add *. to the beginning and /* to the end of the website domain, type *.example.com/* into the text box.
- To block any website containg triple 'x' anywhere in the URL, type *xxx* into the text box.
- To block all html pages with the filename containing a single character in domain of a particular website, type example.com/?.html into the text box.
Script scanning prevents browsers and other applications from running potentially malicious scripts. This includes remote threats from the web and outside sources, local threats downloaded to your hard drive or in the browser cache, and scripts that come from encrypted connections.
This screen allows you to select which browsers are scanned, including other applications which use Windows Script Host (WSH) to run their own scripts. All options are ticked by default to ensure your full security. These options apply if Script scanning is enabled in Main settings.
The Script exclusions screen allows you to exclude specific web addresses from script scanning, so you can access all content on those websites.
To exclude a website from script scanning, follow these steps:
- Tick the box next to URLs to exclude.
- Type the URL address of the website you want to exclude into the text box.
- Click OK.
To add another URL to the list, click Add. To remove a URL, click the relevant row, then click Delete.
Note: Use exclusions only if you are sure the website you want to exclude from scanning is safe.
The Report file screen allows you to specify whether you want Web Shield to produce reports of scan results. When troubleshooting issues with Avast Support representatives, you may be requested to provide a report file.
To generate automatic scan reports, follow these steps:
- Tick Generate report file. This option is ticked by default.
- Manage the following settings:
- File name: provide a name for the report file.
- File type: select the format of the report file - plain text ANSI, plain text Unicode, or XML.
- If file exists: select Append if you want new results to be added to the end of the previous report, or Overwrite if you want new results to replace the previous report.
- Define the contents of the report:
- Infected items: files and areas of the scanned environment which are identified as containing malware. This option is ticked by default.
- Hard errors: unexpected errors which require further investigation. This option is ticked by default.
- Soft errors: minor errors such as a file being unable to be scanned because it was in use.
- OK items: files and areas which were identified as being clean. Ticking this option results in very long reports.
- Skipped items: files and areas which the Shield did not check because of the scan settings.
- Click OK.
Report files are saved in one of the following locations:
- Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, or Windows Vista: C:ProgramDataAvast SoftwareAvastreport
- Windows XP: C:Documents and SettingsAll UsersApplication DataAvast SoftwareAvastreport
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I have found a couple of websites that I use regularly would suddenly not open at all (in Chrome, Firefox or IE). Just nothing happens, (no timeouts etc). I can connect to all other websites no problem. (and connect to these non-opening websites on tablet & phone no problems so it's not the websites down)
I have found that if I disable Online Shield then the websites work fine. As soon as I re-enable the AVG protection they refuse to open again.
I have tried to add exceptions to the settings but it makes no difference.
Thoughts & assistance appreciated thanks
I have found that if I disable Online Shield then the websites work fine. As soon as I re-enable the AVG protection they refuse to open again.
I have tried to add exceptions to the settings but it makes no difference.
Thoughts & assistance appreciated thanks
- May 9, 2017
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Hello Mr Mann,
We regret to hear about the inconvenience caused, could you please share us a screenshot of the Websites page when AVG Online shield is on and off, so that we can check and help you. Please click on the link to show how to create a screenshot : http://avgread.me/1aZxsAV
Also, please tell us the name of the websites and version of AVG you are using in your computer. Thank you.
We regret to hear about the inconvenience caused, could you please share us a screenshot of the Websites page when AVG Online shield is on and off, so that we can check and help you. Please click on the link to show how to create a screenshot : http://avgread.me/1aZxsAV
Also, please tell us the name of the websites and version of AVG you are using in your computer. Thank you.
- May 9, 2017
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Mr Mann, For your info, just in case that you are unaware, you can post the screenshot here in your topic. Click on 'Answer' & then click on the 'Image' [mountain symbol] & follow the instructions.
AVG Guru
AVG Guru
- May 9, 2017
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Website URL https://www.scottishpower.co.uk/account/login.process?execution=e3s1
AVG version 17.3.3011
screenshot left with AVG Online Shield off, right side with AVG Online Shield enabled (blank screen!!)
thanks
AVG version 17.3.3011
screenshot left with AVG Online Shield off, right side with AVG Online Shield enabled (blank screen!!)
thanks
- May 9, 2017
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Hello Mann,
Thank you for providing us the screenshot. Please follow the instructions to change the Firewall settings : Open AVG Zen -> Internet Security -> Click on Menu in the top right corner -> Settings -> Components -> Firewall -> Customize -> Network Profiles -> Change the networks from Public to Private (If it is in Private, change it to Public). If you still face the same issue, then please contact us we will assist further.
