USER'S GUIDE

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

User's Guide

Publication date 04/12/2023

Copyright © 2023 Bitdefender

Legal Notice
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic
or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written
permission from an authorized representative of Bitdefender. The inclusion of brief quotations in reviews may be
possible only with the mention of the quoted source. The content can not be modified in any way.
Warning and Disclaimer. This product and its documentation are protected by copyright. The information in this
document is provided on an “as is” basis, without warranty. Although every precaution has been taken in the
preparation of this document, the authors will not have any liability to any person or entity with respect to any loss or
damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the information contained in this work.
This book contains links to third-party Websites that are not under the control of Bitdefender, therefore Bitdefender is
not responsible for the content of any linked site. If you access a third-party website listed in this document, you will
do so at your own risk. Bitdefender provides these links only as a convenience, and the inclusion of the link does not
imply that Bitdefender endorses or accepts any responsibility for the content of the third-party site.
Trademarks. Trademark names may appear in this book. All registered and unregistered trademarks in this
document are the sole property of their respective owners, and are respectfully acknowledged.
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Table of Contents
About This Guide ................................................................................... 1
Purpose and Intended Audience ....................................................... 1
How to Use This Guide .................................................................... 1
Conventions used in This Guide ....................................................... 1
Typographical Conventions ..................................................... 1
Admonitions ......................................................................... 2
Request for Comments ................................................................... 2
1. Installation ........................................................................................ 3
1.1. Preparing for installation ........................................................... 3
1.2. System requirements ................................................................ 3
1.3. Software requirements .............................................................. 4
1.4. Installing your Bitdefender product ............................................ 4
1.4.1. Install from Bitdefender Central ....................................... 5
1.4.2. Install from installation disc ........................................... 7
2. Getting Started .................................................................................. 13
2.1. The basics ............................................................................... 13
2.1.1. Notifications ................................................................. 14
2.1.2. Profiles ......................................................................... 15
2.1.3. Password-protecting Bitdefender settings ....................... 16
2.1.4. Product reports ............................................................. 17
2.1.5. Special offers notifications ............................................. 17
2.2. Bitdefender interface ............................................................... 18
2.2.1. System tray icon ........................................................... 18
2.2.2. Navigation menu ......................................................... 20
2.2.3. Dashboard .................................................................... 21
2.2.4. The Bitdefender sections ............................................... 23
2.2.5. Change product language ............................................. 28
2.3. Bitdefender Central ................................................................ 28
2.3.1. About Bitdefender Central ............................................. 28
2.3.2. Accessing Bitdefender Central ...................................... 29
2.3.3. 2-Factor Authentication ............................................... 30
2.3.4. Adding trusted devices ................................................. 31
2.3.5. Activity ........................................................................ 32
2.3.6. My Subscriptions .......................................................... 32
2.3.7. My Devices .................................................................. 34
2.3.8. Notifications ................................................................. 37
2.4. Keeping Bitdefender up-to-date ................................................ 37
2.4.1. Checking if Bitdefender is up-to-date .............................. 37
2.4.2. Performing an update ................................................... 38
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

2.4.3. Turning on or off automatic update ................................ 38

2.4.4. Adjusting update settings ............................................. 39
2.4.5. Continuous updates ..................................................... 40
2.5. Smart voice assistance ........................................................... 40
2.5.1. Setting voice commands .............................................. 40
2.5.2. Voice commands to interact with Bitdefender ............... 42
3. Managing your Security .................................................................. 44
3.1. Antivirus protection ................................................................ 44
3.1.1. On-access scanning (real-time protection) ..................... 45
3.1.2. On-demand scanning ................................................... 49
3.1.3. Checking scan logs ....................................................... 56
3.1.4. Automatic scan of removable media ............................... 57
3.1.5. Scan hosts file ............................................................... 59
3.1.6. Configuring scan exceptions .......................................... 59
3.1.7. Managing quarantined files ........................................... 61
3.2. Advanced Threat Defense ....................................................... 62
3.2.1. Turning on or off Advanced Threat Defense ................... 62
3.2.2. Checking detected malicious attacks ............................. 63
3.2.3. Adding processes to exceptions ..................................... 63
3.2.4. Exploits detection ......................................................... 63
3.2.5. Turning on or off exploit detection ................................ 64
3.3. Online Threat Prevention ........................................................ 64
3.3.1. Bitdefender alerts in the browser ................................... 66
3.4. Vulnerability .......................................................................... 66
3.4.1. Scanning your system for vulnerabilities ....................... 67
3.4.2. Using automatic vulnerability monitoring ..................... 68
3.4.3. Wi-Fi Security Advisor ................................................. 70
3.5. Ransomware Remediation ...................................................... 74
3.5.1. Turning on or off Ransomware Remediation .................. 74
3.5.2. Turning on or off automatic restore ............................... 74
3.5.3. Viewing files that were automatically restored ............... 75
3.5.4. Restoring encrypted files manually ................................ 75
3.5.5. Adding applications to exceptions ................................ 76
3.6. Anti-tracker ........................................................................... 76
3.6.1. Anti-tracker interface .................................................... 77
3.6.2. Turning Bitdefender Anti-tracker off .............................. 77
3.6.3. Allowing a website to be tracked ................................... 78
3.7. VPN ...................................................................................... 78
3.7.1. Installing VPN .............................................................. 79
3.7.2. Opening VPN ............................................................... 79
3.7.3. VPN interface .............................................................. 79
3.7.4. Subscriptions ............................................................... 81
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

3.8. Safepay security for online transactions ................................... 81

3.8.1. Using Bitdefender Safepay™ .......................................... 82
3.8.2. Configuring settings ..................................................... 84
3.8.3. Managing bookmarks .................................................. 84
3.8.4. Turning off Safepay notifications ................................... 85
3.8.5. Using VPN with Safepay ............................................... 85
3.9. USB Immunizer ...................................................................... 86
4. Utilities ........................................................................................... 87
4.1. Profiles .................................................................................. 87
4.1.1. Work Profile ................................................................. 88
4.1.2. Movie Profile ................................................................ 89
4.1.3. Game Profile ................................................................ 90
4.1.4. Public Wi-Fi Profile ....................................................... 91
4.1.5. Battery Mode Profile ..................................................... 92
4.1.6. Real-time optimization ................................................. 93
4.2. Data Protection ...................................................................... 93
4.2.1. Deleting files permanently ............................................ 93
5. How to ............................................................................................. 95
5.1. Installation .............................................................................. 95
5.1.1. How do I install Bitdefender on a second device? ............. 95
5.1.2. How can I reinstall Bitdefender? ..................................... 95
5.1.3. Where can I download my Bitdefender product from? ..... 96
5.1.4. How do I use my Bitdefender subscription after a
Windows upgrade? .............................................................. 97
5.1.5. How can I upgrade to the latest Bitdefender version? ..... 100
5.2. Bitdefender Central ............................................................... 100
5.2.1. How do I sign in to Bitdefender account with another
account? ............................................................................ 100
5.2.2. How do I turn off Bitdefender Central help messages? .... 101
5.2.3. I forgot the password I set for my Bitdefender account.
How do I reset it? ................................................................. 101
5.2.4. How can I manage the logon sessions associated to
my Bitdefender account? ..................................................... 102
5.3. Scanning with Bitdefender .................................................... 103
5.3.1. How do I scan a file or a folder? .................................... 103
5.3.2. How do I scan my system ............................................ 103
5.3.3. How do I schedule a scan? ........................................... 103
5.3.4. How do I create a custom scan task? ............................ 104
5.3.5. How do I except a folder from being scanned? ............... 106
5.3.6. What to do when Bitdefender detected a clean file as
infected? ............................................................................ 107
5.3.7. How do I check what threats Bitdefender detected? ....... 108
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

5.4. Privacy protection ................................................................. 108

5.4.1. How do I make sure my online transaction is secure? .... 108
5.4.2. What can I do if my device has been stolen? ................. 109
5.4.3. How do I remove a file permanently with Bitdefender? .. 109
5.4.4. How do I protect my webcam from being hacked? ......... 110
5.4.5. How can I manually restore encrypted files when the
restoration process fails? ...................................................... 110
5.5. Useful Information ................................................................. 111
5.5.1. How do I test my security solution? ............................... 111
5.5.2. How do I remove Bitdefender? ...................................... 112
5.5.3. How do I remove Bitdefender VPN? ............................... 113
5.5.4. How do I remove the Bitdefender Anti-tracker
extension? ........................................................................... 114
5.5.5. How do I automatically shut down the device after the
scan is over? ........................................................................ 114
5.5.6. How do I configure Bitdefender to use a proxy internet
connection? ........................................................................ 115
5.5.7. Am I using a 32 bit or a 64 bit version of Windows? ........ 117
5.5.8. How do I display hidden objects in Windows? ................ 117
5.5.9. How do I remove other security solutions? ..................... 118
5.5.10. How do I restart in Safe Mode? .................................... 119
6. Troubleshooting .............................................................................. 121
6.1. Solving common issues .......................................................... 121
6.1.1. My system appears to be slow ....................................... 121
6.1.2. Scan doesn't start ........................................................ 122
6.1.3. I can no longer use an app ........................................... 125
6.1.4. What to do when Bitdefender blocks a website, a
domain, an IP address, or an online app that is safe ............... 126
6.1.5. How to update Bitdefender on a slow internet
connection ......................................................................... 127
6.1.6. Bitdefender services are not responding ....................... 127
6.1.7. Bitdefender removal failed ........................................... 128
6.1.8. My system doesn't boot up after installing Bitdefender .. 129
6.2. Removing threats from your system ....................................... 132
6.2.1. Rescue Environment ................................................... 132
6.2.2. What to do when Bitdefender finds threats on your
device? ............................................................................... 133
6.2.3. How do I clean a threat in an archive? .......................... 134
6.2.4. How do I clean a threat in an email archive? ................. 136
6.2.5. What to do if I suspect a file as being dangerous? .......... 137
6.2.6. What are the password-protected files in the scan log? .. 137
6.2.7. What are the skipped items in the scan log? ................. 137
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

6.2.8. What are the over-compressed files in the scan log? ...... 138
6.2.9. Why did Bitdefender automatically delete an infected
file? .................................................................................... 138
7. Getting Help .................................................................................... 139
7.1. Asking for Help ..................................................................... 139
7.2. Online Resources .................................................................. 139
7.2.1. Bitdefender Support Center .......................................... 139
7.2.2. The Bitdefender Expert Community ............................. 140
7.2.3. Bitdefender Cyberpedia ............................................... 140
7.3. Contact Information .............................................................. 140
7.3.1. Local distributors ......................................................... 141
Glossary ............................................................................................ 142
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

ABOUT THIS GUIDE

Purpose and Intended Audience

This guide is intended to all Windows users who have chosen Bitdefender
Antivirus Plus as a security solution for their computers. The information
presented in this book is suitable not only for computer literates, it is
accessible to everyone who is able to work with a Windows PC.
You will find out how to configure and use Bitdefender Antivirus Plus to
protect yourself against threats and other malicious software. You will
learn how to get the best out of your Bitdefender.
We wish you a pleasant and useful lecture.

How to Use This Guide

This guide is organized around several major topics:
Getting Started (page 13)
Get started with Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and its user interface.
Managing your Security (page 44)
Learn how to use Bitdefender Antivirus Plus to protect yourself against
malicious software.
How to (page 95)
Learn more about Bitdefender Antivirus Plus.
Getting Help (page 139)
Where to look and where to ask for help if something unexpected appears.

Conventions used in This Guide

Typographical Conventions
Several text styles are used in this guide for an improved readability. Their
aspect and meaning are presented in the table below.

About This Guide 1

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Appearance Description
sample syntax Syntax samples are printed with monospaced characters.
https://www.bitdefender.com The URL link is pointing to some external location, on http or ftp servers.
[email protected] Email addresses are inserted in the text for contact information.
About this Guide (page 1) This is an internal link, towards some location inside the document.
filename File and directories are printed using monospaced font.
option All the product options are printed using bold characters.
keyword Important keywords or phrases are highlighted using bold characters.

Admonitions
The admonitions are in-text notes, graphically marked, bringing to your
attention additional information related to the current paragraph.

Note
The note is just a short observation. Although you can omit it, the notes
can provide valuable information, such as specific feature or a link to
some related topic.

Important
This requires your attention and is not recommended to skip over it.
Usually, it provides non-critical but significant information.

Warning
This is critical information you should treat with increased caution.
Nothing bad will happen if you follow the indications. You should read
and understand it, because it describes something extremely risky.

Request for Comments

We invite you to help us improve the book. We have tested and verified all
of the information to the best of our ability. Please write to tell us about
any flaws you find in this book or how you think it could be improved, to
help us provide you with the best documentation possible.
Let us know by sending an email to [email protected].
Write all of your documentation-related emails in English so that we can
process them efficiently.

About This Guide 2

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

1. INSTALLATION

1.1. Preparing for installation

Before you install Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, complete these preparations
to ensure the installation will go smoothly:
❍ Make sure that the device where you plan to install Bitdefender meets
the system requirements. If the device does not meet all the system
requirements, Bitdefender will not be installed or, if installed, it will not
work properly and it will cause system slowdowns and instability. For
a complete list of system requirements, refer to System requirements
(page 3).
❍ Log on to the device using an Administrator account.
❍ Remove any other similar software from the device. If any is detected
during the Bitdefender installation process, you will be notified to
uninstall it. Running two security programs simultaneously may affect
their operation and cause major problems with the system. Windows
Defender will be disabled during the installation.
❍ Disable or remove any firewall program that may be running on the
device. Running two firewall programs simultaneously may affect
their operation and cause major problems with the system. Windows
Firewall will be disabled during the installation.
❍ It is recommended that your device be connected to the internet during
the installation, even when from a CD/DVD. If newer versions of the app
files included in the installation package are available, Bitdefender can
download and install them.

1.2. System requirements

You may install Bitdefender Antivirus Plus only on devices running the
following operating systems:
❍ Windows 7 with Service Pack 1
❍ Windows 8
❍ Windows 8.1
❍ Windows 10

Installation 3
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

❍ 2,5 GB available free hard disk space (at least 800 MB on the system
drive)
❍ 2 GB of memory (RAM)

Important
System performance may be affected on devices that have old
generation CPUs.

Note
To find out the Windows operating system your device is running and
hardware information:
❍ In Windows 7, right-click My Computer on the desktop, and then
select Properties from the menu.
❍ In Windows 8, from the Windows Start screen, locate Computer
(for example, you can start typing "Computer" directly in the Start
screen), and then right-click its icon. In Windows 8.1, locate This PC.
Select Properties in the bottom menu. Look in the System area to
find information about your system type.
❍ In Windows 10, type System in the search box from the taskbar and
click its icon. Look in the System area to find information about your
system type.

1.3. Software requirements

To be able to use Bitdefender and all its features, your device needs to
meet the following software requirements:
❍ Microsoft Edge 40 and higher
❍ Internet Explorer 10 and higher
❍ Mozilla Firefox 51 and higher
❍ Google Chrome 34 and higher
❍ Microsoft Outlook 2007 / 2010 / 2013 / 2016
❍ Mozilla Thunderbird 14 and higher

1.4. Installing your Bitdefender product

You can install Bitdefender from the installation disc, or using the web
installer downloaded on your device from Bitdefender Central.

Installation 4
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

If your purchase covers more than one device, repeat the installation
process and activate your product with the same account on every device.
The account you need to use is the one which contains your Bitdefender
active subscription.

1.4.1. Install from Bitdefender Central

From Bitdefender Central you can download the installation kit
corresponding to the purchased subscription. Once the installation process
is complete, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is activated.
To download Bitdefender Antivirus Plus from Bitdefender Central:
1. Access Bitdefender Central.
2. Select the My Devices panel, and then click INSTALL PROTECTION.
3. Choose one of the two available options:
❍ Protect this device
a. Select this option, and then select the owner of the device. If the
device belongs to someone else, click the corresponding button.
b. Save the installation file.

❍ Protect other devices

a. Select this option, and then select the owner of the device. If the
device belongs to someone else, click the corresponding button.
b. Click SEND DOWNLOAD LINK.
c. Type an email address in the corresponding field, and click
SEND EMAIL.
Note that the generated download link is valid for the next 24
hours only. If the link expires, you will have to generate a new
one by following the same steps.
d. On the device you want to install your Bitdefender product,
check the email account that you typed in, and then click the
corresponding download button.

4. Wait for the download to complete, and then run the installer.

Validating the installation

Bitdefender first checks your system to validate the installation.

Installation 5
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

If your system does not meet the system requirements for installing
Bitdefender, you will be informed of the areas that need improvement
before you can proceed.
If an incompatible security solution or an older version of Bitdefender is
detected, you will be prompted to remove it from your system. Please
follow the directions to remove the software from your system, thus
avoiding problems occurring later on. You may need to reboot your device
to complete the removal of detected security solutions.
The Bitdefender Total Security installation package is constantly updated.

Note
Downloading the installation files can take a long time, especially over
slower internet connections.
Once the installation is validated, the setup wizard appears. Follow the
steps to install Bitdefender Antivirus Plus.

Step 1 - Bitdefender installation

Before proceeding with the installation, you have to agree with the
Subscription Agreement. Please take some time to read the Subscription
Agreement as it contains the terms and conditions under which you may
use Bitdefender Antivirus Plus.
If you do not agree to these terms, close the window. The installation
process will be abandoned and you will exit setup.
Two additional tasks can be performed at this step:
❍ Keep the Send product reports option enabled. By allowing this option,
reports containing information about how you use the product are sent
to the Bitdefender servers. This information is essential for improving
the product and can help us provide a better experience in the future.
Note that these reports contain no confidential data, such as your name
or IP address, and that they will not be used for commercial purposes.
❍ Select the language you want to install the product in.
Click INSTALL to launch the installation process of your Bitdefender
product.

Step 2 - Installation in process

Wait for the installation to complete. Detailed information about the
progress is displayed.

Installation 6
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Step 3 - Installation completed

Your Bitdefender product is successfully installed.
A summary of the installation is displayed. If any active threat was
detected and removed during the installation, a system reboot may be
required.

Step 4 - Device Analysis

You will now be asked if you wish to perform an analysis of your device, to
ensure that it is safe. During this step, Bitdefender will scan critical system
areas. Click Start Device Analysis to initiate it.
You can hide the scan interface by clicking on Run Scan in Background.
After that, choose whether you want to be informed when the scan is
finished, or not.
When the scan is completed, click Open Bitdefender Interface.

Note
Alternatively, if you do not wish to perform the scan, you can simply click
on Skip.

Step 5 - Get started

In the Getting started window you can see details about your active
subscription.
Click FINISH to access the Bitdefender Antivirus Plus interface.

1.4.2. Install from installation disc

To install Bitdefender from the installation disc, insert the disc in the
optical drive.
A installation screen should be displayed in a few moments. Follow the
instructions to start installation.
If the installation screen does not appear, use Windows Explorer to browse
to the disc's root directory and double-click the file autorun.exe.
If your internet speed is slow, or your system is not connected to the
internet, click the Install from CD/DVD button. In this case, the Bitdefender
product available on the disc will be installed and a newer version will be
downloaded from the Bitdefender servers via product update.

Installation 7
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Validating the installation

Bitdefender first checks your system to validate the installation.
If your system does not meet the system requirements for installing
Bitdefender, you will be informed of the areas that need improvement
before you can proceed.
If an incompatible security solution or an older version of Bitdefender is
detected, you will be prompted to remove it from your system. Please
follow the directions to remove the software from your system, thus
avoiding problems occurring later on. You may need to reboot your device
to complete the removal of detected security solutions.
The Bitdefender Total Security installation package is constantly updated.

Note
Downloading the installation files can take a long time, especially over
slower internet connections.
Once the installation is validated, the setup wizard appears. Follow the
steps to install Bitdefender Antivirus Plus.

Step 1 - Bitdefender Installation

Before proceeding with the installation, you have to agree with the
Subscription Agreement. Please take some time to read the Subscription
Agreement as it contains the terms and conditions under which you may
use Bitdefender Antivirus Plus.
If you do not agree to these terms, close the window. The installation
process will be abandoned and you will exit setup.
Two additional tasks can be performed at this step:
❍ Keep the Send product reports option enabled. By allowing this option,
reports containing information about how you use the product are sent
to the Bitdefender servers. This information is essential for improving
the product and can help us provide a better experience in the future.
Note that these reports contain no confidential data, such as your name
or IP address, and that they will not be used for commercial purposes.
❍ Select the language you want to install the product in.
Click INSTALL to launch the installation process of your Bitdefender
product.

Installation 8
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Step 2 - Installation in process

Wait for the installation to complete. Detailed information about the
progress is displayed.

Step 3 - Installation completed

A summary of the installation is displayed. If any active threat was
detected and removed during the installation, a system reboot may be
required.

Step 4 - Device Analysis

You will now be asked if you wish to perform an analysis of your device, to
ensure that it is safe. During this step, Bitdefender will scan critical system
areas. Click Start Device Analysis to initiate it.
You can hide the scan interface by clicking on Run Scan in Background.
After that, choose whether you want to be informed when the scan is
finished, or not.
When the scan is completed, click Continue with Create Account.