Thank you.
Thank you for providing us the screenshot. Please follow the instructions to change the Firewall settings : Open AVG Zen -> Internet Security -> Click on Menu in the top right corner -> Settings -> Components -> Firewall -> Customize -> Network Profiles -> Change the networks from Public to Private (If it is in Private, change it to Public). If you still face the same issue, then please contact us we will assist further.
Thank you.
- May 9, 2017
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Mr Mann
Thanks but I am not using AVG Zen. I am using AVG Free anti virus
- May 10, 2017
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Hello Mann,
Thank you for the instructions. Please follow the instructions from the article to add the websites to the exception and check if that works. Here is the link: http://support.avg.com/SupportArticleView?urlname=How-to-make-exclusions-from-all-scans-and-shields
Feel free to contact us for further help.
Thank you.
Thank you for the instructions. Please follow the instructions from the article to add the websites to the exception and check if that works. Here is the link: http://support.avg.com/SupportArticleView?urlname=How-to-make-exclusions-from-all-scans-and-shields
Feel free to contact us for further help.
Thank you.
- May 10, 2017
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I had already tried this (as mentioned in my first message) and i stll cannot connect to the website in question unless i disable AVG antivirud
- May 10, 2017
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Hi Mann,
We apologize for the issue and let us work together to fix the issue. In this case we will suggest you to repair the AVG protection part from the control panel. To perform the repair process please kindly follow the below steps.
Start->control panel->Programs(uninstall a program)->Select AVG Protection->click on change and repair it.
After the repair process please check with the issue status and If you need any further assistance, please feel free to contact us. We are always here to help you with your issue.
Thank you.
We apologize for the issue and let us work together to fix the issue. In this case we will suggest you to repair the AVG protection part from the control panel. To perform the repair process please kindly follow the below steps.
Start->control panel->Programs(uninstall a program)->Select AVG Protection->click on change and repair it.
After the repair process please check with the issue status and If you need any further assistance, please feel free to contact us. We are always here to help you with your issue.
Thank you.
- May 10, 2017
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Hi again,
I have done as you requested running the repair. This has not made any difference.
I still cannot connect to the website in question unless i disable AVG antivirus
thanks
I have done as you requested running the repair. This has not made any difference.
I still cannot connect to the website in question unless i disable AVG antivirus
thanks
- May 10, 2017
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Hello Mann,
We really appreciate your efforts. Please follow these steps to send us diagnostic information from your computer. This information will allow us to analyze the situation and provide you with a solution.
Click http://download.avg.com/filedir/util/AVG_SysInfo.exe here to download the AVG SysInfo tool.
Run the downloaded tool.
Click Continue to agree with AVG’s license agreement and privacy policy. AVG SysInfo will now gather the necessary data.
Once the diagnostic output is ready, you may add comments, or click Attach file or Screenshot to provide us with additional information.
Fill in your email address
Fill in the case # which is 04665794 by copying and pasting it from this email
Click send output
Reply to this email and let us know that the data has been successfully sent. Please do not modify the email subject.
As soon as we receive the data, we will analyze the files and provide you with further information.
Thank you.
We really appreciate your efforts. Please follow these steps to send us diagnostic information from your computer. This information will allow us to analyze the situation and provide you with a solution.
Click http://download.avg.com/filedir/util/AVG_SysInfo.exe here to download the AVG SysInfo tool.
Run the downloaded tool.
Click Continue to agree with AVG’s license agreement and privacy policy. AVG SysInfo will now gather the necessary data.
Once the diagnostic output is ready, you may add comments, or click Attach file or Screenshot to provide us with additional information.
Fill in your email address
Fill in the case # which is 04665794 by copying and pasting it from this email
Click send output
Reply to this email and let us know that the data has been successfully sent. Please do not modify the email subject.
As soon as we receive the data, we will analyze the files and provide you with further information.
Thank you.
- May 10, 2017
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Hello Mann,
Thank you for running the tool and sending us the Diagnostic information. We have escalated the case to our senior technician team. They will analyze the log files and get back to you via email with a resolution.
Thank you.
Thank you for running the tool and sending us the Diagnostic information. We have escalated the case to our senior technician team. They will analyze the log files and get back to you via email with a resolution.
Thank you.
- May 11, 2017
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I have run tool as requested and send results to you thanks
- May 11, 2017
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I, as well discovered this week that there were some secure commercial websites that I could no longer visit unless I turned off all the AVG protection, Then I discovered that my free version had been recently upgraded to a trial version (for payment after 30 days) without my knowledge or consent. I unstalled the trial version using the specialized CLEAN tool and REMOVE tool (deleting the two folders after multiple reboots) and re-installed a new free version, being very careful to select the custom installation option in order to choose the basic protection and not the 30 day trial version. Now I can access the websites that had been previously blocked.
- July 14, 2017
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So I thought my experiencing of the same problem as the OP was due to me unknowingly running a trial (for pay) version of AVG, but even after I reloaded a free version, within a week, my free version is wrecking havoc with my Firefox browser. Either AVG Free won't let me to connect to secure websites, or it slows down my navigation on my on-line banking site, or it freezes a video playing on Facebook after a minute of playing properly. In my 12 years of using AVG Free, I have never seen it work so poorly. Is this due to my Windows Vista being off MS support since April, even though I have installed all the out of band emergency patches? Or me using Firefox ESR?
Aravindh , can you please create and send me a case number so that I can download and use the AVG SysInfo tool to submit my diagnostic information?
Aravindh , can you please create and send me a case number so that I can download and use the AVG SysInfo tool to submit my diagnostic information?
- July 31, 2017
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P.S., the moment I turn off AVG protection (difficult to do if my browser is already open), then Firefox works reasonably.
- July 31, 2017
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Hello Lewis,
I am sorry to know that the issue appeared again even after reinstalling the free version.
In this case, I have sent an email instruction to collect and send us the AVG log files.
If the email is not found in inbox, do check in spam and junk folders once.
I am sorry to know that the issue appeared again even after reinstalling the free version.
In this case, I have sent an email instruction to collect and send us the AVG log files.
If the email is not found in inbox, do check in spam and junk folders once.
- July 31, 2017
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Hi again, Balasubramanian, I finally found your email in an unexpected folder. Thanks.
- July 31, 2017
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Thank you Balasubramanian for your response. I received an (do not reply) alert in my email mailbox claiming that you will be immediately sending me an instructional email (which proves that you have my correct email address) but I never received this instructional email, not even in my spam or junk folder. Please try again.
- July 31, 2017
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Thank you for submitting the log files.
The instruction that I mentioned is the sysinfo tool that you already received.
I have forwarded the case to senior technical team and you will be contacted through email shortly.
If the email is not found in inbox, do check in spam and junk folders once.
Your patience is much appreciated.
The instruction that I mentioned is the sysinfo tool that you already received.
I have forwarded the case to senior technical team and you will be contacted through email shortly.
If the email is not found in inbox, do check in spam and junk folders once.
Your patience is much appreciated.
- July 31, 2017
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I have also been having this issue, done everything suggested up until the diagnostics, even AVG's own website doesn't work without disabling AVG, yet weirdly, if I disable AVG, visit a page that isn't working and then reactivate it, I can still revisit any page that I visited while AVG was off as many times as I want with no issue
- August 31, 2017
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Hello Neil,
Thank you for providing the helpful information. Please reboot your PC once and check if you can visit the web pages without any issues or not.
Thank you for providing the helpful information. Please reboot your PC once and check if you can visit the web pages without any issues or not.
- August 31, 2017
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I am having a similar problem. I'm using paid Internet Security on Win 10 64bit, with all software & drivers up to date, but wifi drops out when I try to access sites where I need to enter secure info, e.g. bank, Amazon. Sometimes happens with login on Outlook.com also. Access to all other sites is OK
- January 9, 2018
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A Cornish,
May I know since when are you experiencing this issue? Did you disable AVG protection temporarily and checked if the issue is resolved. Right click on AVG system tray icon, toggle the On/Off slider to turn off AVG protection.
May I know since when are you experiencing this issue? Did you disable AVG protection temporarily and checked if the issue is resolved. Right click on AVG system tray icon, toggle the On/Off slider to turn off AVG protection.
- January 9, 2018
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- March 24, 2019
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Hello Tyler,
Are you unable to access particular website or all the websites on your computer?
Please let me know the name of the component you disabled from AVG.
Are you unable to access particular website or all the websites on your computer?
Please let me know the name of the component you disabled from AVG.
- March 24, 2019
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