Note
Alternatively, if you do not wish to perform the scan, you can simply click
on Skip.

Step 5 - Bitdefender account

After you complete the initial setup, the Bitdefender Account window
appears. A Bitdefender account is required to activate the product and use
its online features. For more information, refer to Bitdefender Central (page
28).
Proceed according to your situation.
❍ I want to create a Bitdefender account
1. Type the required information in the corresponding fields. The data
you provide here will remain confidential. The password must be at
least 8 characters long, include at least one number or symbol and
include lower and upper case characters.
2. Before proceeding further you have to agree with the Terms of use.
Access the Terms of use and read them carefully as they contain
the terms and conditions under which you may use Bitdefender.

Installation 9
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Additionally, you can access and read the Privacy Policy.

3. Click CREATE ACCOUNT.

Note
Once the account is created, you can use the provided email
address and password to sign in to your account at https://
central.bitdefender.com, or in the Bitdefender Central app
provided that it is installed on one of your Android or iOS
devices. To install the Bitdefender Central app on Android, you
have to access Google Play, search Bitdefender Central, and
then tap the corresponding installation option. To install the
Bitdefender Central app on iOS, you have to access App Store,
search Bitdefender Central, and then tap the corresponding
installation option.

❍ I already have a Bitdefender account

1. Click Sign In.
2. Type the email address in the corresponding field, and then click
NEXT.
3. Type your password, and then click SIGN IN.
If you forgot the password for your account or you simply want to
reset the one you already set:
a. Click Forgot password?.
b. Type your email address, and then click NEXT.
c. Check your email account, type the security code you have
received, and then click NEXT.
Alternatively, you can click Change password in the email that
we sent you.
d. Type the new password you want to set, and then type it once
again. Click SAVE.

Note
If you already have a MyBitdefender account, you can use it to
sign into your Bitdefender account. If you forgot your password,
you first need to go to https://my.bitdefender.com to reset it.
Then, use the updated credentials to sign into your Bitdefender
account.

Installation 10
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

❍ I want to sign in using my Microsoft, Facebook or Google account

To sign in with your Microsoft, Facebook or Google account:
1. Select the service you want to use. You will be redirected to the
login page of that service.
2. Follow the instructions provided by the selected service to link your
account to Bitdefender.

Note
Bitdefender does not get access to any confidential information
such as the password of the account you use to sign in, or the
personal information of your friends and contacts.

Step 6 - Activate your product

Note
This step appears if you have selected to create a new Bitdefender
account during the previous step, or if you signed in using an account
with an expired subscription.
An active internet connection is required to complete the activation of your
product.
Proceed according to your situation:
❍ I have an activation code
In this case, activate the product by following these steps:
1. Type the activation code in the I have an activation code field, and
then click CONTINUE.

Note
You can find your activation code:
❍ on the CD/DVD label.
❍ on the product registration card.
❍ in the online purchase email.

2. I want to evaluate Bitdefender

In this case, you can use the product for a 30 day period. To begin
the trial period, select I don't have a subscription, I want to try the
product for free, and then click CONTINUE.

Installation 11
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Step 7 - Get started

In the Get started window you can see details about your active
subscription.
Click FINISH to access the Bitdefender Antivirus Plus interface.

Installation 12
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

2. GETTING STARTED

2.1. The basics

Once you have installed Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, your device is protected
against all kinds of threats (such as malware, spyware, ransomware,
exploits, botnets and trojans) and internet threats (such as hackers,
phishing and spam).
The app uses the Photon technology to enhance the speed and
performance of the threat scanning process. It works by learning the
usage patterns of your system apps to know what and when to scan, thus
minimizing the impact on system performance.
Connecting to public wireless networks belonging to airports, malls, cafés,
or hotels without protection may be dangerous for your device and data.
This is mainly because fraudsters may be watching your activity and
find the best moment to steal personal data, but also because everyone
can see your IP address, thus making your machine a victim for future
cyberattacks. To avoid such unfortunate situations, install and use the VPN
(page 78) app.
Webcam Protection keeps away the untrusted apps from accessing your
video camera, thus avoiding any attempt to be hacked. Based on the
Bitdefender users' choice, the access of popular apps to your webcam will
be allowed or blocked.
To safeguard you from potential snoops and spies when your device is
connected to an unsecured wireless network, Bitdefender analyzes its
security level, and when necessary, comes with recommendations to boost
the safety of your online activities. For instructions on how to keep your
personal data secure, refer to Wi-Fi Security Advisor (page 70).
Files encrypted by ransomware can now be recovered without having to
spend money for any requested ransom. For information on how to recover
encrypted files, refer to Ransomware Remediation (page 74).
While you work, play games or watch movies, Bitdefender can offer you a
continuous user experience by postponing maintenance tasks, eliminating
interruptions and adjusting system visual effects. You can benefit from all
these by activating and configuring Profiles (page 87).

Getting Started 13
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Bitdefender will make most security-related decisions for you and will
rarely show pop-up alerts. Details about actions taken and information
about program operation are available in the Notifications window. For
more information, refer to Notifications (page 14).
From time to time, you should open Bitdefender and fix any existing
issues. You may have to configure specific Bitdefender components or
take preventive actions to protect your device and your data.
To use the online features of Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and manage your
subscriptions and devices, access your Bitdefender account. For more
information, refer to Bitdefender Central (page 28).
The section How to (page 95) is where you will find step-by-step
instructions on how to perform common tasks. If you experience issues
while using Bitdefender, check the Solving common issues (page 121)
section for possible solutions to the most common problems.

2.1.1. Notifications
Bitdefender keeps a detailed log of events concerning its activity on your
device. Whenever something relevant to the security of your system or data
happens, a new message is added to the Bitdefender Notifications area, in
a similar way to a new email appearing in your Inbox.
Notifications are an important tool in monitoring and managing your
Bitdefender protection. For instance, you can easily check if the update
was successfully performed, if threats or vulnerabilities were found on your
device, etc. Additionally, you can take further action if needed or change
actions taken by Bitdefender.
To access the Notifications log, click Notifications on the navigation menu
on the Bitdefender interface. Every time a critical event occurs, a counter
can be noticed on the icon.
Depending on type and severity, notifications are grouped in:
❍ Critical events indicate critical issues. You should check them
immediately.
❍ Warning events indicate non-critical issues. You should check and fix
them when you have the time.
❍ Information events indicate successful operations.
Click each tab to find more details about the generated events. Brief
details are displayed at a single-click on each event title, namely: a short

Getting Started 14
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

description, the action Bitdefender took on it when it happened, and the

date and time when it occurred. Options may be provided to take further
action if needed.
To help you easily manage logged events, the Notifications window
provides options to delete or mark as read all events in that section.

2.1.2. Profiles
Some computer activities, such as online games or video presentations,
require increased system responsiveness, high performance and no
interruptions. When your laptop is running on battery power, it is best that
unnecessary operations, which consume additional power, be postponed
until the laptop is connected back to A/C power.
Bitdefender Profiles assigns more system resources to the running
apps by temporarily modifying protection settings and adjusting system
configuration. Consequently, the system impact on your activity is
minimized.
To adapt to different activities, Bitdefender comes with the following
profiles:
Work Profile
Optimizes your work efficiency by identifying and adjusting the product and
system settings.
Movie Profile
Enhances visual effects and eliminates interruptions when watching
movies.
Game Profile
Enhances visual effects and eliminates interruptions when playing games.
Public Wi-FI Profile
Applies product settings to benefit from full protection while connected to
an unsecure wireless network.
Battery Mode Profile
Applies product settings and holds down background activity to save
battery life.

Getting Started 15
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Configure automatic activation of profiles

For an easy-to-use experience, you can configure Bitdefender to manage
your working profile. In this case, Bitdefender automatically detects the
activity you perform and applies system and product optimization settings.
The first time you access the Profiles you will be asked to activate
automatic profiles. To do so, you can simply click on the TURN ON in the
displayed window.
You can click on NOT NOW if you wish to turn on the feature at a later time.
To allow Bitdefender to activate profiles automatically:
1. Click Utilities on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the Profiles tab, click Settings.
3. Use the corresponding switch to turn on Activate profiles
automatically.
If you do not wish for the Profiles to be automatically activated, turn off the
switch.
To manually activate a profile, turn on the corresponding switch. Of the first
three profiles, only one can be manually activated at once.
For more information on Profiles, refer to Profiles (page 87).

2.1.3. Password-protecting Bitdefender settings

If you are not the only person with administrative rights using this device,
it is recommended that you protect your Bitdefender settings with a
password.
To configure password protection for the Bitdefender settings:
1. Click Settings on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the General window, turn on Password protection.
3. Type the password in the two fields, and then click OK. The password
must be at least 8 characters long.
Once you have set a password, anyone trying to change the Bitdefender
settings will first have to provide the password.

Getting Started 16
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Important
Be sure to remember your password or keep a record of it in a safe
place. If you forget the password, you will have to reinstall the program
or to contact Bitdefender for support.
To remove password protection:
1. Click Settings on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the General window, turn off Password protection.
3. Type the password, and then click OK.

Note
To modify the password for your product, click Password change. Type
your current password, and then click OK. In the new window which
appears type the new password you want to use from now on to restrict
the access to your Bitdefender settings.

2.1.4. Product reports

Product reports contain information about how you use the Bitdefender
product you have installed. This information is essential for improving the
product and can help us offer you a better experience in the future.
Note that these reports contain no confidential data, such as your name or
IP address, and that they are not be used for commercial purposes.
If during the installation process you have chosen to send such reports to
the Bitdefender servers and now would like to stop the process:
1. Click Settings on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. Select the Advanced tab.
3. Turn off Product reports.

2.1.5. Special offers notifications

When promotional offers are available, the Bitdefender product is set up
to notify you through a pop-up window. This gives you the opportunity to
benefit from advantageous prices and keep your devices protected for a
longer period of time.
To turn on or off special offers notifications:
1. Click Settings on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.

Getting Started 17
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

2. In the General window, turn on or off the corresponding switch.

The special offers and product notifications option is enabled by default.

2.2. Bitdefender interface

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus meets the needs of computer beginners and
very technical people alike. Its graphical user interface is designed to suit
each and every category of users.
To go through the Bitdefender interface, an introduction wizard containing
details on how to interact with the product and how to configure it is
displayed on the upper left side. Select the right angle bracket to continue
being guided, or Skip tour to close the wizard.
The Bitdefender system tray icon is available at any time, no matter
whether you want to open the main window, run a product update, or view
information about the installed version.
The main window gives you information about your security status.
Based on your device usage and needs, Autopilot displays here different
types of recommendations to help you improve your device security and
performance. Moreover, you can add quick actions that you use the most,
so that you can have them at hand whenever you need.
From the navigation menu on the left side you can access the settings
area, notifications and the Bitdefender sections for detailed configuration
and advanced administrative tasks.
From the upper part of the main interface, you can access your Bitdefender
account. Also, you can contact us for support in case you have questions
or something unexpected appears.

2.2.1. System tray icon

To manage the entire product more quickly, you can use the Bitdefender
icon in the system tray.

Getting Started 18
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Note
The Bitdefender icon may not be visible at all times. To make the icon
appear permanently:
❍ In Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1
1. Click the arrow in the lower-right corner of the screen.
2. Click Customize... to open the Notification Area Icons window.
3. Select the option Show icons and notifications for the
Bitdefender agent icon.

❍ In Windows 10
1. Right-click the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
2. Scroll down and click the Select which icons appear on the
taskbar link under Notification area.
3. Enable the switch next to Bitdefender agent.

If you double-click this icon, Bitdefender will open. Also, by right-clicking

the icon, a contextual menu will allow you to quickly manage the
Bitdefender product.
❍ Show - opens the main window of Bitdefender.
❍ About - opens a window where you can see information about
Bitdefender, where to look for help in case something unexpected
appears, where to access and view the Subscription Agreement, 3rd
Party Components and Privacy Policy.
❍ Update Now - starts an immediate update. You can follow the update
status in the Update panel of the main Bitdefender window.

The Bitdefender system tray icon informs you when issues affect your
device or how the product operates, by displaying a special symbol, as
follows:

Getting Started 19
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

No issues are affecting the security of your system.

Critical issues are affecting the security of your system. They require
your immediate attention and must be fixed as soon as possible.
If Bitdefender is not working, the system tray icon appears on a gray
background: . This usually happens when the subscription expires. It can
also occur when the Bitdefender services are not responding or when other
errors affect the normal operation of Bitdefender.

2.2.2. Navigation menu

On the left side of the Bitdefender interface is the navigation menu, which
enables you to quickly access the Bitdefender features and tools you need
to handle your product. The tabs available in this area, are:
❍ Dashboard. From here, you can quickly fix security issues, view
recommendations according to your system needs and usage patterns,
perform quick actions and install Bitdefender on other devices.
❍ Protection. From here, you can launch and configure antivirus scans,
access Firewall settings, recover data in case it gets encrypted by a
ransowmware, and configure protection while surfing on the internet.
❍ Privacy. From here, you can create password managers for your
online accounts, protect the access to your webcam from unwanted
eyes, make online payments in a safe environment, open the VPN app,
and protect your children by viewing and restricting their online activity.
❍ Utilities. From here, you can improve the system's speed and
configure the Anti-theft feature for your devices.
❍ Notifications. From here, you have access to the generated
notifications.
❍ Settings. From here, you have access to general settings.
❍ Support. From here, whenever you need assistance in solving a
situation with your Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, you can contact the
Bitdefender Technical Support department.
❍ My Account. From here, you can access your Bitdefender account to
verify your subscriptions and perform security tasks on the devices you
manage. Details about the Bitdefender account and in use subscription
are available as well.

Getting Started 20
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

2.2.3. Dashboard
The Dashboard window allows you to perform common tasks, quickly fix
security issues, view information about product operation and access the
panels from where you configure the product settings.
Everything is just a few clicks away.
The window is organized in three main areas:
Security status area
This is where you can check your device's security status.
Autopilot
This is where you can check the Autopilot recommendations to ensure
proper functionality of the system.
Quick actions
This is where you can run different tasks to keep your system protected
and running at optimal speed. You can also install Bitdefender on other
devices provided that your subscription has enough available slots.

Security status area

Bitdefender uses an issue tracking system to detect and inform you about
the issues that may affect the security of your device and data. Detected
issues include important protection settings that are turned off and other
conditions that can represent a security risk.
Whenever issues are affecting the security of your device, the status that
appears on the upper side of the Bitdefender interface changes into red.
The displayed status indicates the nature of issues affecting your system.
Also, the system tray icon changes into and if you move the mouse
cursor over the icon, a pop-up will confirm the existence of pending issues.
As the detected issues may prevent Bitdefender from protecting you
against threats or represent a major security risk, we recommend you to
pay attention and fix them as soon as possible. To fix an issue, click the
button next to the detected issue.

Autopilot
To offer you an effective operation and increased protection while carrying
out different activities, Bitdefender Autopilot will act as your personal

Getting Started 21
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

security advisor. Depending on the activity you perform, either you work,
make online payments, watch movies, or play games Bitdefender Autopilot
will come up with contextual recommendations based on your device
usage and needs.
The proposed recommendations may also be related to actions that you
need to perform to keep your product working at its full capacity.
To start using a suggested feature or make improvements into your
product, click the corresponding button.
Turning off Autopilot notifications
To bring your attention to the Autopilot recommendations, the Bitdefender
product is set up to notify you through a pop-up window.
To turn off the Autopilot notifications:
1. Click Settings on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the General window, turn off Recommendation notifications.

Quick actions
Using quick actions you can quickly launch tasks that you consider
important for keeping your system protected and running at optimal speed.
By default, Bitdefender comes with some quick actions that can be
replaced with the ones you know you mostly use. To replace a quick action:
1. Click the icon in the upper-right corner of the card you want to
remove.
2. Point the task you want to add to the main interface, and then click
ADD.
The tasks you can add to the main interface, are:
❍ Quick Scan. Run a quick scan to promptly detect the possible threats
that may be present on your device.
❍ System Scan. Run a system scan to make sure your device is clean of
threats.
❍ Vulnerability Scan. Scan your device for vulnerabilities to make sure
that all installed apps, along with the Operating System, are updated
and properly functioning.

Getting Started 22
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

❍ Wi-Fi Security Advisor. Open the Wi-Fi Security Advisor window inside
the Vulnerability module.
❍ Open Safepay. Open Bitdefender Safepay™ to protect your sensitive
data while performing online transactions.
❍ Open VPN. Open Bitdefender VPN to add an extra layer of protection
while connected to the internet.
❍ File Shredder. Launch the File Shredder tool to remove traces of
sensitive data from your device.
❍ Open OneClick Optimizer. Free disk space, fix registry errors, and
protect your privacy by deleting files that may no longer be useful with a
single click of a button.
To start protecting additional devices with Bitdefender:
1. Click Install on another device.
A new window appears on your screen.
2. Click SHARE DOWNLOAD LINK.
3. Follow the on-screen steps to install Bitdefender.
Depending on your choice, the following Bitdefender products will be
installed:
❍ Bitdefender Antivirus Plus on Windows-based devices.
❍ Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac on macOS-based devices.
❍ Bitdefender Mobile Security on Android-based devices.
❍ Bitdefender Mobile Security on iOS-based devices.

2.2.4. The Bitdefender sections

The Bitdefender product comes with three sections divided into useful
features to help you stay protected while you work, surf the web or perform
online payments, improve the speed of your system and many more.
Whenever you want to access the features for a specific section or to
start configuring your product, access the following icons located on the
navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface:
❍ Protection
❍ Privacy

Getting Started 23
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

❍ Utilities

Protection
In the Protection section you can configure your advanced security
settings, manage friends and spammers, view and edit the network
connection settings, set up the Online Threat Prevention features, check
and fix potential system vulnerabilities and assess the security of the
wireless networks you connect to.
The features you can manage in the Protection section are:
ANTIVIRUS
Antivirus protection is the foundation of your security. Bitdefender protects
you in real-time and on-demand against all sorts of threats, such as
malware, trojans, spyware, adware, etc.
From the Antivirus feature you can easily access the following scan tasks:
❍ Quick Scan
❍ System Scan
❍ Manage Scans
❍ Rescue Environment
For more information about scan tasks and how to configure antivirus
protection, refer to Antivirus protection (page 44).
ONLINE THREAT PREVENTION
Online Threat Prevention helps you to stay protected against phishing
attacks, fraud attempts and private data leaks, while surfing on the
internet.
For more information about how to configure Bitdefender to protect your
web activity, refer to Online Threat Prevention (page 64).
FIREWALL
The firewall protects you while you are connected to networks and the
internet by filtering all connection attempts.
For more information about firewall configuration, refer to Firewall.
ADVANCED THREAT DEFENSE
Advanced Threat Defense actively protects your system against threats
such as ransomware, spyware and trojans by analyzing the behavior of all

Getting Started 24
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

installed apps. Suspicious processes are identified and, when necessary,

blocked.
For more information about how to keep your system protected from
threats, refer to Advanced Threat Defense (page 62).
ANTISPAM
The Bitdefender antispam feature ensures your Inbox stays free of
unwanted emails by filtering POP3 mail traffic.
For more information about the antispam protection, refer to Antispam.
VULNERABILITY
The Vulnerability module helps you keep the operating system and the
apps you regularly use up to date and to identify the insecure wireless
networks you connect to. Click Open in the Vulnerability module to acces
its features.
The Vulnerability Scan feature allows you to identify critical Windows
updates, app updates, weak passwords belonging to Windows accounts
and wireless networks that are not secure. Click Start Scan to perform a
scan on your device.
Click on Wi-Fi Security Advisor to view the list of the wireless networks
you connect to, along with our reputation assessment for each of them and
the actions you can take to stay safe from potential snoops.
For more information on configuring vulnerability protection, refer to
Vulnerability (page 66).
RANSOMWARE REMEDIATION
The Ransomware Remediation feature helps you recover files in case they
get encrypted by ransomware.
For more information about how to recover encrypted files, refer to
Ransomware Remediation (page 74).

Privacy
In the Privacy section you can open the Bitdefender VPN app, encrypt
your private data, protect your online transactions, keep your webcam
and browsing experience secure, and protect your children by viewing and
restricting their online activity.
The features you can manage in the Privacy section are:

Getting Started 25
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

VPN
VPN secures your online activity and hides your IP address each time you
connect to unsecured wireless networks while in airports, malls, cafés, or
hotels. Additional, you can access content that normally is restricted in
certain areas.
For more information about this feature, refer to VPN (page 78).
VIDEO & AUDIO PROTECTION
Video & Audio Protection keeps your webcam out of danger by blocking
the access of untrusted apps and notifies you when apps will try to gain
access to your microphone.
For more information about how to keep your webcam protected from
unwanted access and how to set Bitdefender to notify you about your
microphone activity, refer to Video & Audio Protection.
PASSWORD MANAGER
Bitdefender Password Manager helps you keep track of your passwords,
protects your privacy and provides a secure browsing experience.
SAFEPAY
The Bitdefender Safepay™ browser helps you to keep your online banking,
e-shopping and any other type of online transaction private and secure.
For more information about Bitdefender Safepay™, refer to Safepay
security for online transactions (page 81).
PARENTAL CONTROL
Bitdefender Parental Control allows you to monitor what your children are
doing on their device. In case of inappropriate content you can decide to
restrict his access to the internet or to specific apps.
Click Configure in the Parental Control pane to start configuring your
children's devices and monitor their activity wherever you are.
For more information about configuring Parental Control, refer to Parental
Control.
ANTI-TRACKER
The Anti-tracker feature helps you avoid tracking, so that your data remains
private while you browse online, while also reducing the time it takes for
websites to load.

Getting Started 26
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

For more information about the Anti-tracker feature, refer to Anti-tracker

(page 76).

Utilities
In the Utilities section you can improve the system's speed and manage
your devices.
OneClick Optimizer
Bitdefender Total Security offers not just security, it also helps you keep
your device's performance in shape.
Our OneClick Optimizer will help you find and remove unnecessary files
from your device in one easy step.
For more information about it, refer to OneClick Optimizer.
Anti-Theft
Bitdefender Anti-Theft protects your device and data against theft or loss.
In case of such an event, this allows you to remotely locate or lock your
device. You can also wipe all data present into your system.
Bitdefender Anti-Theft offers the following features:
❍ Remote Locate
❍ Remote Lock
❍ Remote Wipe
❍ Remote Alert
For more information about how you can keep your system away from
wrong hands, refer to Device Anti-Theft.
Data Protection
The Bitdefender File Shredder helps you permanently delete data by
physically removing it from your hard disk.
For more information about it, refer to Data Protection (page 93).
Profiles
Daily job activities, watching movies or playing games may cause system
slow down, especially if they are running simultaneously with Windows
update processes and maintenance tasks.

Getting Started 27
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

With Bitdefender, you can now choose and apply your preferred profile,
which makes system adjustments suited to increase the performance of
specific installed apps.
For more information about this feature, refer to Profiles (page 87).

2.2.5. Change product language

The Bitdefender interface is available in several languages and can be
changed by following these steps:
1. Click Settings on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the General window, click Change Language.
3. Select the desired language from the list, and then click SAVE.
4. Wait a few moments until the settings are applied.

2.3. Bitdefender Central

2.3.1. About Bitdefender Central
Bitdefender Central is the platform where you have access to the product's
online features and services and can remotely perform important tasks on
devices Bitdefender is installed on. You can sign in to your Bitdefender
account from any computer or mobile device connected to the internet by
going to https://central.bitdefender.com, or directly from the Bitdefender
Central app on Android and iOS devices.
To install the Bitdefender Central app on your devices:
❍ On Android - search Bitdefender Central on Google Play, and then
download and install the app. Follow the required steps to complete
the installation.
❍ On iOS - search Bitdefender Central on App Store, and then download
and install the app. Follow the required steps to complete the
installation.
Once you are signed in, you can start doing the following:
❍ Download and install Bitdefender on Windows, macOS, iOS and Android
operating systems. The products available for download are:
❍ The Bitdefender Windows product line

Getting Started 28
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

❍ Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac

❍ Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android
❍ Bitdefender Mobile Security for iOS

❍ Manage and renew your Bitdefender subscriptions.

❍ Add new devices to your network and manage them wherever you are.
❍ Protect the network devices and their data against theft or loss with
Anti-Theft.
❍ Configure Parental Control settings for your children's devices and
monitor their activity wherever you are.

2.3.2. Accessing Bitdefender Central

There are several ways to access Bitdefender Central. Depending on the
task you want to perform, you can use any of the following possibilities:
❍ From the Bitdefender main interface:
1. Click My Account on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender
interface.
2. Click Go to Bitdefender Central.
3. Sign in to your Bitdefender account using your email address and
password.

❍ From your web browser:

1. Open a web browser on any device with internet access.
2. Go to: https://central.bitdefender.com.
3. Sign in to your account using your email address and password.

❍ From your Android or iOS device:

1. Open the Bitdefender Central app you have installed.

Note
In this material we have included the options that you can find on the
web interface.

Getting Started 29
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

2.3.3. 2-Factor Authentication

The 2-Factor Authentication method adds an extra security layer to your
Bitdefender account, by requiring an authentication code in addition to your
sign-in credentials. This way you will prevent account takeover and keep
away types of cyberattacks, such as keyloggers, brute-force or dictionary
attacks.

Enabling 2-Factor Authentication

By enabling 2-Factor Authentication, you will make your Bitdefender
account much more secure. Your identity will be verified each time you
will sign in from different devices, either to install one of the Bitdefender
products, check the status of your subscription or run tasks remotely on
your devices.
To enable 2-Factor Authentication:
1. Access Bitdefender Central.
2. Click the icon in the upper right side of the screen.
3. Click Bitdefender Account in the slide menu.
4. Select the Password and security tab.
5. Click 2-Factor Authentication.
6. Click GET STARTED.
Choose one of the following methods:
❍ Authenticator App - use an authenticator app to generate a code
each time you want sign in to your Bitdefender account.
If you would like to use an authenticator app, but you are not sure
what to choose, a list with the authentication apps we recommend
is available.
a. Click USE AUTHENTICATOR APP to start.
b. To sign in on an Android or iOS-based device, use your device to
scan the QR code.
To sign in on a laptop or computer, you can add manually the
displayed code.
Click CONTINUE.

Getting Started 30
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

c. Insert the code provided by the app, or the one displayed at the
previous step, and then click ACTIVATE.

❍ E-mail - each time you sign in to your Bitdefender account, a

verification code will be sent to your email inbox. Check the email
and then use the code you received.
a. Click USE EMAIL to start.
b. Check your email and type in the provided code.
c. Click ACTIVATE.
d. You are provided with ten activation codes. You can either copy,
download, or print the list and use it in case you lose your email
address or will not be able to sign in. Each code can only be
used once.
e. Click DONE.

In case you want to stop using 2-Factor Authentication:

1. Click TURN OFF 2-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION.
2. Check your app or email account and type in the code you have
received.
In case you have choosen to receive the authentication code via email,
you have five minutes to check your email account and type in the
generated code. If the time expires, you will have to generate a new
code by following the same steps.
3. Confirm your choice.

2.3.4. Adding trusted devices

To make sure that only you can access your Bitdefender account, we might
require a security code first. If you would like to skip this step each time
you connect from the same device, we recommend you to nominate it as a
trusted device.
To add devices as trusted devices:
1. Access Bitdefender Central.
2. Click the icon in the upper right side of the screen.
3. Click Bitdefender Account in the slide menu.

Getting Started 31
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

4. Select the Password and security tab.

5. Click Trusted Devices.
6. The list with the devices Bitdefender is installed on is displayed. Click
the desired device.
You can add as many devices as you want, provided that they have
Bitdefender installed and your subscription is valid.

2.3.5. Activity
In the Activity area you have access to information on the devices that
have Bitdefender installed.
Once you access the Activity window, the following cards are available:
❍ My Devices. Here you can view the number of the connected devices
along with their protection status. To fix issues remotely on the
detected devices, tap Fix issues, and then tap SCAN AND FIX ISSUES.
To view details about the detected issues, tap View issues.
Information about detected threats cannot be retrieved from iOS-
based devices.
❍ Threats blocked. Here you can view a graph showing an overall statistic
including information about the threats blocked in the last 24 hours and
seven days. The displayed information is retrieved depending on the
malicious behavior detected on accessed files, apps and URLs.
❍ Top users with threats blocked. Here you can view a top with the users
were the most threats have been found.
❍ Top devices with threats blocked. Here you can view a top with the
devices were the most threats have been found.

2.3.6. My Subscriptions
The Bitdefender Central platform gives you the possibility to easily manage
the subscriptions you have for all your devices.

Check available subscriptions

To check your available subscriptions:
1. Access Bitdefender Central.
2. Select the My Subscriptions panel.

Getting Started 32
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Here you have information about the availability of the subscriptions you
own and the number of devices using each of them.
You can add a new device to a subscription or renew it by selecting a
subscription card.

Note
You can have one or more subscriptions on your account provided that
they are for different platforms (Windows, macOS, iOS or Android).

Activate subscription
A subscription can be activated during the installation process by using
your Bitdefender account. Together with the activation process, the
subscription's validity starts to count down.
If you have purchased an activation code from one of our resellers or you
received it as a present, then you can add its availability to your Bitdefender
subscription.
To activate a subscription using an activation code, follow these steps:
1. Access Bitdefender Central.
2. Select the My Subscriptions panel.
3. Tap the ACTIVATION CODE button, then type the code in the
corresponding field.
4. Tap ACTIVATE to continue.
The subscription is now activated.

Renew Subscription
If you disabled the automatic renewal of your Bitdefender subscription, you
can manually renew it by following these steps:
1. Access Bitdefender Central.
2. Select the My Subscriptions panel.
3. Select the desired subscription card.
4. Tap RENEW to continue.
A webpage opens in your web browser where you can renew your
Bitdefender subscription.

Getting Started 33
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

2.3.7. My Devices
The My Devices area in your Bitdefender account gives you the possibility
to install, manage and take remote actions on your Bitdefender product on
any device, provided that it is turned on and connected to the internet. The
device cards display the device name, protection status and if there are
security risks affecting the protection of your devices.

Adding a new device

If your subscription covers more than one device, you can add a new
device and install your Bitdefender Antivirus Plus on it, as follows:
1. Access Bitdefender Central.
2. Select the My Devices panel, and then tap INSTALL PROTECTION.
3. Choose one of the two available options:
❍ Protect this device
Select this option, and then select the owner of the device. If the
device belongs to someone else, tap the corresponding button.
❍ Protect other devices
Select this option, and then select the owner of the device. If the
device belongs to someone else, tap the corresponding button.
Tap SEND DOWNLOAD LINK. Type an email address in the
corresponding field, and tap SEND EMAIL. Note that the generated
download link is valid for the next 24 hours only. If the link expires,
you will have to generate a new one by following the same steps.
On the device you want to install your Bitdefender product, check
the email account that you typed in, and then tap the corresponding
download button.

4. Wait for the download to complete, and then run the installer.

Customize your device

To easily identify your devices, you can customize the device name:
1. Access Bitdefender Central.
2. Select the My Devices panel.

Getting Started 34
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

3. Tap the desired device card, and then the icon in the upper-right
corner of the screen.
4. Select Settings.
5. Type in a new name in the Device name field, then tap SAVE.
You can create and assign an owner to each of your devices for better
management:
1. Access Bitdefender Central.
2. Select the My Devices panel.
3. Tap the desired device card, and then the icon in the upper-right
corner of the screen.
4. Select Profile.
5. Tap Add owner, then fill in the corresponding fields. Customize the
profile by adding a photo, selecting a date of birth, and adding an email
address and a phone number.
6. Tap ADD to save the profile.
7. Select the desired owner from the Device owner list, then tap ASSIGN.

Remote actions
To remotely update Bitdefender on a device:
1. Access Bitdefender Central.
2. Select the My Devices panel.
3. Tap the desired device card, and then the icon in the upper-right
corner of the screen.
4. Select Update.
For more remote actions and information regarding your Bitdefender
product on a specific device, tap the desired device card.
Once you tap on a device card, the following tabs are available:
❍ Dashboard. In this window you can view details about the selected
device, check its protection status, the status of Bitdefender VPN and
how many threats have been blocked in the last seven days. The
protection status can be green, when there is no issue affecting your
device, yellow when the device needs your attention or red when the

Getting Started 35
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

device is at risk. When there are issues affecting your device, tap the
drop-down arrow in the upper status area to find out more details.
❍ Protection. From this window you can remotely run a Quick or a System
Scan on your devices. Tap the SCAN button to start the process. You
can also check when the last scan was performed on the device and
a report of the latest scan with the most important information is
available.
❍ Optimizer. Here you can remotely improve a device’s performance by
rapidly scanning, detecting and cleaning useless files. Tap the START
button, and then select the areas you want to optimize. Tap again the
START button to begin the optimization process. Tap More details to
access a detailed report about the fixed issues.
❍ Anti-Theft. In case of misplacement, theft or loss, with the Anti-Theft
feature you can locate your device and take remote actions. Tap
LOCATE to find out the position of the device. The last known position
will be displayed, along with the time and date.
❍ Vulnerability. To check a device for any vulnerabilities such as missing
Windows updates, outdated apps, or weak passwords tap the SCAN
button in the Vulnerability tab. Vulnerabilities cannot be fixed remotely.
In case any vulnerability is found, you need to run a new scan on the
device and then take the recommended actions. Tap More details to
access a detailed report about the found issues.

Getting Started 36
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

2.3.8. Notifications
To help you stay informed about what is happening on the devices
associated to your account, the icon is at hand. Once you tap it you
have an overall image consisting of information about the activity of the
Bitdefender products installed on your devices.

2.4. Keeping Bitdefender up-to-date

New threats are found and identified every day. This is why it is very
important to keep Bitdefender up to date with the latest threat information
database.
If you are connected to the internet through broadband or DSL, Bitdefender
takes care of this itself. By default, it checks for updates when you turn
on your device and every hour after that. If an update is detected, it is
automatically downloaded and installed on your device.
The update process is performed on the fly, meaning that the files to be
updated are replaced progressively. This way, the update process will not
affect product operation and, at the same time, any vulnerability will be
excepted.

Important
To be protected against the latest threats keep Automatic Update turned
on.
In some particular situations, your intervention is required to keep your
Bitdefender protection up-to-date:
❍ If your device connects to the internet through a proxy server, you must
configure the proxy settings as described in .
❍ If you are connected to the internet through a dial-up connection, then
it is recommended to regularly update Bitdefender by user request. For
more information, refer to .

2.4.1. Checking if Bitdefender is up-to-date

To check the time of the last update of your Bitdefender:
1. Click Notifications on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender
interface.
2. In the All tab, select the notification regarding the latest update.

Getting Started 37
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

You can find out when updates were initiated and information about
them (whether they were successful or not, if they require a restart to
complete the installation). If required, restart the system at your earliest
convenience.

2.4.2. Performing an update

To perform updates, an internet connection is required.
To start an update, right-click the Bitdefender icon in the system tray,
and then select Update Now.
The Update feature will connect to the Bitdefender update server and it will
check for updates. If an update is detected, you will be asked to confirm
it or the update will be performed automatically, depending on the update
settings.

Important
It may be necessary to restart the device when you have completed the
update. We recommend doing it as soon as possible.
You can also perform updates remotely on your devices, provided that they
are turned on and connected to the internet.
To remotely update Bitdefender on a Windows device:
1. Access Bitdefender Central.
2. Select the My Devices panel.
3. Click the desired device card, and then the icon in the upper-right
corner of the screen.
4. Select Update.

2.4.3. Turning on or off automatic update

To turn on or off automatic update:
1. Click Settings on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. Select the Update tab.
3. Turn on or off the corresponding switch.
4. A warning window appears. You must confirm your choice by selecting
from the menu how long you want the automatic update to be disabled.

Getting Started 38
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

You can disable the automatic update for 5, 15 or 30 minutes, for an

hour or until a system restart.

Warning
This is a critical security issue. We recommend you to disable automatic
update for as little time as possible. If Bitdefender is not updated
regularly, it will not be able to protect you against the latest threats.

2.4.4. Adjusting update settings

The updates can be performed from the local network, over the internet,
directly or through a proxy server. By default, Bitdefender will check for
updates every hour, over the internet, and install the available updates
without alerting you.
The default update settings are suited for most users and you do not
normally need to change them.
To adjust the update settings:
1. Click Settings on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. Select the Update tab and adjust the settings according to your
preferences.

Update frequency
Bitdefender is configured to check for updates every hour. To change the
update frequency, drag the slider along the scale to set the desired period
of time when the update should occur.

Update processing rules

Every time an update is available, Bitdefender will automatically download
and implement the update without showing notifications. Turn off the
Silent update option if you want to be notified each time a new update
is available.
Some updates require a restart to complete the installation.
By default, if an update requires a restart, Bitdefender will keep working
with the old files until the user voluntarily restarts the device. This is to
prevent the Bitdefender update process from interfering with the user's
work.

Getting Started 39
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

If you want to be prompted when an update requires a restart, turn on

Restart notification.

2.4.5. Continuous updates

To make sure that you are using the latest version, your Bitdefender
automatically checks for product updates. These updates may bring new
features and improvements, fix product issues, or automatically upgrade
you to a new version. When the new Bitdefender version comes via update,
customized settings are saved, and the uninstall and reinstall procedure is
skipped.
These updates require a system restart to initiate the installation of new
files. When a product update is completed, a pop-up window will inform
you to restart the system. If you miss this notification, you can either click
RESTART NOW in the Notifications window where the most recent update
is mentioned, or manually restart the system.

Note
The updates including new features and improvements will be delivered
only to users who have Bitdefender 2020 installed.

2.5. Smart voice assistance

If you use the Amazon Alexa smart-speaker or the Google Assistant app,
you can initiate voice commands to run a set of tasks or check information
on the devices that have Bitdefender installed. Thus, you can perform
scanning and optimization tasks, pause the internet on the connected
devices, check the status of your current subscription, or check your
children's locations or online activities. To view the complete list of the
voice commands that you can initiate, refer to Voice commands to interact
with Bitdefender (page 42).

2.5.1. Setting voice commands

The Bitdefender voice commands can be configured for:
❍ Google Home app on
❍ Android 5.0 and up
❍ iOS 10.0 and up
❍ Chromebooks

Getting Started 40
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

❍ Amazon Alexa app on

❍ Echo
❍ Echo Dot
❍ Echo Show
❍ Echo Spot
❍ Fire TV Cube

Setting up Amazon Alexa voice commands for Bitdefender

To set up the Bitdefender voice commands on Amazon Alexa:
1. Open the Amazon Alexa app.
2. Tap the Menu icon, and then go to Skills.
3. Search for Bitdefender.
4. Tap Bitdefender and then tap ENABLE.
5. You are prompted to sign in to your Bitdefender account.
Type your username and your password, and then tap SIGN IN.
As soon as the synchronization of Bitdefender with your Amazon Alexa
is done, you are introduced into the voice commands you can use to
initiate tasks or check information about the devices that have Bitdefender
installed.
Whenever you need the assistant to give you the list of all available voice
commands or skills, say HELP ME.

Setting up Google Home voice commands for Bitdefender

To set up the voice commands on Google Home:
1. Open the Google Home app.
2. Tap Menu in the top left corner of the Home screen, and then tap
Explore.
3. Search for Bitdefender.
4. Tap Bitdefender, and then tap Link.
5. You are prompted to sign in to your Bitdefender account.
Type your username and your password, and then tap SIGN IN.

Getting Started 41
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

As soon as the synchronization of Bitdefender with Google Home is done,

you are introduced into the voice commands you can use to initiate tasks
or check information about the devices that have Bitdefender installed.
Whenever you need the assistant to give you the list of all available voice
commands or skills, say HELP ME.

2.5.2. Voice commands to interact with Bitdefender

To open the Bitdefender voice commands:
❍ On Amazon Alexa: Alexa, open Bitdefender
❍ On Google Home: OK, Google, talk with Bitdefender
To launch the Bitdefender voice commands:
❍ On Amazon Alexa: Alexa, ask Bitdefender
❍ On Google Home: OK, Google, ask Bitdefender
The questions and tasks you can initiate once the Bitdefender assistant is
open, are:
❍ How is my activity today?
❍ What is my subscription status?
❍ Optimize my devices. (This command will launch OneClick Optimizer on
the connected Windows-based devices).
❍ Run a quick scan on my [device type]. (As device type you can say
laptop, computer, phone or tablet).
If you have Parental Control configured on your children's devices, the
questions and tasks you can initiate once the Bitdefender assistant is
open, are:
❍ Pause the internet connection for [profile name].
❍ Resume the internet connection for [profile name].
❍ Locate my child.
❍ Where is my child?
❍ How much time did my child spend on his devices?
❍ How much time did my child spend on Facebook today?
❍ How much time did my child spend on Instagram today?

Getting Started 42
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

If you have more Parental Control profiles, you can say your child's name in
the command. For example, Locate Jennifer.

Getting Started 43
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

3. MANAGING YOUR SECURITY

3.1. Antivirus protection

Bitdefender protects your device from all kinds of threats (malware,
Trojans, spyware, rootkits and so on). The protection Bitdefender offers
is divided into two categories:
❍ On-access scanning - prevents new threats from entering your system.
Bitdefender will, for example, scan a word document for known threats
when you open it, and an email message when you receive one.
On-access scanning ensures real-time protection against threats, being
an essential component of any computer security program.

Important
To prevent threats from infecting your device, keep on-access
scanning enabled.

❍ On-demand scanning - allows detecting and removing the threat that

already resides in the system. This is the classic scan initiated by the
user - you choose what drive, folder or file Bitdefender should scan, and
Bitdefender scans it - on-demand.
Bitdefender automatically scans any removable media that is connected to
the device to make sure it can be safely accessed. For more information,
refer to Automatic scan of removable media (page 57).
Advanced users can configure scan exceptions if they do not want specific
files or file types to be scanned. For more information, refer to Configuring
scan exceptions (page 59).
When it detects a threat, Bitdefender will automatically attempt to remove
the malicious code from the infected file and reconstruct the original
file. This operation is referred to as disinfection. Files that cannot be
disinfected are moved to quarantine to contain the infection. For more
information, refer to Managing quarantined files (page 61).
If your device has been infected with threats, refer to Removing threats
from your system (page 132). To help you clean your device of threats
that cannot be removed from within the Windows operating system,
Bitdefender provides you with Rescue Environment (page 132). This is a
trusted environment, especially designed for threat removal, which enables

Managing your Security 44

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

you to boot your device independent of Windows. When the device runs
in Rescue Environment, Windows threats are inactive, making it easy to
remove them.

3.1.1. On-access scanning (real-time protection)

Bitdefender provides real-time protection against a wide range of threats
by scanning all accessed files and email messages.

Turning on or off real-time protection

To turn on or off real-time protection against threats:
1. Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the ANTIVIRUS pane, click Open.
3. In the Advanced window, turn on or off Bitdefender Shield.
4. If you want to disable real-time protection, a warning window appears.
You must confirm your choice by selecting from the menu how long
you want the real-time protection to be disabled. You can disable real-
time protection for 5, 15 or 30 minutes, for an hour, permanently or
until a system restart. The real-time protection will automatically turn
on when the selected time will expire.

Warning
This is a critical security issue. We recommend you to disable real-
time protection for as little time as possible. If real-time protection is
disabled, you will not be protected against threats.

Configuring the real-time protection advanced settings

Advanced users might want to take advantage of the scan settings
Bitdefender offers. You can configure the real-time protection settings in
detail by creating a custom protection level.
To configure the real-time protection advanced settings:
1. Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the ANTIVIRUS pane, click Open.
3. In the Advanced window, you can configure the scan settings as
needed.

Managing your Security 45

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Information on the scan options

You may find this information useful:
❍ Scan only applications. You can set Bitdefender to scan only accessed
apps.
❍ Scan potentially unwanted applications. Select this option to scan
for unwanted applications. A potentially unwanted application (PUA)
or potentially unwanted program (PUP) is a software that usually
comes bundled with freeware software and will display pop-ups or
install a toolbar in the default browser. Some of them will change the
homepage or the search engine, others will run several processes in the
background slowing down the PC or will display numerous ads. These
programs can be installed without your consent (also called adware) or
will be included by default in the express installation kit (ad-supported).
❍ Scan scripts. The Scan scripts feature allows Bitdefender to scan
powershell scripts and office documents that could contain script-
based malware.
❍ Scan network shares. To safely access a remote network from your
device, we recommend you to keep the Scan network shares option
enabled.
❍ Scan process memory. Scans for malicious activity in the memory of
running processes.
❍ Scan command line. Scans the command line of newly launched
applications to prevent fileless attacks.
❍ Scan archives. Scanning inside archives is a slow and resource-
intensive process, which is therefore not recommended for real-time
protection. Archives containing infected files are not an immediate
threat to the security of your system. The threat can affect your system
only if the infected file is extracted from the archive and executed
without having real-time protection enabled.
If you decide on using this option, turn it on, and then drag the slider
along the scale to exclude from scanning archives that are bigger than
a given value in MB (Megabytes).
❍ Scan boot sectors. You can set Bitdefender to scan the boot sectors
of your hard disk. This sector of the hard disk contains the necessary
computer code to start the boot process. When a threat infects the

Managing your Security 46

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

boot sector, the drive may become inaccessible and you may not be
able to start your system and access your data.
❍ Scan only new and modified files. By scanning only new and modified
files, you may greatly improve overall system responsiveness with a
minimum trade-off in security.
❍ Scan keyloggers. Select this option to scan your system for keylogger
apps. Keyloggers record what you type on your keyboard and send
reports over the internet to a malicious person (hacker). The hacker
can find out sensitive information from the stolen data, such as bank
account numbers and passwords, and use it to gain personal benefits.
❍ Early boot scan. Select the Early boot scan option to scan your system
at startup as soon as all its critical services are loaded. The mission
of this feature is to improve threat detection at system startup and the
boot time of your system.

Actions taken on detected threats

You can configure the actions taken by the real-time protection by
following these steps:
1. Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the ANTIVIRUS pane, click Open.
3. In the Advanced window, scroll down on the window until you see the
Threat actions option.
4. Configure the scan settings as needed.
The following actions can be taken by the real-time protection in
Bitdefender:
Take proper action
Bitdefender will take the recommended actions depending on the type of
detected file:
❍ Infected files. Files detected as infected match a piece of threat
information found in the Bitdefender Threat Information Database.
Bitdefender will automatically attempt to remove the malicious code
from the infected file and reconstruct the original file. This operation is
referred to as disinfection.
Files that cannot be disinfected are moved to quarantine to contain the
infection. Quarantined files cannot be executed or opened; therefore,

Managing your Security 47

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

the risk of getting infected disappears. For more information, refer to

Managing quarantined files (page 61).

Important
For particular types of threats, disinfection is not possible because
the detected file is entirely malicious. In such cases, the infected file
is deleted from the disk.

❍ Suspicious files. Files are detected as suspicious by the heuristic

analysis. Suspicious files cannot be disinfected, because no
disinfection routine is available. They will be moved to quarantine to
prevent a potential infection.
By default, quarantined files are automatically sent to Bitdefender
Labs to be analyzed by the Bitdefender threat researchers. If a threat
presence is confirmed, a threat information update is released to allow
removing the threat.
❍ Archives containing infected files.
❍ Archives that contain only infected files are deleted automatically.
❍ If an archive contains both infected and clean files, Bitdefender will
attempt to delete the infected files provided it can reconstruct the
archive with the clean files. If archive reconstruction is not possible,
you will be informed that no action can be taken so as to avoid
losing clean files.

Move to quarantine
Moves detected files to quarantine. Quarantined files cannot be executed
or opened; therefore, the risk of getting infected disappears. For more
information, refer to Managing quarantined files (page 61).
Deny access
In case an infected file is detected, the access to this will be denied.

Restoring the default settings

The default real-time protection settings ensure good protection against
threats, with minor impact on system performance.
To restore the default real-time protection settings:
1. Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.

Managing your Security 48

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

2. In the ANTIVIRUS pane, click Open.

3. In the Advanced window, scroll down on the window until your see the
Reset advanced settings option. Select this option to reset the antivirus
settings to default.

3.1.2. On-demand scanning

The main objective for Bitdefender is to keep your device clean of threats.
This is done by keeping new threats out of your device and by scanning
your email messages and any new files downloaded or copied to your
system.
There is a risk that a threat is already lodged in your system, before
you even install Bitdefender. This is why it's a very good idea to scan
your device for resident threats after you've installed Bitdefender. And it's
definitely a good idea to frequently scan your device for threats.
On-demand scanning is based on scan tasks. Scan tasks specify the
scanning options and the objects to be scanned. You can scan the device
whenever you want by running the default tasks or your own scan tasks
(user-defined tasks). If you want to scan specific locations on your device
or to configure the scan options, configure and run a custom scan.

Scanning a file or folder for threats

You should scan files and folders whenever you suspect they might be
infected. Right-click the file or folder you want to be scanned, point to
Bitdefender and select Scan with Bitdefender. The Antivirus Scan wizard
will appear and guide you through the scanning process. At the end of
the scan, you will be prompted to choose the actions to be taken on the
detected files, if any.

Running a Quick Scan

Quick Scan uses in-the-cloud scanning to detect threats running in your
system. Running a Quick Scan usually takes less than a minute and uses a
fraction of the system resources needed by a regular antivirus scan.
To run a Quick Scan:
1. Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the ANTIVIRUS pane, click Open.

Managing your Security 49

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

3. In the Scans windows, click the Run Scan button next to Quick Scan.
4. Follow the Antivirus Scan wizard to complete the scan. Bitdefender will
automatically take the recommended actions on detected files. If there
remain unresolved threats, you will be prompted to choose the actions
to be taken on them.

Running a System Scan

The System Scan task scans the entire device for all types of threats
endangering its security, such as malware, spyware, adware, rootkits and
others.

Note
Because System Scan performs a thorough scan of the entire system,
the scan may take a while. Therefore, it is recommended to run this task
when you are not using your device.
Before running a System Scan, the following are recommended:
❍ Make sure Bitdefender is up-to-date with its threat information
database. Scanning your device using an outdated threat information
database may prevent Bitdefender from detecting new threats found
since the last update. For more information, refer to Keeping
Bitdefender up-to-date (page 37).
❍ Shut down all open programs.
If you want to scan specific locations on your device or to configure the
scanning options, configure and run a custom scan. For more information,
refer to Configuring a custom scan (page 51).
To run a System Scan:
1. Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the ANTIVIRUS pane, click Open.
3. In the Scans windows, click the Run Scan button next to System Scan.
4. The first time you run a System Scan, you are introduced into the
feature. Click Ok, got it to continue.
5. Follow the Antivirus Scan wizard to complete the scan. Bitdefender will
automatically take the recommended actions on detected files. If there
remain unresolved threats, you will be prompted to choose the actions
to be taken on them.

Managing your Security 50

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Configuring a custom scan

In the Manage Scans window, you can set up Bitdefender to run scans
whenever you consider that your device needs a check for potential
threats. You can choose to schedule a System Scan or a Quick Scan, or
you can create a custom scan at your convenience.
To configure a new custom scan in detail:
1. Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the ANTIVIRUS pane, click Open.
3. In the Scans windows, click +Create scan.
4. In the Task Name field, type a name for the scan, then select the
locations you would like to be scanned, and then click Next.
5. Configure these general options:
❍ Scan only applications. You can set Bitdefender to scan only
accessed apps.
❍ Scan task priority. You can choose the impact a scan process
should have on your system performance.
❍ Auto - The priority of the scan process will depend on the system
activity. To make sure that the scan process will not affect
the system activity, Bitdefender will decide whether the scan
process should be run with high or low priority.
❍ High - The priority of the scan process will be high. By choosing
this option, you will allow other programs to run slower and
decrease the time needed for the scan process to finish.
❍ Low - The priority of the scan process will be low. By choosing
this option, you will allow other programs to run faster and
increase the time needed for the scan process to finish.

❍ Post scan actions. Choose what action Bitdefender should take in

case no threats are found:
❍ Show Summary window
❍ Shutdown device
❍ Close Scan window

Managing your Security 51

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

6. If you want to configure the scanning options in detail, click Show

advanced options. You can find information about the listed scans at
the end of this section.
Click Next.
7. You can enable Schedule scan task if you wish, and then choose when
the custom scan you created should start.
❍ At system startup
❍ Daily
❍ Monthly
❍ Weekly
If you choose Daily, Monthly, or Weekly, drag the slider along the scale
to set the desired period of time when the scheduled scan should start.
8. Click Save to save the settings and close the configuration window.
Depending on the locations to be scanned, the scan may take a while. If
threats will be found during the scanning process, you will be prompted
to choose the actions to be taken on the detected files.

Information on the scan options

You may find this information useful:
❍ If you are not familiar with some of the terms, check them in the
glossary. You can also find useful information by searching the internet.
❍ Scan potentially unwanted applications. Select this option to scan
for unwanted applications. A potentially unwanted application (PUA)
or potentially unwanted program (PUP) is a software that usually
comes bundled with freeware software and will display pop-ups or
install a toolbar in the default browser. Some of them will change the
homepage or the search engine, others will run several processes in the
background slowing down the PC or will display numerous ads. These
programs can be installed without your consent (also called adware) or
will be included by default in the express installation kit (ad-supported).
❍ Scan archives. Archives containing infected files are not an immediate
threat to the security of your system. The threat can affect your
system only if the infected file is extracted from the archive and
executed without having real-time protection enabled. However, it is
recommended to use this option to detect and remove any potential
threat, even if it is not an immediate threat.

Managing your Security 52

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Drag the slider along the scale to exclude from scanning archives that
are bigger than a given value in MB (Megabytes).

Note
Scanning archived files increases the overall scanning time and
requires more system resources.

❍ Scan only new and modified files. By scanning only new and modified
files, you may greatly improve overall system responsiveness with a
minimum trade-off in security.
❍ Scan boot sectors. You can set Bitdefender to scan the boot sectors
of your hard disk. This sector of the hard disk contains the necessary
computer code to start the boot process. When a threat infects the
boot sector, the drive may become inaccessible and you may not be
able to start your system and access your data.
❍ Scan memory. Select this option to scan programs running in your
system's memory.
❍ Scan registry. Select this option to scan registry keys. Windows
Registry is a database that stores configuration settings and options
for the Windows operating system components, as well as for installed
apps.
❍ Scan cookies. Select this option to scan the cookies stored by
browsers on your device.
❍ Scan keyloggers. Select this option to scan your system for keylogger
apps. Keyloggers record what you type on your keyboard and send
reports over the internet to a malicious person (hacker). The hacker
can find out sensitive information from the stolen data, such as bank
account numbers and passwords, and use it to gain personal benefits.

Antivirus Scan Wizard

Whenever you initiate an on-demand scan (for example, right-click a folder,
point to Bitdefender and select Scan with Bitdefender), the Bitdefender
Antivirus Scan wizard will appear. Follow the wizard to complete the
scanning process.

Managing your Security 53

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Note
If the scan wizard does not appear, the scan may be configured to run
silently, in the background. Look for the scan progress icon in the
system tray. You can click this icon to open the scan window and to see
the scan progress.

Step 1 - Perform scan

Bitdefender will start scanning the selected objects. You can see real-time
information about the scan status and statistics (including the elapsed
time, an estimation of the remaining time and the number of detected
threats).
Wait for Bitdefender to finish scanning. The scanning process may take a
while, depending on the complexity of the scan.
Stopping or pausing the scan. You can stop scanning anytime you want
by clicking STOP. You will go directly to the last step of the wizard. To
temporarily stop the scanning process, just click PAUSE. You will have to
click RESUME to resume scanning.
Password-protected archives. When a password-protected archive is
detected, depending on the scan settings, you may be prompted to provide
the password. Password-protected archives cannot be scanned unless you
provide the password. The following options are available:
❍ Password. If you want Bitdefender to scan the archive, select this
option and type the password. If you do not know the password, choose
one of the other options.
❍ Don't ask for a password and skip this object from scan. Select this
option to skip scanning this archive.
❍ Skip all password-protected items without scanning them. Select this
option if you do not want to be bothered about password-protected
archives. Bitdefender will not be able to scan them, but a record will be
kept in the scan log.
Choose the desired option and click OK to continue scanning.

Step 2 - Choose actions

At the end of the scan, you will be prompted to choose the actions to be
taken on the detected files, if any.

Managing your Security 54

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Note
When you run a quick scan or a system scan, Bitdefender will
automatically take the recommended actions on detected files during
the scan. If there remain unresolved threats, you will be prompted to
choose the actions to be taken on them.
The infected objects are displayed in groups, based on the threats they
are infected with. Click the link corresponding to a threat to find out more
information about the infected objects.
You can choose an overall action to be taken for all issues or you can
select separate actions for each group of issues. One or several of the
following options can appear on the menu:
Take proper actions
Bitdefender will take the recommended actions depending on the type of
detected file:
❍ Infected files. Files detected as infected match a piece of threat
information found in the Bitdefender Threat Information Database.
Bitdefender will automatically attempt to remove the malicious code
from the infected file and reconstruct the original file. This operation is
referred to as disinfection.
Files that cannot be disinfected are moved to quarantine to contain the
infection. Quarantined files cannot be executed or opened; therefore,
the risk of getting infected disappears. For more information, refer to
Managing quarantined files (page 61).

Important
For particular types of threats, disinfection is not possible because
the detected file is entirely malicious. In such cases, the infected file
is deleted from the disk.

❍ Suspicious files. Files are detected as suspicious by the heuristic

analysis. Suspicious files cannot be disinfected, because no
disinfection routine is available. They will be moved to quarantine to
prevent a potential infection.
By default, quarantined files are automatically sent to Bitdefender
Labs to be analyzed by the Bitdefender threat researchers. If a threat
presence is confirmed, an information update is released to allow
removing the threat.

Managing your Security 55

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

❍ Archives containing infected files.

❍ Archives that contain only infected files are deleted automatically.
❍ If an archive contains both infected and clean files, Bitdefender will
attempt to delete the infected files provided it can reconstruct the
archive with the clean files. If archive reconstruction is not possible,
you will be informed that no action can be taken so as to avoid
losing clean files.

Delete
Removes detected files from the disk.
If infected files are stored in an archive together with clean files,
Bitdefender will attempt to delete the infected files and reconstruct the
archive with the clean files. If archive reconstruction is not possible, you
will be informed that no action can be taken so as to avoid losing clean
files.
Take no action
No action will be taken on the detected files. After the scan is completed,
you can open the scan log to view information on these files.
Click Continue to apply the specified actions.

Step 3 - Summary
When Bitdefender finishes fixing the issues, the scan results will appear
in a new window. If you want comprehensive information on the scanning
process, click SHOW LOG to view the scan log.

Important
In most cases Bitdefender successfully disinfects the infected files it
detects or it isolates the infection. However, there are issues that cannot
be solved automatically. If required, restart your system to complete
the cleaning process. For more information and instructions on how to
remove a threat manually, refer to Removing threats from your system
(page 132).

3.1.3. Checking scan logs

Each time a scan is performed, a scan log is created and Bitdefender
records the detected issues in the Antivirus window. The scan log contains
detailed information about the logged scanning process, such as scanning

Managing your Security 56

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

options, the scanning target, the threats found and the actions taken on
these threats.
You can open the scan log directly from the scan wizard, once the scan is
completed, by clicking SHOW LOG.
To check a scan log or any detected infection at a later time:
1. Click Notifications on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender
interface.
2. In the All tab, select the notification regarding the latest scan.
This is where you can find all threat scan events, including threats
detected by on-access scanning, user-initiated scans and status
changes for automatic scans.
3. In the notifications list, you can check what scans have been performed
recently. Click a notification to view details about it.
4. To open the scan log, click View log.

3.1.4. Automatic scan of removable media

Bitdefender automatically detects when you connect a removable storage
device to your device and scans it in the background when the Autoscan
option is enabled. This is recommended to prevent threats from infecting
your device.
Detected devices fall into one of these categories:
❍ CDs/DVDs
❍ Flash drives, such as flash pens and external hard-drives
❍ mapped (remote) network drives
You can configure automatic scan separately for each category of storage
devices. Automatic scan of mapped network drives is off by default.

How does it work?

When it detects a removable storage device, Bitdefender starts scanning
it for threats (provided automatic scan is enabled for that type of device).
You will be notified through a pop-up window that a new device has been
detected and it is being scanned.
A Bitdefender scan icon will appear in the system tray. You can click this
icon to open the scan window and to see the scan progress.

Managing your Security 57

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

When the scan is completed, the scan results window is displayed to

inform you if you can safely access files on the removable media.
In most cases, Bitdefender automatically removes detected threats or
isolates infected files into quarantine. If there are unresolved threats after
the scan, you will be prompted to choose the actions to be taken on them.

Note
Take into account that no action can be taken on infected or suspicious
files detected on CDs/DVDs. Similarly, no action can be taken on
infected or suspicious files detected on mapped network drives if you
do not have the appropriate privileges.
This information may be useful to you:
❍ Be careful when using a threat-infected CD/DVD, because the threat
cannot be removed from the disc (the media is read-only). Make sure
real-time protection is turned on to prevent threats from spreading to
your system. It is best practice to copy any valuable data from the disc
to your system, and then dispose of the disc.
❍ In some cases, Bitdefender may not be able to remove threats from
specific files due to legal or technical constraints. Such an example
are files archived using a proprietary technology (this is because the
archive cannot be recreated correctly).
To find out how to deal with threats, refer to Removing threats from
your system (page 132).

Managing removable media scan

To manage automatic scan of removable media:
1. Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the ANTIVIRUS pane, click Open.
3. Select the Settings window.
The scanning options are pre-configured for the best detection results. If
infected files are detected, Bitdefender will try to disinfect them (remove
the malicious code) or to move them to quarantine. If both actions fail, the
Antivirus Scan wizard will allow you to specify other actions to be taken on
infected files. The scanning options are standard and you cannot change
them.
For best protection, it is recommended to let selected the Autoscan option
for all types of removable storage devices.

Managing your Security 58

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

3.1.5. Scan hosts file

The hosts file comes by default with your operating system installation and
is used to map hostnames to IP addresses each time you access a new
webpage, connect to a FTP or to other internet servers. It is a plain text file
and malicious programs may modify it. Advanced users know how to use it
to block annoying ads, banners, third-party cookies, or hijackers.
To configure scan hosts file:
1. Click Settings on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. Select the Advanced tab.
3. Turn on or off Scan hosts file.

3.1.6. Configuring scan exceptions

Bitdefender allows excepting specific files, folders or file extensions from
scanning. This feature is intended to avoid interference with your work and
it can also help improve system performance. Exceptions are to be used
by users having advanced computer knowledge or, otherwise, following the
recommendations of a Bitdefender representative.
You can configure exceptions to apply to on-access or on-demand
scanning only, or to both. The objects excepted from on-access scanning
will not be scanned, no matter if they are accessed by you or by an app.

Note
Exceptions will NOT apply for contextual scanning. Contextual scanning
is a type of on-demand scanning: you right-click the file or folder you
want to scan and select Scan with Bitdefender.

Excepting files and folders from scanning

To except specific files and folders from scanning:
1. Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the ANTIVIRUS pane, click Open.
3. In the Settings window, click Manage Exceptions.
4. Click +Add an Exception.
5. Enter the path of the folder you want to except from scanning in the
corresponding field.

Managing your Security 59

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Alternatively, you can navigate to the folder by clicking the browse

button in the right side of the interface, select it and click on OK.
6. Turn on the switch next to the protection feature that should not scan
the folder. There are three options:
❍ Antivirus
❍ Online Threat Prevention
❍ Advanced Threat Defense

7. Click Save to save the changes and close the window.

Excepting files extensions from scanning

When you except a file extension from scanning, Bitdefender will no longer
scan files with that extension, regardless of their location on your device.
The exception also applies to files on removable media, such as CDs,
DVDs, USB storage devices or network drives.

Important
Use caution when excepting extensions from scanning because such
exceptions can make your device vulnerable to threats.
To except file extensions from scanning:
1. Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the ANTIVIRUS pane, click Open.
3. In the Settings window, click Manage Exceptions.
4. Click +Add an Exception.
5. Type the extensions that you want to be excepted from scanning with a
dot before them, separating them with semicolons (;).
txt;avi;jpg
6. Turn on the switch next to the protection feature that should not scan
the extension.
7. Click Save.

Managing scan exceptions

If the configured scan exceptions are no longer needed, it is recommended
that you delete them or disable scan exceptions.

Managing your Security 60

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

To manage scan exceptions:

1. Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the ANTIVIRUS pane, click Open.
3. In the Settings window, click Manage Exceptions. A list with all your
exceptions will be displayed.
4. To remove or edit scan exceptions, click one of the available buttons.
Proceed as follows:
❍ To remove an entry from the list, click the button next to it.
❍ To edit an entry from the table, click the Edit button next to it. A new
window appears where you can change the extension or the path to
be excepted and the security feature you want them to be excepted
from, as needed. Make the necessary changes, then click MODIFY.

3.1.7. Managing quarantined files

Bitdefender isolates the threat-infected files it cannot disinfect and the
suspicious files in a secure area named quarantine. When a threat is in
quarantine it cannot do any harm because it cannot be executed or read.
By default, quarantined files are automatically sent to Bitdefender Labs to
be analyzed by the Bitdefender threat researchers. If a threat presence is
confirmed, an information update is released to allow removing the threat.
In addition, Bitdefender scans the quarantined files each time the threat
information database is updated. Cleaned files are automatically moved
back to their original location.
To check and manage quarantined files:
1. Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the ANTIVIRUS pane, click Open.
3. Go to the Settings window.
Here you can view the name of the quarantined files, their original
location and the name of the detected threats.
4. Quarantined files are managed automatically by Bitdefender according
to the default quarantine settings.
Though not recommended, you can adjust the quarantine settings
according to your preferences by clicking View Settings.

Managing your Security 61

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Click the switches to turn on or off:

Rescan quarantine after threat information update
Keep this option turned on to automatically scan quarantined files
after each threat information database is updated. Cleaned files are
automatically moved back to their original location.
Delete content older than 30 days
Quarantined files older than 30 days are automatically deleted.
Create exceptions for restored files
The files you restore from quarantine are moved back to their original
location without being repaired and automatically excepted from future
scans.
5. To delete a quarantined file, select it and click the Delete button. If you
want to restore a quarantined file to its original location, select it and
click Restore.

3.2. Advanced Threat Defense

Bitdefender Advanced Threat Defense is an innovative proactive detection
technology which uses advanced heuristic methods to detect ransomware
and other new potential threats in real time.
Advanced Threat Defense continuously monitors the apps running on the
device, looking for threat-like actions. Each of these actions is scored and
an overall score is computed for each process.
As a safety measure you will be notified each time threats and potentially
malicious processes are detected and blocked.

3.2.1. Turning on or off Advanced Threat Defense

To turn on or off Advanced Threat Defense:
1. Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the ADVANCED THREAT DEFENSE pane, click Open.
3. Go to the Settings window and click switch next to Bitdefender
Advanced Threat Defense.

Note
To keep your system protected from ransomware and other threats, we
recommend you to disable Advanced Threat Defense for as little time as
possible.

Managing your Security 62

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

3.2.2. Checking detected malicious attacks

Whenever threats or potentially malicious processes are detected,
Bitdefender will block them to prevent your device from being infected
by ransomware or other malware. You can check at any time the list of
detected malicious attacks by following these steps:
1. Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the ADVANCED THREAT DEFENSE pane, click Open.
3. Go to the Threat Defense window.
The attacks detected in the latest 90 days are displayed. To find details
about the type of a detected ransomware, the path of the malicious
process, or if the disinfection has been successful, simply click it.

3.2.3. Adding processes to exceptions

You can configure exception rules for trusted apps so that Advanced
Threat Defense does not block them if they perform threat-like actions.
To start adding processes to the Advanced Threat Defense exceptions list:
1. Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the ADVANCED THREAT DEFENSE pane, click Open.
3. In the Settings window, click Manage Exceptions.
4. Click +Add an Exception.
5. Enter the path of the folder you want to except from scanning in the
corresponding field.
Alternatively, you can navigate to the executable by clicking the browse
button in the right side of the interface, select it and click on OK.
6. Turn on the switch next to Advanced Threat Defense.
7. Click Save.

3.2.4. Exploits detection

A way used by hackers to breach systems, is to take advantage of
particular bugs or vulnerabilities present in computer software (apps or
plugins) and hardware. To make sure that your device stays away from
such attacks, that normally spread very fast, Bitdefender uses the newest
anti-exploit technologies.

Managing your Security 63

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

3.2.5. Turning on or off exploit detection

To turn on or off the exploit detection:
❍ Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
❍ In the ADVANCED THREAT DEFENSE pane, click Open.
❍ Go to the Settings window and click the switch next to Exploit
detection to turn the feature on or off.

Note
The Exploit detection option is enabled by default.

3.3. Online Threat Prevention

Bitdefender Online Threat Prevention ensures a safe browsing experience
by alerting you about potential malicious webpages.
Bitdefender provides real-time online threat prevention for:
❍ Internet Explorer
❍ Microsoft Edge
❍ Mozilla Firefox
❍ Google Chrome
❍ Safari
❍ Bitdefender Safepay™
❍ Opera
To configure Online Threat Prevention settings:
1. Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the ONLINE THREAT PREVENTION pane, click Settings.
In the Web Protection sections, click the switches to turn on or off:
❍ Web attack prevention blocks threats coming from the internet,
including drive-by downloads.
❍ Search Advisor, a component that rates the results of your search
engine queries and the links posted on social networking websites by
placing an icon next to every result:
You should not visit this webpage.

Managing your Security 64

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

This webpage may contain dangerous content. Exercise caution if

you decide to visit it.
This is a safe page to visit.
Search Advisor rates the search results from the following web search
engines:
❍ Google
❍ Yahoo!
❍ Bing
❍ Baidu
Search Advisor rates the links posted on the following online social
networking services:
❍ Facebook
❍ Twitter

❍ Encrypted web scan.

More sophisticated attacks might use secure web traffic to mislead
their victims. Therefore, we recommend you to keep enabled the
Encrypted web scan option.
❍ Fraud protection.
❍ Phishing protection.
Scroll down and you will reach the Network threat prevention section. Here
you have the Network threat prevention option. To keep your device away
from attacks made by complex malware (such as ransomware) through
the exploitation of vulnerabilities, keep this option enabled.
You can create a list of websites, domains, and IP addresses that will
not be scanned by the Bitdefender anti-threat, antiphishing, and antifraud
engines. The list should contain only websites, domains, and IP addresses
that you fully trust.
To configure and manage websites, domains, and IP addresses using the
Online Threat Prevention feature provided by Bitdefender:
1. Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the ONLINE THREAT PREVENTION pane, click Settings.
3. Click Manage exceptions.

Managing your Security 65

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

4. Click +Add an Exception.

5. Type in the corresponding field the name of the website, the name of
the domain, or the IP address you want to add to exceptions.
6. Click the switch next to Online Threat Prevention.
7. To remove an entry from the list, click the button next to it.
Click Save to save the changes and close the window.

3.3.1. Bitdefender alerts in the browser

Whenever you try to visit a website classified as unsafe, the website is
blocked and a warning page is displayed in your browser.
The page contains information such as the website URL and the detected
threat.
You have to decide what to do next. The following options are available:
❍ Navigate away from the website by clicking TAKE ME BACK TO
SAFETY.
❍ Proceed to the website, despite the warning, by clicking I understand
the risks, take me there anyway.
❍ If you are sure that the detected website is safe, click SUBMIT to add
it to exceptions. We recommend you to add only websites that you fully
trust.

3.4. Vulnerability
An important step in protecting your device against malicious actions and
apps is to keep the operating system and the apps you regularly use up
to date. Moreover, to prevent unauthorized physical access to your device,
strong passwords (passwords that cannot be easily guessed) must be
configured for each Windows user account and for the Wi-Fi networks you
connect to as well.
Bitdefender provides two easy ways to fix the vulnerabilities of your
system:
❍ You can scan your system for vulnerabilities and fix them step by step
using the Vulnerability Scan option.

Managing your Security 66

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

❍ Using automatic vulnerability monitoring, you can check and fix

detected vulnerabilities in the Notifications window.
You should check and fix system vulnerabilities every one or two weeks.

3.4.1. Scanning your system for vulnerabilities

To detect system vulnerabilities, Bitdefender requires an active internet
connection.
To scan you system for vulnerabilities:
1. Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the VULNERABILITY pane, click Open.
3. In the Vulnerability Scan tab click Start Scan, then wait for Bitdefender
to check your system for vulnerabilities. The detected vulnerabilities are
grouped in the three categories:
❍ OPERATING SYSTEM
❍ Operating System Security
Altered system settings that may compromise your device and
data, such as not displaying warnings when executed files
perform changes on your system without your permission or
when MTP devices such as phones or cameras connect and
execute different operations without your knowledge.
❍ Critical Windows updates
A list of critical Windows updates that are not installed on your
computer is displayed. A system restart may be required to
allow Bitdefender finish the installation. Please note that it may
take a while to install the updates.
❍ Weak Windows accounts
You can see the list of the Windows user accounts configured
on your device and the level of protection their password
provides. You can choose between asking the user to change
the password at the next login or changing the password
yourself immediately. To set a new password for your system,
select Change the password now.
To create a strong password, we recommend you to use a
combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and
special characters (such as #, $ or @).

Managing your Security 67

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

❍ APPLICATIONS
❍ Browser Security
Change upon your device's settings that allows the execution
of files and programs downloaded via Internet Explorer without
an integrity validation, which may lead to your device being
compromised.
❍ Application updates
To see information about the app that needs to be updated, click
its name from the list.
If an app is not up to date, click Download new version to
download the latest version.

❍ NETWORK
❍ Network and Credentials
Altered system settings such as automatically connecting to
open hotspot networks without your knowledge or not enforcing
encryption on the outgoing secure channel traffic.
❍ Wi-Fi networks and routers
To find out more about the wireless network and router you are
connected to, click its name from the list. If it is recommended
to set a stronger password for your home network, make sure
that you follow our instructions, so that you can stay connected
without worrying about your privacy.
When other recommendations are available, follow the provided
instructions to make sure your home network stays safe from
the hackers' prying eyes.

3.4.2. Using automatic vulnerability monitoring

Bitdefender scans your system for vulnerabilities regularly, in the
background, and keeps records of detected issues in the Notifications
window.
To check and fix the detected issues:
1. Click Notifications on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender
interface.
2. In the All tab, select the notification regarding the Vulnerability scan.

Managing your Security 68

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

3. You can see detailed information regarding the detected system

vulnerabilities. Depending on the issue, to fix a specific vulnerability
proceed as follows:
❍ If Windows updates are available, click Install.
❍ If automatic Windows update is disabled, click Enable.
❍ If an app is outdated, click Update now to find a link to the vendor
webpage from where you can install the latest version of that app.
❍ If a Windows user account has a weak password, click Change
password to force the user to change the password at the next
logon or change the password yourself. For a strong password, use
a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and
special characters (such as #, $ or @).
❍ If the Windows Autorun feature is enabled, click Fix to disable it.
❍ If the router you have configured has set a weak password, click
Change password to access its interface from where you can set a
strong one.
❍ If the network you are connected to has vulnerabilities which may
expose your system at risk, click Change Wi-Fi settings.

To configure the vulnerability monitoring settings:

1. Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the VULNERABILITY pane, click Open.

Important
To be automatically notified about system or app vulnerabilities,
keep the Vulnerability option enabled.

3. Go to the Settings tab.

4. Choose the system vulnerabilities you want to be regularly checked by
using the corresponding switches.
Windows updates
Check if your Windows operating system has the latest critical security
updates from Microsoft.
Application updates

Managing your Security 69

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Check if apps installed on your system are up-to-date. Outdated apps

can be exploited by malicious software, making your PC vulnerable to
outside attacks.
User passwords
Check whether the passwords of the Windows accounts and routers
configured on the system are easy to guess or not. Setting passwords
that are hard to guess (strong passwords) makes it very difficult
for hackers to break into your system. A strong password includes
uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters
(such as #, $ or @).
Autoplay
Check the status of the Windows Autorun feature. This feature enables
apps to be automatically started from CDs, DVDs, USB drives or other
external devices.
Some types of threats use Autorun to spread automatically from
removable media to the PC. This is why it is recommended to disable
this Windows feature.
Wi-Fi Security Advisor
Check if the wireless home network you are connected to is secure or
not, and if it has vulnerabilities. Also, check if the password of your
home router is strong enough, and how you can make it safer.
Most unprotected wireless networks are not secure, thus allowing the
hackers' prying eyes have access to your private activities.

Note
If you turn off monitoring of a specific vulnerability, related issues will no
longer be recorded in the Notifications window.

3.4.3. Wi-Fi Security Advisor

While on the go, working in a coffee shop, or waiting at the airport,
connecting to a public wireless network for making payments, checking
emails or social network accounts can be the fastest solution. But prying
eyes trying to hijack your personal data can be there, watching how the
information leaks through the network.
Personal data means the passwords and usernames you use to get access
to your online accounts, such as emails, bank accounts, social media
accounts, but also the messages you send.

Managing your Security 70

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Usually, public wireless networks are more likely to be unsafe since they
do not require password at login, and if they do, the password could be
made available to anybody who wants to connect. Moreover, they may be
malicious or honeypot networks, representing a target for cyber criminals.
To safeguard you against the perils of unsecured or unencrypted public
wireless hotspots, Bitdefender Wi-Fi Security Advisor analyzes how secure
a wireless network is, and when necessary, it recommends you to use
Bitdefender VPN.
The Bitdefender Wi-Fi Security Advisor gives information about:
❍ Home Wi-Fi networks
❍ Office Wi-Fi networks
❍ Public Wi-Fi networks

Turning on or off Wi-Fi Security Advisor notifications

To turn on or off the Wi-Fi Security Advisor notifications:
1. Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the VULNERABILITY pane, click Open.
3. Go to the Settings window and turn on or off the Wi-Fi Security Advisor
option.

Configuring Home Wi-Fi network

To start configuring your home network:
1. Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the VULNERABILITY pane, click Open.
3. Go to the Wi-Fi Security Advisor window and click Home Wi-Fi.
4. In the Home Wi-Fi tab, click SELECT HOME WI-FI.
A list with the wireless networks you connected to until now is
displayed.
5. Point to your home network, and then click SELECT.
If a home network is considered unsecured or unsafe, configuration
recommendations to improve its security are displayed.
To remove the wireless network you have set as a home network, click the
REMOVE button.

Managing your Security 71

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

To add a new wireless network as home, click Select new home wi-fi.

Configuring Office Wi-Fi network

To start configuring your office network:
1. Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the VULNERABILITY pane, click Open.
3. Go to the Wi-Fi Security Advisor window, click Office Wi-Fi.
4. In the Office Wi-Fi tab, click SELECT OFFICE WI-FI.
A list with the wireless networks you connected to until now is
displayed.
5. Point to your office network, and then click SELECT.
If an office network is considered unsecured or unsafe, configuration
recommendations to improve its security are displayed.
To remove the wireless network you have set as office network, click
REMOVE.
To add a new wireless network as office, click Select new office wi-fi.

Public Wi-Fi
While connected to an unsecured or unsafe wireless network, the Public
Wi-Fi profile is activated. While running in this profile, Bitdefender Antivirus
Plus is set to automatically accomplish the following program settings:
❍ Advanced Threat Defense is turned on
❍ The Bitdefender Firewall is turned on and the following settings are
applied to your wireless adapter:
❍ Stealth mode - ON
❍ Network type - Public

❍ The following settings from Online Threat Prevention are turned on:
❍ Encrypted web scan
❍ Protection against fraud
❍ Protection against phishing

Managing your Security 72

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

❍ A button that opens Bitdefender Safepay™ is available. In this case, the

Hotspot protection for unsecured networks is enabled by default.

Checking information about Wi-Fi networks

To check information about the wireless networks you usually connect to:
1. Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the VULNERABILITY pane, click Open.
3. Go to the Wi-Fi Security Advisor window.
4. Depending on the information you need, select one of the three tabs,
Home Wi-Fi, Office Wi-Fi or Public Wi-Fi.
5. Click View details next to the network you want to find more info about.
There are three types of wireless networks filtered by their importance,
each type indicated by a specific icon:
Wi-Fi is unsafe - indicates that the security level of the network
is low. This means that there is a high risk to use it, and it is not
recommended to make payments or check bank accounts without an
extra protection. In such situations, we recommend you to use Bitdefender
Safepay™ with Hotspot protection for unsecured networks enabled.
Wi-Fi is unsafe - indicates that the security level of the network
is moderate. This means that it can have vulnerabilities and it is not
recommended to make payments or check bank accounts without an
extra protection. In such situations, we recommend you to use Bitdefender
Safepay™ with Hotspot protection for unsecured networks enabled.
Wi-Fi is secure - indicates that the network you use is secure. In
this case, you can use sensitive data for making online operations.
By clicking the View details link in the area of each network, the following
details are displayed:
❍ Secured - here you can view if the selected network is secured or not.
Unencrypted networks can leave the data you use exposed.
❍ Encryption type - here you can view the encryption type used by the
selected network. Some encryption types may not be secure. Therefore,
we strongly recommend you to check information about the displayed
encryption type to be sure that you are protected while surfing the web.

Managing your Security 73

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

❍ Channel/Frequency - here you can view the channel frequency used by

the selected network.
❍ Password strength - here you can view how strong the password is.
Note that the networks that have set weak passwords represent a
target to cyber criminals.
❍ Type of sign in - here you can view if the selected network is protected
using a password or not. It is highly recommended to connect only to
networks that have set strong passwords.
❍ Authentication type - here you can view the authentication type used by
the selected network.

3.5. Ransomware Remediation

Bitdefender Ransomware Remediation backs up your files such as
documents, pictures, videos, or music to make sure that they are protected
from being damaged or lost in case of ransomware encryption. Each time
a ransomware attack is detected, Bitdefender will block all processes
involved in the attack and start the remediation process. This way, you
will be able to recover the content of your entire files without paying for any
asked ransom.

3.5.1. Turning on or off Ransomware Remediation

To turn on or off Ransomware Remediation:
1. 1. Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the RANSOMWARE REMEDIATION pane, turn on or off the switch.

Note
To ensure that your files are protected against ransomware, we
recommend you to keep Ransomware Remediation enabled.

3.5.2. Turning on or off automatic restore

Automatic Restore makes sure that your files are automatically restored in
the event of ransomware encryption.
To turn on or off automatic restore:
1. Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.

Managing your Security 74

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

2. In the RANSOMWARE REMEDIATION pane, click Manage.

3. In the Settings window, turn on or off the Automatic restore switch.

3.5.3. Viewing files that were automatically restored

When the Automatic restore option is enabled, Bitdefender will
automatically restore files that were encrypted by a ransomware. Hereby,
you can enjoy a worry-free experience knowing that you files are safe.
To view files that were automatically restored:
1. Click Notifications on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender
interface.
2. In the All tab, select the notification regarding the latest ransomware
behavior remediated, and then click Restored Files.
The list with the restored files is displayed. Here you can also view the
location where your files have been restored.

3.5.4. Restoring encrypted files manually

In case you have to manually restore files that were encrypted by a
ransomware, follow these steps:
1. Click Notifications on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender
interface.
2. In the All tab, select the notification regarding the latest ransomware
behavior detected, and then click Encrypted Files.
3. The list with the encrypted files is displayed.
Click Recover Files to continue.
4. In case the entire or a part of the restoring process fails, you have to
choose the location where the decrypted files should be saved. Click
Restore location, and then choose a location on your PC.
5. A confirmation window appears.
Click Finish to end the restoring process.
Files with the following extensions can be restored in case they get
encrypted:
.3g2;.3gp;.7z;.ai;.aif;.arj;.asp;.aspx;.avi;.bat;.bin;.
bmp;.c;.cda;.cgi;.class;.com;.cpp;.cs;.css;.csv;.dat;.d
b;.dbf;.deb;.doc;.docx;.gif;.gz;.h264;.h;.flv;.htm;.htm

Managing your Security 75

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

l;.ico;.jar;.java;.jpeg;.jpg;.js;.jsp;.key;.m4v;.mdb;.m
id;.midi;.mkv;.mp3;.mp4;.mov;.mpg;.mpeg;.ods;.odp;.odt;
.ogg;.pdf;.pkg;.php;.pl;.png;.pps;.ppt;.pptx;.ps;.psd;.
py;.rar;.rm;.rtf;.sav;.sql;.sh;.svg;.swift;.swf;.tar;.t
ex;.tif;.tiff;.txt;.xlr;.xls;.xlsx;.xml;.wmv;.vb;.vob;.
wav;.wks;.wma;.wpl;.wps;.wpd;.wsf;.z;.zip;

3.5.5. Adding applications to exceptions

You can configure exception rules for trusted apps so that the
Ransowmare Remediation feature does not block them if they perform
ransomware-like actions.
To add apps to the Ransomware Remediation exceptions list:
1. Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the RANSOMWARE REMEDIATION pane, click Manage.
3. Go to the Exceptions window and click +Add an Exception.

3.6. Anti-tracker
Many websites you visit are using trackers to collect information about
your behavior, either to share it with third-party companies or to show ads
that are more relevant for you. Hereby, websites owners are making money
to be able to provide you content for free or continue operating. Besides
collecting information, trackers can slow down your browsing experience
or waste your bandwidth.
With Bitdefender Anti-tracker extension activated in your web browser, you
avoid to be tracked so that your data remains private while you browse
online and you speed up the time websites need to load.
The Bitdefender extension is compatible with the following web browsers:
❍ Internet Explorer
❍ Google Chrome
❍ Mozilla Firefox
The trackers we detect are grouped in the following categories:
❍ Advertising - used to analyze website traffic, user behavior or visitors’
traffic patterns.

Managing your Security 76

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

❍ Customer Interaction - used to measure user interaction with different

input forms such as chat or support.
❍ Essential - used to monitor critical webpage functionalities.
❍ Site Analytics - used to gather data regarding webpage usage.
❍ Social Media - used to monitor social audience, activity and user
engagement with different social media platforms.

3.6.1. Anti-tracker interface

When the Bitdefender Anti-tracker extension is activated, the icon
appears next to the search bar in your web browser. Every time you visit a
website, a counter can be noticed on the icon, referring to the detected and
blocked trackers. To view more details about the blocked trackers, click
the icon to open the interface. Besides the number of the trackers blocked,
you can view the time required for the page to load and the categories to
which the detected trackers belong. To view the list of the websites that
are tracking, click the desired category.
To disable Bitdefender from blocking trackers on the website you are
currently visiting, click Pause protection on this website. This setting
applies only as long you have the website open and will be reverted to
the initial state when you close the website.
To allow trackers from a specific category to monitor your activity, click
the desired activity, and then click the corresponding button. If you change
your mind, click the same button once again.

3.6.2. Turning Bitdefender Anti-tracker off

To turn off the Bitdefender Anti-tracker:
❍ From your web browser:
1. Open your web browser.
2. Click the icon next to the address bar in your web browser.
3. Click the icon in the upper-right corner.
4. Use the corresponding switch to turn off.
The Bitdefender icon turns grey.

❍ From the Bitdefender interface:

Managing your Security 77

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

1. Click Privacy on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.

2. In the ANTI-TRACKER pane, click Settings.
3. Next to the web browser for which you want to disable the
extension, turn off the corresponding switch.

3.6.3. Allowing a website to be tracked

If you would like to be tracked while you visit a particular website, you can
add its address to exceptions as follows:
1. Open your web browser.
2. Click the icon next to the search bar.
3. Click the icon in the upper-right corner.
4. If you are on the website you want to add to exceptions, click Add
current website to the list.
If you would like to add another website, type its address in the
corresponding field, and then click .

3.7. VPN
The VPN app may be installed from your Bitdefender product and used
every time you want to add an extra layer of protection to your connection.
The VPN serves as a tunnel between your device and the network you
connect to securing your connection, encrypting the data using bank-grade
encryption, and hiding your IP address wherever you are. Your traffic is
redirected through a separate server; thus making your device almost
impossible to be identified through the myriad of other devices that
are using our services. Moreover, while connected to the internet via
Bitdefender VPN, you are able to access content that is normally restricted
in specific areas.

Note
Some countries practice internet censorship and therefore the usage
of VPNs on their territory has been banned by law. To avoid legal
consequences, a warning message can appear when you try to use the
Bitdefender VPN app for the first time. By continuing using the app, you
confirm that you are aware of the applicable country regulations and the
risks to which you might be exposed.

Managing your Security 78

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

3.7.1. Installing VPN

The VPN app can be installed from your Bitdefender interface, as follows:
1. Click Privacy on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the VPN pane, click Install VPN.
3. In the window with the description of the VPN app, read the
Subscription agreement, and then click INSTALL BITDEFENDER VPN.
Wait several moments until the files are downloaded and installed.
If another VPN app is detected, we recommend you to uninstall it.
Having installed multiple VPN solutions, you may encounter system
slowdowns or other functionality problems.
4. Click OPEN BITDEFENDER VPN to finish the installation process.

Note
Bitdefender VPN requires .Net Framework 4.5.2 or higher to be installed.
In case you do not have this package installed, a notification window
appears. Click install .Net Framework to be redirected to a page from
where you can download the newest version of this software.

3.7.2. Opening VPN

To access the main interface of Bitdefender VPN, use one of the following
methods:
❍ From system tray
1. Right-click the icon in system tray, and then click Show.

❍ From the Bitdefender interface

1. Click Privacy on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the VPN pane, click Open VPN.

3.7.3. VPN interface

The VPN interface displays the status of the app, connected or
disconnected. The server location for users with the free version is
automatically set by Bitdefender to the most appropriate server, while
premium users have the possibility to change the server location they
want to connect to. For more information about VPN subscriptions, refer to
Subscriptions (page 81).

Managing your Security 79

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

To connect or disconnect, simply click on the status displayed at the top

of the screen, or right-click the system tray icon. The system tray icon
displays a green check mark when the VPN is connected, and a red check
mark when the VPN is disconnected.
While connected, the elapsed time and the bandwidth usage are displayed
on the lower part of the interface.
To view the Menu area entirely, click the icon in the upper-left side. Here
you have the following options:
❍ My Account - details about your Bitdefender account and VPN
subscription are displayed. Click Switch Account if you want to sign
in with another account.
Click Add it here to add an activation code for Bitdefender Premium
VPN.
❍ Settings – depending on your needs, you can customize the behavior of
your product. The Settings are grouped into two categories:
❍ General
❍ Notifications
❍ Startup - choose whether to run Bitdefender VPN at startup or
not
❍ Product reports - submit anonymous product reports to help us
improve your experience
❍ Dark mode
❍ Language

❍ Advanced
❍ Internet Kill-Switch - this features temporarily suspends all
Internet traffic if the VPN connection accidentally drops. As soon
as you are back online, the VPN connection will be reestablished.
❍ Autoconnect - Connect Bitdefender VPN automatically when you
access a public/unsecure Wi-Fi network or when a peer-to-peer
file sharing app is started

Managing your Security 80

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

❍ Support - you can access the Support Center platform from where you
can read a helpful article on how to use Bitdefender VPN or send us
feedback.
❍ About - information about the installed version is displayed.

3.7.4. Subscriptions
Bitdefender VPN offers for free a daily 200 MB traffic quota per device
to secure your connection every time you need, and connects you
automatically to the optimal server location.
To get unlimited traffic and unrestricted access to content worldwide by
choosing a server location at your will, upgrade to the premium version.
You can upgrade to the Bitdefender Premium VPN version anytime by
clicking the Upgrade button available in the product interface.
The Bitdefender Premium VPN subscription is independent from the
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus subscription, meaning you will be able to use
it for its entire availability, regardless of the state of the security solution
subscription. In case the Bitdefender Premium VPN subscription expires,
but the one for Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is still active, you will be reverted
to the free plan.
Bitdefender VPN is a cross-platform product, available in Bitdefender
products compatible with Windows, macOS, Android and iOS. Once you
upgrade to the premium plan, you will be able to use your subscription on
all products, provided that you sign in with the same Bitdefender account.

3.8. Safepay security for online transactions

The computer is quickly becoming the main tool for shopping and banking.
Paying bills, transferring money, buying pretty much anything you can
imagine has never been quicker or easier.
This involves sending personal information, account and credit card data,
passwords and other types of private information over the internet, in
other words exactly the type of information flow that cyber-criminals are
very interested to tap into. Hackers are relentless in their efforts to steal
this information, so you can never be too careful about securing online
transactions.

Managing your Security 81

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Bitdefender Safepay™ is first of all a protected browser, a sealed

environment that is designed to keep your online banking, e-shopping and
any other type of online transaction private and secure.
For the best privacy protection, Bitdefender Password Manager has been
integrated into Bitdefender Safepay™ to secure your credentials whenever
you want to access private online locations.
Bitdefender Safepay™ offers the following features:
❍ It blocks access to your desktop and any attempt to take snapshots of
your screen.
❍ It protects your secret passwords while browsing online with Password
Manager.
❍ It comes with a virtual keyboard which, when used, makes it impossible
for hackers to read your keystrokes.
❍ It is completely independent from your other browsers.
❍ It comes with built-in hotspot protection to be used when your device is
connected to unsecured Wi-fi networks.
❍ It supports bookmarks and allows you to navigate between your
favorite banking/shopping sites.
❍ It is not limited to banking and e-shopping. Any website can be opened
in Bitdefender Safepay™.

3.8.1. Using Bitdefender Safepay™

By default, Bitdefender detects when you navigate to an online banking site
or online shop in any browser on your device and prompts you to launch it
in Bitdefender Safepay™.
To access the main interface of Bitdefender Safepay™, use one of the
following methods:
❍ From the Bitdefender interface:
1. Click Privacy on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the SAFEPAY pane, click Settings.
3. In the Safepay window, click Launch Safepay.

❍ From Windows:

Managing your Security 82

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

❍ In Windows 7:
1. Click Start and go to All Programs.
2. Click Bitdefender.
3. Click Bitdefender Safepay™.

❍ In Windows 8 and Windows 8.1:

Locate Bitdefender Safepay™ from the Windows Start screen (for
example, you can start typing "Bitdefender Safepay™" directly in the
Start screen) and then click the icon.
❍ In Windows 10 and Windows 11:
Type "Bitdefender Safepay™" in the search box from the taskbar and
click its icon.

If you are used to web browsers, you will have no trouble using Bitdefender
Safepay™ - it looks and behaves like a regular browser:
❍ enter URLs you want to go to in the address bar.
❍ add tabs to visit multiple websites in the Bitdefender Safepay™ window
by clicking .
❍ navigate back and forward and refresh pages using
respectively.
❍ access Bitdefender Safepay™ settings by clicking and choosing
Settings.
❍ protect your passwords with Password Manager by clicking .
❍ manage your bookmarks by clicking next to the address bar.
❍ open the virtual keyboard by clicking .
❍ increase or decrease the browser size by pressing simultaneously Ctrl
and the +/- keys in the numeric keypad.
❍ view information about your Bitdefender product by clicking and
choosing About.
❍ print important information by clicking and choosing Print.

Note
To switch between Bitdefender Safepay™ and Windows desktop, press
the Alt+Tab keys, or click the Switch to Desktop option on the upper left
side of the window.

Managing your Security 83

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

3.8.2. Configuring settings

Click and choose Settings to configure Bitdefender Safepay™:
Apply Bitdefender Safepay rules for accessed domains
The websites you have added to Bookmarks with the Automatically
open in Safepay option enabled will appear here. If you want to stop
automatically opening with Bitdefender Safepay™ a website from the list,
click × next to the desired entry from the Remove column.
Block pop-ups
You can choose to block pop-ups by clicking the corresponding switch.
You can also create a list of websites to allow pop-ups from. The list
should contain only websites you fully trust.
To add a site to the list, provide its address in the corresponding field and
click ADD DOMAIN.
To remove a website from the list, select the X corresponding to the
desired entry.
Manage Plugins
You can choose whether you wish to enable or disable specific plugins in
Bitdefender Safepay™.
Manage certificates
You can import certificates from your system to a certificate store.
Click IMPORT and follow the wizard to use the certificates in Bitdefender
Safepay™.
Use Virtual Keyboard
The Virtual Keyboard will automatically appear when a password field is
selected.
Use the corresponding switch to enable or disable the feature.
Printing confirmation
Enable this option if you want to give your confirmation before the printing
process starts.

3.8.3. Managing bookmarks

If you disabled the automatic detection of some or all websites,
or Bitdefender simply doesn't detect certain websites, you can add

Managing your Security 84

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

bookmarks to Bitdefender Safepay™ so that you can easily launch favorite

websites in the future.
Follow these steps to add a URL to Bitdefender Safepay™ bookmarks:
1. Click and choose Bookmarks to open the Bookmarks page.

Note
The Bookmarks page is opened by default when you start
Bitdefender Safepay™.

2. Click the + button to add a new bookmark.

3. Type the URL and the title of the bookmark, and then click CREATE.
Check the Automatically open in Safepay option if you want the
bookmarked page to open with Bitdefender Safepay™ each time you
access it. The URL is also added to the Domains list on the settings
page.

3.8.4. Turning off Safepay notifications

When a banking site is detected, the Bitdefender product is set up to notify
you through a pop-up window.
To turn off the Safepay notifications:
1. Click Privacy on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the SAFEPAY pane, click Settings.
3. In the Settings window, turn off thw switch next to Safepay
notifications.

3.8.5. Using VPN with Safepay

To make online payments in a safe environment while being connected
to unsecured networks, the Bitdefender product may be set up to
automatically launch the VPN app in the same time with Safepay.
To start using the VPN app together with Safepay:
1. Click Privacy on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the SAFEPAY pane, click Settings.
3. In the Settings window, turn on the switch next to Use VPN with
Safepay.

Managing your Security 85

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

3.9. USB Immunizer

The Autorun feature built into Windows operating systems is a very
useful tool that allows devices to automatically execute a file from media
connected to it. For example, software installations can start automatically
when a CD is inserted into the optical drive.
Unfortunately, this feature can also be used by threats to automatically
launch and infiltrate your device from rewritable media such as USB flash
drives and memory cards connected through card readers. Numerous
Autorun based attacks have been created in recent years.
With USB Immunizer you can prevent any NTFS, FAT32 or FAT formatted
flash drive from automatically executing threats ever again. Once an USB
device is immunized, threats can no longer configure it to run a certain app
when the device is connected to a device running Windows.
To immunize an USB device:
1. Connect the flash drive to your device.
2. Browse your device to locate the removable storage device and right-
click its icon.
3. In the contextual menu, point to Bitdefender and select Immunize this
drive.

Note
If the drive has already been immunized, the message The USB device
is protected against autorun-based threat will appear instead of the
Immunize option.
To prevent your device from launching threats from unimmunized USB
devices, disable the media autorun feature. For more information, refer to
Using automatic vulnerability monitoring (page 68).

Managing your Security 86

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

4. UTILITIES

4.1. Profiles
Daily job activities, watching movies or playing games may cause system
slow down, especially if they are running simultaneously with Windows
update processes and maintenance tasks. With Bitdefender, you can now
choose and apply your preferred profile, which makes system adjustments
suited to increase the performance of specific installed apps.
Bitdefender provides the following profiles:
❍ Work Profile
❍ Movie Profile
❍ Game Profile
❍ Public Wi-Fi Profile
❍ Battery Mode Profile
If you decide to not use Profiles, a default profile called Standard is
enabled and it brings no optimization to your system.
According to your activity, the following product settings are applied when
Work, Movie or Game profiles are activated:
❍ All Bitdefender alerts and pop-ups are disabled.
❍ Automatic Update is postponed.
❍ Scheduled scans are postponed.
❍ The Antispam feature is enabled.
❍ Search Advisor is disabled.
❍ Special offers notifications are disabled.
According to your activity, the following system settings are applied when
Work, Movie or Game profiles are activated:
❍ Windows Automatic Updates are postponed.
❍ Windows alerts and pop-ups are disabled.
❍ Unnecessary background programs are suspended.
❍ Visual effects are adjusted for best performance.

Utilities 87
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

❍ Maintenance tasks are postponed.

❍ Power plan settings are adjusted.
While running in the Public Wi-Fi profile, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is set to
automatically accomplish the following program settings:
❍ Advanced Threat Defense is turned on
❍ The Bitdefender Firewall is turned on and the following settings are
applied to your wireless adapter:
❍ Stealth mode - ON
❍ Network type - Public

❍ The following settings from Online Threat Prevention are turned on:
❍ Encrypted web scan
❍ Protection against fraud
❍ Protection against phishing

4.1.1. Work Profile

Running multiple tasks at work, such as sending emails, having a video
communication with your distant colleagues or working with design apps
may affect your system performance. Work Profile has been designed
to help you improve your work efficiency, by turning off some of your
background services and maintenance tasks.

Configuring Work Profile

To configure the actions to be taken while in Work Profile:
1. Click Utilities on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the Profiles tab, click Settings.
3. Click the CONFIGURE button from the Work Profile area.
4. Choose the system adjustments you would like to be applied by
checking the following options:
❍ Boost performance on work apps
❍ Optimize product settings for Work profile
❍ Postpone background programs and maintenance tasks

Utilities 88
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

❍ Postpone Windows Automatic Updates

5. Click SAVE to save the changes and close the window.

Manually adding apps to the Work Profile list

If Bitdefender does not automatically enter Work Profile when you launch
a certain work app, you can manually add the app to the Work application
list.
To manually add apps to the Work application list in Work Profile:
1. Click Utilities on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the Profiles tab, click Settings.
3. Click the CONFIGURE button from the Work Profile area.
4. In the Work profile settings window, click Applications list.
5. Click ADD.
A new window appears. Browse to the app's executable file, select it
and click OK to add it to the list.

4.1.2. Movie Profile

Displaying high quality video content, such as high definition movies,
requires significant system resources. Movie Profile adjusts system and
product settings so you can enjoy an uninterrupted and seamless movie
experience.

Configuring Movie Profile

To configure the actions to be taken while in Movie Profile:
1. Click Utilities on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the Profiles tab, click Settings.
3. Click the CONFIGURE button from the Movie Profile area.
4. Choose the system adjustments you would like to be applied by
checking the following options:
❍ Boost performance on video players
❍ Optimize product settings for Movie profile
❍ Postpone background programs and maintenance tasks

Utilities 89
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

❍ Postpone Windows Automatic Updates

❍ Adjust power plan settings for movies

5. Click SAVE to save the changes and close the window.

Manually adding video players to the Movie Profile list

If Bitdefender does not automatically enter Movie Profile when you launch
a certain video player app, you can manually add the app to the Movie
application list.
To manually add video players to the Movie application list in Movie Profile:
1. Click Utilities on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the Profiles tab, click Settings.
3. Click the CONFIGURE button from the Movie Profile area.
4. In the Movie profile settings window, click Players list.
5. Click ADD.
A new window appears. Browse to the app's executable file, select it
and click OK to add it to the list.

4.1.3. Game Profile

Enjoying an uninterrupted gaming experience is all about reducing system
load and diminishing slowdowns. By using behavioral heuristics along
with a list of known games, Bitdefender can automatically detect running
games and optimize your system resources so that you can enjoy your
gaming break.

Configuring Game Profile

To configure the actions to be taken while in Game Profile:
1. Click Utilities on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the Profiles tab, click Settings.
3. Click the Configure button from the Game Profile area.
4. Choose the system adjustments you would like to be applied by
checking the following options:
❍ Boost performance on games

Utilities 90
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

❍ Optimize product settings for Game profile

❍ Postpone background programs and maintenance tasks
❍ Postpone Windows Automatic Updates
❍ Adjust power plan settings for games

5. Click SAVE to save the changes and close the window.

Manually adding games to the Game list

If Bitdefender does not automatically enter Game Profile when you launch
a certain game or app, you can manually add the app to the Game
application list.
To manually add games to the Game application list in Game Profile:
1. Click Utilities on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the Profiles tab, click Settings.
3. Click the Configure button from the Game Profile area.
4. In the Game profile settings window, click Games list.
5. Click ADD.
A new window appears. Browse to the game's executable file, select it
and click OK to add it to the list.

4.1.4. Public Wi-Fi Profile

Sending emails, typing sensitive credentials or shopping online while
connected to unsafe wireless networks can expose your personal data to
risk. Public Wi-Fi Profile adjusts product settings to give you the possibility
to make payments online and use sensitive information in a protected
environment.

Configuring Public Wi-Fi profile

To configure Bitdefender to apply product settings while connected to an
unsafe wireless network:
1. Click Utilities on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the Profiles tab, click Settings.
3. Click the CONFIGURE button from the Public Wi-Fi Profile area.

Utilities 91
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

4. Let the Adjusts product settings to boost protection when connected

to an unsafe public Wi-Fi network check box enabled.
5. Click Save.

4.1.5. Battery Mode Profile

Battery Mode profile is specially designed for laptop and tablet users. Its
purpose is to minimize both system and Bitdefender impact on power
consumption when the battery charge level is lower than the default one or
the one you select.

Configuring Battery Mode Profile

To configure the Battery Mode profile:
1. Click Utilities on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the Profiles tab, click Settings.
3. Click the Configure button from the Battery Mode Profile area.
4. Choose the system adjustments to be applied by checking the
following options:
❍ Optimize product settings for Battery mode.
❍ Postpone background programs and maintenance tasks.
❍ Postpone Windows Automatic Updates.
❍ Adjust power plan settings for Battery mode.
❍ Disable external devices and network ports.

5. Click SAVE to save the changes and close the window.

Type a valid value in the spin box or select one using the up and down
arrow keys to specify when the system should start operating in Battery
Mode. By default, the mode is activated when the battery charge level
drops below 30%.
The following product settings are applied when Bitdefender operates in
Battery Mode profile:
❍ Bitdefender Automatic Update is postponed.
❍ Scheduled scans are postponed.
Bitdefender detects when your laptop has switched to battery power and
based on the battery charge level it automatically enters Battery Mode.

Utilities 92
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Likewise, Bitdefender automatically exits Battery Mode when it detects the

laptop is no longer running on battery.

4.1.6. Real-time optimization

Bitdefender Real-time optimization is a plugin that improves your system
performance silently, in the background, making sure that you are not
interrupted while you are in a profile mode. Depending on the CPU load, the
plugin monitors all processes, focusing on those that take up a higher load,
to adjust them to your needs.
To turn on or off Real-time optimization:
1. Click Utilities on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the Profiles tab, click Settings.
3. Scroll down until you see the Real-time optimization option, and then
use the corresponding switch to turn it on or off.

4.2. Data Protection

4.2.1. Deleting files permanently
When you delete a file, it can no longer be accessed through normal
means. However, the file continues to be stored on the hard disk until it
is overwritten when copying new files.
The Bitdefender File Shredder helps you permanently delete data by
physically removing it from your hard disk.
You can quickly shred files or folders from your device using the Windows
contextual menu by following these steps:
1. Right-click the file or folder you want to permanently delete.
2. Select Bitdefender > File Shredder in the context menu that appears.
3. Click Delete permanently, and then confirm that you wish to continue
with the process.
Wait for Bitdefender to finish shredding the files.
4. The results are displayed. Click Finish to exit the wizard.
Alternatively, you can shred files from the Bitdefender interface, as follows:
1. Click Utilities on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.

Utilities 93
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

2. In the Data Protection pane, click File Shredder.

3. Follow the File Shredder wizard:
a. Click the Add Folders button to add the files or folders you want to
be permanently removed.
Alternatively, drag these files or folders to this window.
b. Click Delete Permanently, and then confirm that you wish to
continue with the process.
Wait for Bitdefender to finish shredding the files.
c. Results Summary
The results are displayed. Click Finish to exit the wizard.

Utilities 94
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

5. HOW TO

5.1. Installation
5.1.1. How do I install Bitdefender on a second device?
If the subscription you have purchased covers more than one device, you
can use your Bitdefender account to activate a second PC.
To install Bitdefender on a second device:
1. Click Install on another device on the lower-left corner of the
Bitdefender interface.
A new window appears on your screen.
2. Click SHARE DOWNLOAD LINK.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Bitdefender.
The new device on which you have installed the Bitdefender product will
appear in the Bitdefender Central dashboard.

5.1.2. How can I reinstall Bitdefender?

Typical situations when you would need to reinstall Bitdefender include the
following:
❍ you have reinstalled the operating system.
❍ you want to fix issues that might have caused slowdowns and crashes.
❍ your Bitdefender product is not starting or working properly.
In the event that one of the mentioned situations is your case, follow these
steps:
❍ In Windows 7:
1. Click Start and go to All Programs.
2. Find Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and select Uninstall.
3. Click REINSTALL in the window that appears.
4. You need to restart the device to complete the process.

❍ In Windows 8 and Windows 8.1:

How to 95
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

1. From the Windows Start screen, locate Control Panel (for example,
you can start typing "Control Panel" directly in the Start screen), and
then click its icon.
2. Click Uninstall a program or Programs and Features.
3. Find Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and select Uninstall.
4. Click REINSTALL in the window that appears.
5. You need to restart the device to complete the process.

❍ In Windows 10 and Windows 11:

1. Click Start, then click Settings.
2. Click the System icon in the Settings area, then select Apps &
features.
3. Find Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and select Uninstall.
4. Click Uninstall again to confirm your choice.
5. Click REINSTALL.
6. You need to restart the device to complete the process.

Note
By following this reinstall procedure, customized settings are saved and
available in the new installed product. Other settings may be switched
back to their default configuration.

5.1.3. Where can I download my Bitdefender product from?

You can install Bitdefender from the installation disc, or using the web
installer you can download on your device from the Bitdefender Central
platform.

Note
Before running the kit, it is recommended to remove any security
solution installed on your system. When you use more than one security
solution on the same device, the system becomes unstable.
To install Bitdefender from Bitdefender Central:
1. Access Bitdefender Central.
2. Select the My Devices panel, and then click INSTALL PROTECTION.

How to 96
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

3. Choose one of the two available options:

❍ Protect this device
Select this option, and then select the owner of the device. If the
device belongs to someone else, click the corresponding button.
❍ Protect other devices
Select this option, and then select the owner of the device. If the
device belongs to someone else, click the corresponding button.
Click SEND DOWNLOAD LINK. Type an email address in the
corresponding field, and click SEND EMAIL. Note that the generated
download link is valid for the next 24 hours only. If the link expires,
you will have to generate a new one by following the same steps.
On the device you want to install your Bitdefender product,
check the email account that you typed in, and then click the
corresponding download button.

4. Run the Bitdefender product you have downloaded.

5.1.4. How do I use my Bitdefender subscription after a

Windows upgrade?
This situation appears when you upgrade your operating system and you
want to continue using your Bitdefender subscription.
If you are using a previous Bitdefender version you can upgrade, free of
charge, to the latest Bitdefender, as follows:
❍ From a previous Bitdefender Antivirus version to the latest Bitdefender
Antivirus available.
❍ From a previous Bitdefender Internet Security version to the latest
Bitdefender Internet Security available.
❍ From a previous Bitdefender Total Security version to the latest
Bitdefender Total Security available.
There are two cases which may appear:
❍ You have upgraded the operating system using Windows Update and
you notice Bitdefender is no longer working.
In this case, you need to reinstall the product by following these steps:
❍ In Windows 7:

How to 97
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

1. Click Start, go to Control Panel and double-click Programs and

Features.
2. Find Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and select Uninstall.
3. Click REINSTALL in the window that appears.
4. Wait for the uninstall process to complete, and then reboot your
system.
Open the interface of your new installed Bitdefender product to
have access to its features.

❍ In Windows 8 and Windows 8.1:

1. From the Windows Start screen, locate Control Panel (for
example, you can start typing "Control Panel" directly in the Start
screen), and then click its icon.
2. Click Uninstall a program or Programs and Features.
3. Find Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and select Uninstall.
4. Click REINSTALL in the window that appears.
5. Wait for the uninstall process to complete, and then reboot your
system.
Open the interface of your new installed Bitdefender product to
have access to its features.

❍ In Windows 10 and Windows 11:

1. Click Start, then click Settings.
2. Click the System icon in the Settings area, then select Apps.
3. Find Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and select Uninstall.
4. Click Uninstall again to confirm your choice.
5. Click REINSTALL in the window that appears.
6. Wait for the uninstall process to complete, and then reboot your
system.
Open the interface of your new installed Bitdefender product to
have access to its features.

How to 98
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Note
By following this reinstall procedure, customized settings are saved
and available in the new installed product. Other settings may be
switched back to their default configuration.

❍ You changed your system and you want to continue using the
Bitdefender protection. Therefore, you need to reinstall the product
using the latest version.
To solve this situation:
1. Download the installation file:
a. Access Bitdefender Central.
b. Select the My Devices panel, and then click INSTALL
PROTECTION.
c. Choose one of the two available options:
❍ Protect this device
Select this option, and then select the owner of the device. If
the device belongs to someone else, click the corresponding
button.
❍ Protect another device
Select this option, and then select the owner of the device. If
the device belongs to someone else, click the corresponding
button.
Click SEND DOWNLOAD LINK. Type an email address in the
corresponding field, and click SEND EMAIL. Note that the
generated download link is valid for the next 24 hours only.
If the link expires, you will have to generate a new one by
following the same steps.
On the device you want to install your Bitdefender product,
check the email account that you typed in, and then click the
corresponding download button.

2. Run the Bitdefender product you have downloaded.

For more information about the Bitdefender installation process, refer
to Installing your Bitdefender product (page 4).

How to 99
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

5.1.5. How can I upgrade to the latest Bitdefender version?

From now on, the upgrade to the newest version is possible without
following the manual uninstall and reinstall procedure. More exactly, the
new product including new features and major product improvements is
delivered via product update and, if you already have an active Bitdefender
subscription, the product gets automatically activated.
If you are using the 2020 version, you can upgrade to the newest version by
following these steps:
1. Click RESTART NOW in the notification you receive with the upgrade
information. If you miss it, access the Notifications window, point to the
most recent update, and then click the RESTART NOW button. Wait for
the device to restart.
The What's new window with information about the improved and new
features appears.
2. Click the Read more links to be redirected to our dedicated page with
more details and helpful articles.
3. Close the What's new window to access the interface of the new
installed version.
Users that want to upgrade for free from Bitdefender 2016 or a lower
version to the newest Bitdefender version, have to remove their current
version from Control Panel, and then download the latest installation
file from the Bitdefender website at the following address: https://
www.bitdefender.com/Downloads/. The activation is possible only with a
valid subscription

5.2. Bitdefender Central

5.2.1. How do I sign in to Bitdefender account with another
account?
You have created a new Bitdefender account and you want to use it from
now on.
To successfully sign in with another Bitdefender account:
1. Click on your account name in the upper part of the Bitdefender
interface.

How to 100
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

2. Click Switch Account on the upper right corner of the screen to change
the account linked to the device.
3. Type the email address in the corresponding field, and then click NEXT.
4. Type your password, and then click SIGN IN.

Note
The Bitdefender product from your device automatically changes
according to the subscription associated to the new Bitdefender
account. If there is no available subscription associated to the new
Bitdefender account, or you wish to transfer it from the previous
account, you can contact Bitdefender for support as described in
section Asking for Help (page 139).

5.2.2. How do I turn off Bitdefender Central help messages?

To help you understand what each option in Bitdefender Central is useful
for, help messages are displayed in the dashboard.
If you wish to stop seeing this kind of messages:
1. Access Bitdefender Central.
2. Click the icon in the upper right side of the screen.
3. Click My Account in the slide menu.
4. Click Settings in the slide menu.
5. Disable the Turn on/off help messages option.

5.2.3. I forgot the password I set for my Bitdefender

account. How do I reset it?
There are two possibilities to set a new password for your Bitdefender
account:
❍ From the Bitdefender interface:
1. Click My Account on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender
interface.
2. Click Switch Account on the upper right corner of the screen.
A new window appears.
3. Type your email address and click NEXT.

How to 101
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

A new window appears.

4. Click Forgot password?.
5. Click NEXT.
6. Check your email account, type the security code you have received,
and then click NEXT.
Alternatively, you can click Change password in the email that we
sent you.
7. Type the new password you want to set, and then type it once again.
Click SAVE.

❍ From your web browser:

1. Go to: https://central.bitdefender.com.
2. Click SIGN IN.
3. Type your email address, and then click NEXT.
4. Click Forgot password?.
5. Click NEXT.
6. Check your email account and follow the provided instructions to
set a new password for your Bitdefender account.

To access your Bitdefender account from now on, type your email address
and the new password you have just set.

5.2.4. How can I manage the logon sessions associated to

my Bitdefender account?
In your Bitdefender account you have the possibility to view the latest
inactive and active logon sessions running on devices associated to your
account. Moreover, you can sign out remotely by following these steps:
1. Access Bitdefender Central.
2. Click the icon in the upper right side of the screen.
3. Click Sessions in the slide menu.
4. In the Active sessions area, select the SIGN OUT option next to the
device you want to finish the logon session.

How to 102
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

5.3. Scanning with Bitdefender

5.3.1. How do I scan a file or a folder?
The easiest way to scan a file or folder is to right-click the object you want
to scan, point to Bitdefender and select Scan with Bitdefender from the
menu.
To complete the scan, follow the Antivirus Scan wizard. Bitdefender will
automatically take the recommended actions on detected files.
If there remain unresolved threats, you will be prompted to choose the
actions to be taken on them.
Typical situations when you would use this scanning method include the
following:
❍ You suspect a specific file or folder to be infected.
❍ Whenever you download files from the internet that you think might be
dangerous.
❍ Scan a network share before copying files to your device.

5.3.2. How do I scan my system

To perform a complete scan on the system:
1. Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the ANTIVIRUS pane, click Open.
3. Click the Run Scan button next to System Scan.
4. Follow the System Scan wizard to complete the scan. Bitdefender will
automatically take the recommended actions on detected files.
If there remain unresolved threats, you will be prompted to choose the
actions to be taken on them. For more information, refer to.

5.3.3. How do I schedule a scan?

You can set your Bitdefender product to start scanning important system
locations when you are not in the front of the device.
To schedule a scan:
1. Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.

How to 103
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

2. In the ANTIVIRUS pane, click Open.

3. Click next to the scan type that you want to schedule, System Scan
or Quick Scan, in the lower part of the interface, then select Edit.
Alternatively, you can create a scan type to suit your needs by clicking
+Create Scan next to Manage Scans.
4. Customize the scan according to your needs, then click Next.
5. Check the box next to Choose when to schedule this task.
Select one of the corresponding options to set a schedule:
❍ At system startup
❍ Daily
❍ Weekly
❍ Monthly
If you choose Daily, Monthly, or Weekly, drag the slider along the scale
to set the desired period of time when the scheduled scan should start.
If you choose to create a new custom scan, the Scan task window appears.
From here you can select the locations you want to be scanned.

5.3.4. How do I create a custom scan task?

If you want to scan specific locations on your device or to configure the
scanning options, configure and run a customized scan task.
To create a customized scan task, proceed as follows:
1. In the ANTIVIRUS pane, click Open.
2. Click +Create Scan next to Manage Scans.
3. In the task name field, type a name for the scan, select the locations
you would like to be scanned, and then click NEXT.
4. Configure these general options:
❍ Scan only applications. You can set Bitdefender to scan only
accessed apps.
❍ Scan task priority. You can choose the impact a scan process
should have on your system performance.
❍ Auto - The priority of the scan process will depend on the system
activity. To make sure that the scan process will not affect

How to 104
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

the system activity, Bitdefender will decide whether the scan

process should be run with high or low priority.
❍ High - The priority of the scan process will be high. By choosing
this option, you will allow other programs to run slower and
decrease the time needed for the scan process to finish.
❍ Low - The priority of the scan process will be low. By choosing
this option, you will allow other programs to run faster and
increase the time needed for the scan process to finish.

❍ Post scan actions. Choose what action Bitdefender should take in

case no threats are found:
❍ Show Summary window
❍ Shutdown device
❍ Close Scan window

5. If you want to configure the scanning options in detail, click Show

advanced options.
Click Next.
6. You can enable the Schedule scan task option, if you wish, then choose
when the custom scan you created should start.
❍ At system startup
❍ Daily
❍ Monthly
❍ Weekly
If you choose Daily, Monthly, or Weekly, drag the slider along the scale
to set the desired period of time when the scheduled scan should start.
7. Click Save to save the settings and close the configuration window.
Depending on the locations to be scanned, the scan may take a while. If
threats will be found during the scanning process, you will be prompted
to choose the actions to be taken on the detected files.
If you want to, you can quickly rerun a previous custom scan by clicking the
corresponding entry in the available list.

How to 105
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

5.3.5. How do I except a folder from being scanned?

Bitdefender allows excepting specific files, folders or file extensions from
scanning.
Exceptions are to be used by users having advanced computer knowledge
and only in the following situations:
❍ You have a large folder on your system where you keep movies and
music.
❍ You have a large archive on your system where you keep different data.
❍ You keep a folder where you install different types of software and apps
for testing purposes. Scanning the folder may result in losing some of
the data.
To add a folder to the Exceptions list:
1. Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the ANTIVIRUS pane, click Open.
3. Click the Settings tab.
4. Click on Manage Exceptions.
5. Click +Add an Exception.
6. Enter the path of the folder you want to except from scanning in the
corresponding field.
Alternatively, you can navigate to the folder by clicking the browse
button in the right side of the interface, select it and click on OK.
7. Turn on the switch next to the protection feature that should not scan
the folder. There are three options:
❍ Antivirus
❍ Online Threat Prevention
❍ Advanced Threat Defense

8. Click Save to save the changes and close the window.

How to 106
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

5.3.6. What to do when Bitdefender detected a clean file as

infected?
There may be cases when Bitdefender mistakenly flags a legitimate file as
being a threat (a false positive). To correct this error, add the file to the
Bitdefender Exceptions area:
1. Turn off the Bitdefender real-time antivirus protection:
a. Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender
interface.
b. In the ANTIVIRUS pane, click Open.
c. In the Advanced window, turn off Bitdefender Shield.
A warning window appears. You must confirm your choice by
selecting from the menu how long you want the real-time protection
to be disabled. You can disable real-time protection for 5, 15 or 30
minutes, for an hour, permanently or until a system restart.

2. Display hidden objects in Windows. To find out how to do this, refer to

How do I display hidden objects in Windows? (page 117).
3. Restore the file from the Quarantine area:
a. Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender
interface.
b. In the ANTIVIRUS pane, click Open.
c. Go to the Settings windows and click Manage quarantine.
d. Select the file, and then click Restore.

4. Add the file to the Exceptions list. To find out how to do this, refer to
How do I except a folder from being scanned? (page 106).
By default, Bitdefender is to automatically add restored files to the
exceptions list.
5. Turn on the Bitdefender real-time antivirus protection.
6. Contact our support representatives so that we may remove the
detection of the threat information update. To find out how to do this,
refer to Asking for Help (page 139).

How to 107
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

5.3.7. How do I check what threats Bitdefender detected?

Each time a scan is performed, a scan log is created and Bitdefender
records the detected issues.
The scan log contains detailed information about the logged scanning
process, such as scanning options, the scanning target, the threats found
and the actions taken on these threats.
You can open the scan log directly from the scan wizard, once the scan is
completed, by clicking SHOW LOG.
To check a scan log or any detected infection at a later time:
1. Click Notifications on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender
interface.
2. In the All tab, select the notification regarding the latest scan.
This is where you can find all threat scan events, including threats
detected by on-access scanning, user-initiated scans and status
changes for automatic scans.
3. In the notifications list, you can check what scans have been performed
recently. Click a notification to view details about it.
4. To open a scan log, click View log.

5.4. Privacy protection

5.4.1. How do I make sure my online transaction is secure?
To make sure your online operations remain private, you can use the
browser provided by Bitdefender to protect your transactions and home
banking apps.
Bitdefender Safepay™ is a secured browser designed to protect your credit
card information, account number or any other sensitive data you may
enter while accessing different online locations.
To keep your online activity secure and private:
1. Click Privacy on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the SAFEPAY pane, click Settings.
3. In the Safepay window, click Launch Safepay.

How to 108
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

4. Click the button to access the Virtual Keyboard.

Use the Virtual Keyboard when typing sensitive information such as
your passwords.

5.4.2. What can I do if my device has been stolen?

Mobile device theft, whether it is a smartphone, a tablet or a laptop
is one of the main issues today affecting individuals and organizations
throughout the world.
Bitdefender Anti-Theft allows you to not only locate and lock the stolen
device, but also wipe all data to ensure that it will not be used by the thief.
To access the Anti-Theft features from your account:
1. Access Bitdefender Central.
2. Select the My Devices panel.
3. Click the desired device card, and then select Anti-Theft.
4. Select the feature you want to use:
❍ LOCATE - display your device's location on Google Maps.
Show IP - displays the last IP address for the selected device.
❍ Alert - send an alert on the device.
❍ Lock - lock your device and set a numeric PIN code for
unlocking it. Alternatively, enable the corresponding option to allow
Bitdefender to take snapshots of the person who is trying to access
your device.
❍ Wipe - delete all data from your device.

Important
After you wipe a device, all Anti-Theft features cease to function.

5.4.3. How do I remove a file permanently with

Bitdefender?
If you want to remove a file permanently from your system, you need to
delete the data physically from your hard disk.

How to 109
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

The Bitdefender File Shredder will help you to quickly shred files or folders
from your device using the Windows contextual menu by following these
steps:
1. Right-click the file or folder you want to permanently delete, point to
Bitdefender and select File Shredder.
2. Click Delete Permanently, and then confirm that you wish to continue
with the process.
Wait for Bitdefender to finish shredding the files.
3. The results are displayed. Click FINISH to exit the wizard.

5.4.4. How do I protect my webcam from being hacked?

You can set your Bitdefender product to allow or deny the access of
installed apps to your webcam by following these steps:
1. Click Privacy on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the VIDEO & AUDIO PROTECTION pane, click Settings.
3. Go to the Webcam Protection window and you will see the list with the
apps that have requested access to your camera.
4. Point to the app you want to allow or ban the access, and then click the
switch represented by a video camera, situated next to it.
To view what the other Bitdefender users have chosen to do with the
selected app, click the icon. You will be notified each time one of the
listed apps is blocked by the Bitdefender users.
To manually add apps to this list, click the Add application button and
select one of the two options.
❍ From Windows Store
❍ From your apps

5.4.5. How can I manually restore encrypted files when the

restoration process fails?
In case encrypted files cannot be automatically restored, you can manually
restore them by following these steps:
1. Click Notifications on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender
interface.

How to 110
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

2. In the All tab, select the notification regarding the latest ransomware
behavior detected, and then click Encrypted Files.
3. The list with the encrypted files is displayed.
Click Recover files to continue.
4. In case the entire or a part of the restoring process fails, you have to
choose the location where the decrypted files should be saved. Click
Restore location, and then choose a location on your PC.
5. A confirmation window appears.
Click Finish to end the restoring process.
Files with the following extensions can be restored in case they get
encrypted:
.3g2; .3gp;
.7z; .ai; .aif; .arj; .asp; .aspx; .avi; .bat; .bin; .bmp; .c; .cda; .cgi; .class; .com; .
cpp; .cs; .css; .csv; .dat; .db; .dbf; .deb;.doc; .docx; .gif; .gz; .h264; .h; .flv; .ht
m; .html;.ico; .jar; .java; .jpeg; .jpg;.js; .jsp; .key; .m4v; .mdb; .mid; .midi; .mkv;
.mp3; .mp4; .mov; .mpg; .mpeg; .ods; .odp;.odt; .ogg; .pdf; .pkg; .php; .pl; .pn
g; .pps; .ppt; .pptx; .ps; .psd; .py; .rar; .rm; .rtf; .sav; .sql; .sh; .svg; .swift; .swf;
.tar; .tex; .tif; .tiff; .txt; .xlr; .xls; .xlsx; .xml; .wmv; .vb; .vob; .wav; .wks; .wma; .
wpl; .wps; .wpd; .wsf; .z; .zip;

5.5. Useful Information

5.5.1. How do I test my security solution?
To make sure that your Bitdefender product is properly running, we
recommend you using the Eicar test.
The Eicar test allows you to check your security solution using a safe file
developed for this purpose.
To test your security solution:
1. Download the test from the official webpage of the EICAR organization
http://www.eicar.org/.
2. Click the Anti-Malware Testfile tab.
3. Click Download on the left-side menu.
4. From Download area using the standard protocol http click the
eicar.com test file.

How to 111
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

5. You will be informed that the page you are trying to access contains the
EICAR-Test-File (not a threat).
If you click I understand the risks, take me there anyway, the download
of the test will begin and a Bitdefender pop-up will inform you that a
threat was detected.
Click More details to find out more information about this action.
If you do not receive any Bitdefender alert, we recommend you to contact
Bitdefender for support as described in section Asking for Help (page 139).

5.5.2. How do I remove Bitdefender?

If you want to remove your Bitdefender Antivirus Plus:
❍ In Windows 7:
1. Click Start, go to Control Panel and double-click Programs and
Features.
2. Find Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and select Uninstall.
3. Click REMOVE in the window that appears.
4. Wait for the uninstall process to complete, and then reboot your
system.

❍ In Windows 8 and Windows 8.1:

1. From the Windows Start screen, locate Control Panel (for example,
you can start typing "Control Panel" directly in the Start screen), and
then click its icon.
2. Click Uninstall a program or Programs and Features.
3. Find Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and select Uninstall.
4. Click REMOVE in the window that appears.
5. Wait for the uninstall process to complete, and then reboot your
system.

❍ In Windows 10 and Windows 11:

1. Click Start, then click Settings.
2. Click the System icon in the Settings area, then select Apps.
3. Find Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and select Uninstall.

How to 112
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

4. Click Uninstall again to confirm your choice.

5. Click REMOVE in the window that appears.
6. Wait for the uninstall process to complete, and then reboot your
system.

Note
This reinstall procedure will permanently delete the customized settings.

5.5.3. How do I remove Bitdefender VPN?

The procedure of removing Bitdefender VPN is similar to the one you use
to remove other programs from your device:
❍ In Windows 7:
1. Click Start, go to Control Panel and double-click Programs and
Features.
2. Find Bitdefender VPN and select Uninstall.
Wait for the uninstall process to complete.

❍ In Windows 8 and Windows 8.1:

1. From the Windows Start screen, locate Control Panel (for example,
you can start typing "Control Panel" directly in the Start screen), and
then click its icon.
2. Click Uninstall a program or Programs and Features.
3. Find Bitdefender VPN and select Uninstall.
Wait for the uninstall process to complete.

❍ In Windows 10 and Windows 11:

1. Click Start, then click Settings.
2. Click the System icon in the Settings area, then select Installed
apps.
3. Find Bitdefender VPN and select Uninstall.
4. Click Uninstall again to confirm your choice.
Wait for the uninstall process to complete.

How to 113
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

5.5.4. How do I remove the Bitdefender Anti-tracker

extension?
Depending on the web browser you are using, follow these steps to
uninstall the Bitdefender Anti-tracker extension:
❍ Internet Explorer
1. Click next to the search bar, and then select Manage add-ons. A
list with the installed extensions appears.
2. Click Bitdefender Anti-tracker.
3. Click Disable at the bottom right.

❍ Google Chrome
1. Click next to the search bar.
2. Select More Tools, and then Extensions.
A list with the installed extensions appears.
3. Click Remove in the Bitdefender Anti-tracker card.
4. Click Remove in the popup that appears.

❍ Mozilla Firefox
1. Click next to the search bar.
2. Select Add-ons, and then Extensions.
A list with the installed extensions appears.
3. Click and then select Remove.

5.5.5. How do I automatically shut down the device after

the scan is over?
Bitdefender offers multiple scan tasks that you can use to make sure
your system is not infected with threats. Scanning the entire device may
take longer time to complete depending on your system's hardware and
software configuration.
For this reason, Bitdefender allows you to configure your product to shut
down your system as soon as the scan is over.

How to 114
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Consider this example: you have finished your work and you want to go
to sleep. You would like to have your entire system checked for threats by
Bitdefender.
To shut down the device when Quick Scan or System scan is over:
1. Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the ANTIVIRUS pane, click Open.
3. In the Scans window, click next to Quick Scan or System Scan and
select Edit.
4. Customize the scan according to your needs and click Next.
5. Check the box next to Choose when to schedule this task, and then
choose when the task should start.
If you choose Daily, Monthly, or Weekly, drag the slider along the scale
to set the desired period of time when the scheduled scan should start.
6. Click Save.
To shut down the device when a custom scan is over:
1. Click next to the custom scan you created.
2. Click Next and then click Next again.
3. heck the box next to Choose when to schedule this task, and then
choose when the task should start.
4. Click Save.
If no threats are found, the device will shut down.
If there remain unresolved threats, you will be prompted to choose the
actions to be taken on them. For more information, refer to Antivirus Scan
Wizard (page 53).

5.5.6. How do I configure Bitdefender to use a proxy

internet connection?
If your device connects to the internet through a proxy server, you
must configure Bitdefender with the proxy settings. Normally, Bitdefender
automatically detects and imports the proxy settings from your system.

How to 115
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Important
Home internet connections do not normally use a proxy server. As a rule
of thumb, check and configure the proxy connection settings of your
Bitdefender program when updates are not working. If Bitdefender can
update, then it is properly configured to connect to the internet.
To manage the proxy settings:
1. Click Settings on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. Select the Advanced tab.
3. Turn on Proxy server.
4. Click Proxy change.
5. There are two options to set the proxy settings:
❍ Import proxy settings from default browser - proxy settings of the
current user, extracted from the default browser. If the proxy server
requires a username and a password, you must specify them in the
corresponding fields.

Note
Bitdefender can import proxy settings from the most popular
browsers, including the latest versions of Microsoft Edge,
Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome.

❍ Custom proxy settings - proxy settings that you can configure

yourself.
The following settings must be specified:
❍ Address - type in the IP of the proxy server.
❍ Port - type in the port Bitdefender uses to connect to the proxy
server.
❍ Username - type in a user name recognized by the proxy.
❍ Password - type in the valid password of the previously specified
user.

6. Click OK to save the changes and close the window.

Bitdefender will use the available proxy settings until it manages to
connect to the internet.

How to 116
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

5.5.7. Am I using a 32 bit or a 64 bit version of Windows?

To find out if you have a 32 bit or a 64 bit operating system:
❍ In Windows 7:
1. Click Start.
2. Locate Computer on the Start menu.
3. Right-click Computer and select Properties.
4. Look under System to check the information about your system.

❍ In Windows 8:
1. From the Windows Start screen, locate Computer (for example, you
can start typing "Computer" directly in the Start screen) and then
right-click its icon.
In Windows 8.1, locate This PC.
2. Select Properties in the bottom menu.
3. Look in the System area to see your system type.

❍ In Windows 10 and Windows 11:

1. Type "System" in the search box from the taskbar and click its icon.
2. Look in the System area to find information about your system type.

5.5.8. How do I display hidden objects in Windows?

These steps are useful in those cases where you are dealing with a threat
situation and you need to find and remove the infected files, which could be
hidden.
Follow these steps to display hidden objects in Windows:
1. Click Start, go to Control Panel.
In Windows 8 and Windows 8.1: From the Windows Start screen, locate
Control Panel (for example, you can start typing "Control Panel" directly
in the Start screen), and then click its icon.
2. Select Folder Options.
3. Go to View tab.
4. Select Show hidden files and folders.

How to 117
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

5. Clear Hide extensions for known file types.

6. Clear Hide protected operating system files.
7. Click Apply, then click OK.
In Windows 10 and Windows 11:
1. Type "Show hidden files and folders" in the search box from the taskbar
and click its icon.
2. Select Show hidden files, folders, and drives.
3. Clear Hide extensions for known file types.
4. Clear Hide protected operating system files.
5. Click Apply, then click OK.

5.5.9. How do I remove other security solutions?

The main reason for using a security solution is to provide protection and
safety for your data. But what happens when you have more than one
security product on the same system?
When you use more than one security solution on the same device,
the system becomes unstable. The Bitdefender Antivirus Plus installer
automatically detects other security programs and offers you the option
to uninstall them.
If you did not remove the other security solutions during the initial
installation:
❍ In Windows 7:
1. Click Start, go to Control Panel and double-click Programs and
Features.
2. Wait a few moments until the installed software list is displayed.
3. Find the name of the program you want to remove and select
Uninstall.
4. Wait for the uninstall process to complete, and then reboot your
system.

❍ In Windows 8 and Windows 8.1:

How to 118
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

1. From the Windows Start screen, locate Control Panel (for example,
you can start typing "Control Panel" directly in the Start screen), and
then click its icon.
2. Click Uninstall a program or Programs and Features.
3. Wait a few moments until the installed software list is displayed.
4. Find the name of the program you want to remove and select
Uninstall.
5. Wait for the uninstall process to complete, and then reboot your
system.

❍ In Windows 10 and Windows 11:

1. Click Start, then click Settings.
2. Click the System icon in the Settings area, then select Apps.
3. Find the name of the program you want to remove and select
Uninstall.
4. Click Uninstall again to confirm your choice.
5. Wait for the uninstall process to complete, and then reboot your
system.

If you fail to remove the other security solution from your system, get the
uninstall tool from the vendor website or contact them directly to provide
you with the uninstall guidelines.

5.5.10. How do I restart in Safe Mode?

Safe mode is a diagnostic operating mode, used mainly to troubleshoot
problems affecting normal operation of Windows. Such problems range
from conflicting drivers to threats preventing Windows from starting
normally. In Safe Mode only a few apps work and Windows loads just the
basic drivers and a minimum of operating system components. This is why
most threats are inactive when using Windows in Safe Mode and they can
be easily removed.
To start Windows in Safe Mode:
❍ In Windows 7:
1. Restart the device.

How to 119
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

2. Press the F8 key several times before Windows starts to access the
boot menu.
3. Select Safe Mode in the boot menu or Safe Mode with Networking
if you want to have internet access.
4. Press Enter and wait while Windows loads in Safe Mode.
5. This process ends with a confirmation message. Click OK to
acknowledge.
6. To start Windows normally, simply reboot the system.

❍ In Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 and Windows 11:

1. Launch System Configuration in Windows by simultaneously
pressing the Windows + R keys on your keyboard.
2. Write msconfig in the Open dialog box, then click OK.
3. Select the Boot tab.
4. In the Boot options area, select the Safe boot check box.
5. Click Network, and then OK.
6. Click OK in the System Configuration window which informs you
that the system needs to be restarted to be able to make the
changes you set.
Your system is restarting in Safe Mode with Networking.

To reboot in normal mode, switch back the settings by launching again the
System Operation and clearing the Safe boot check box. Click OK, and then
Restart. Wait for the new settings to be applied.

How to 120
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

6. TROUBLESHOOTING

6.1. Solving common issues

This chapter presents some problems you may encounter when using
Bitdefender and provides you with possible solutions to these problems.
Most of these problems can be solved through the appropriate
configuration of the product settings.
❍ My system appears to be slow (page 121)
❍ Scan doesn't start (page 122)
❍ I can no longer use an app (page 125)
❍ What to do when Bitdefender blocks a website, a domain, an IP
address, or an online app that is safe (page 126)
❍ How to update Bitdefender on a slow internet connection (page 127)
❍ Bitdefender services are not responding (page 127)
❍ Antispam filter does not work properly
❍ Bitdefender removal failed (page 128)
❍ My system doesn't boot up after installing Bitdefender (page 129)
If you cannot find your problem here, or if the presented solutions do not
solve it, you can contact the Bitdefender technical support representatives
as presented in chapter Asking for Help (page 139).

6.1.1. My system appears to be slow

Usually, after installing a security software, there may appear a slight
slowdown of the system, which to a certain degree is normal.
If you notice a significant slowdown, this issue can appear for the following
reasons:
❍ Bitdefender is not the only security program installed on the system.
Though Bitdefender searches and removes the security programs
found during the installation, it is recommended to remove any other
security solution you may use before installing Bitdefender. For more
information, refer to How do I remove other security solutions? (page
118).

Troubleshooting 121
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

❍ The system requirements for running Bitdefender are not met.

If your machine does not meet the system requirements, the device
will become sluggish, especially when multiple apps are running at the
same time. For more information, refer to System requirements (page
3).
❍ You have installed apps that you do not use.
Any device has programs or apps that you do not use. And many
unwanted programs run in the background taking up disk space and
memory. If you do not use a program, uninstall it. This is also valid for
any other pre-installed software or trial app you forgot to remove.

Important
If you suspect a program or an app to be an essential part of
your operating system, do not remove it and contact Bitdefender
Customer Care for assistance.

❍ Your system may be infected.

Your system speed and its general behavior can also be affected by
threats. Spyware, malware, Trojans and adware all take a toll on your
device’s performance. Make sure to scan your system periodically, at
least once a week. It is recommended to use the Bitdefender System
Scan because it scans for all types of threats endangering the security
of your system.
To start the System Scan:
1. Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender
interface.
2. In the ANTIVIRUS pane, click Open.
3. In the Scans window, click Run Scan next to System Scan.
4. Follow the wizard steps.

6.1.2. Scan doesn't start

This type of issue can have two main causes:
❍ A previous Bitdefender installation which was not completely removed
or a faulty Bitdefender installation.
In this case reinstall Bitdefender:
❍ In Windows 7:

Troubleshooting 122
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

1. Click Start, go to Control Panel and double-click Programs and

Features.
2. Find Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and select Uninstall.
3. Click REINSTALL in the window that appears.
4. Wait for the reinstall process to complete, and then reboot your
system.

❍ In Windows 8 and Windows 8.1:

1. From the Windows Start screen, locate Control Panel (for
example, you can start typing "Control Panel" directly in the Start
screen), and then click its icon.
2. Click Uninstall a program or Programs and Features.
3. Find Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and select Uninstall.
4. Click REINSTALL in the window that appears.
5. Wait for the reinstall process to complete, and then reboot your
system.

❍ In Windows 10 and Windows 11:

1. Click Start, then click Settings.
2. Click the System icon in the Settings area, then select Installed
apps.
3. Find Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and select Uninstall.
4. Click Uninstall again to confirm your choice.
5. Click REINSTALL in the window that appears.
6. Wait for the reinstall process to complete, and then reboot your
system.

Note
By following this reinstall procedure, customized settings are saved
and available in the new installed product. Other settings may be
switched back to their default configuration.

❍ Bitdefender is not the only security solution installed on your system.

In this case:

Troubleshooting 123
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

1. Remove the other security solution. For more information, refer to

How do I remove other security solutions? (page 118).
2. Reinstall Bitdefender:
❍ In Windows 7:
a. Click Start, go to Control Panel and double-click Programs
and Features.
b. Find Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and select Uninstall.
c. Click REINSTALL in the window that appears.
d. Wait for the reinstall process to complete, and then reboot
your system.

❍ In Windows 8 and Windows 8.1:

a. From the Windows Start screen, locate Control Panel (for
example, you can start typing "Control Panel" directly in the
Start screen), and then click its icon.
b. Click Uninstall a program or Programs and Features.
c. Find Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and select Uninstall.
d. Click REINSTALL in the window that appears.
e. Wait for the reinstall process to complete, and then reboot
your system.

❍ In Windows 10 and Windows 11:

a. Click Start, then click Settings.
b. Click the System icon in the Settings area, then select
Installed apps.
c. Find Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and select Uninstall.
d. Click Uninstall again to confirm your choice.
e. Click REINSTALL in the window that appears
f. Wait for the reinstall process to complete, and then reboot
your system.

Troubleshooting 124
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Note
By following this reinstall procedure, customized settings are
saved and available in the new installed product. Other settings
may be switched back to their default configuration.
If this information was not helpful, you can contact Bitdefender for
support as described in section Asking for Help (page 139).

6.1.3. I can no longer use an app

This issue occurs when you are trying to use a program which was working
normally before installing Bitdefender.
After installing Bitdefender you may encounter one of these situations:
❍ You could receive a message from Bitdefender that the program is
trying to make a modification to the system.
❍ You could receive an error message from the program you're trying to
use.
This type of situation occurs when Advanced Threat Defense mistakenly
detects some apps as malicious.
Advanced Threat Defense is a Bitdefender feature which constantly
monitors the apps running on your system and reports those with
potentially malicious behavior. Since this feature is based on a heuristic
system, there may be cases when legitimate apps are reported by
Advanced Threat Defense.
When this situation occurs, you can except the respective app from being
monitored by Advanced Threat Defense.
To add the program to the exceptions list:
1. Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the ADVANCED THREAT DEFENSE pane, click Open.
3. In the Settings window, click Manage Exceptions.
4. Click +Add an Exception.
5. Enter the path of the executable you want to except from scanning in
the corresponding field.
Alternatively, you can navigate to the executable by clicking the browse
button in the right side of the interface, select it and click on OK.

Troubleshooting 125
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

6. Turn on the switch next to Advanced Threat Defense.

7. Click Save.
If this information was not helpful, you can contact Bitdefender for support
as described in section Asking for Help (page 139).

6.1.4. What to do when Bitdefender blocks a website, a

domain, an IP address, or an online app that is safe
Bitdefender offers a secure web browsing experience by filtering all web
traffic and blocking any malicious content. However, it is possible that
Bitdefender considers a website, a domain, an IP address, or online app
that are safe as unsafe, which will cause Bitdefender HTTP traffic scanning
to block them incorrectly.
Should the same page, domain, IP address, or online app be blocked
repeatedly, they can be added to exceptions so that they will not be
scanned by the Bitdefender engines, thus ensuring a smooth web browsing
experience.
To add a website to Exceptions:
1. Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the ONLINE THREAT PREVENTION pane, click Settings.
3. Click Manage exceptions.
4. Click +Add an Exception.
5. Type in the corresponding field the name of the website, the name of
the domain, or the IP address you want to add to exceptions.
6. Click the switch next to Online Threat Prevention.
7. Click Save to save the changes and close the window.
Only websites, domains, IP addresses, and apps that you fully trust should
be added to this list. These will be excepted from scanning by the following
engines: threat, phishing and fraud.
If this information was not helpful, you can contact Bitdefender for support
as described in section Asking for Help (page 139).

Troubleshooting 126
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

6.1.5. How to update Bitdefender on a slow internet

connection
If you have a slow internet connection (such as dial-up), errors may occur
during the update process.
To keep your system up to date with the latest Bitdefender threat
information database:
1. Click Settings on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. Select the Update tab.
3. Turn off the Silent update switch.
4. Next time when an update will be available, you will be prompted to
select which update you would like to download. Select only Signatures
update.
5. Bitdefender will download and install only the threat information
database.

6.1.6. Bitdefender services are not responding

This article helps you troubleshoot the Bitdefender Services are not
responding error. You may encounter this error as follows:
❍ The Bitdefender icon in the system tray is grayed out and you are
informed that the Bitdefender services are not responding.
❍ The Bitdefender window indicates that the Bitdefender services are not
responding.
The error may be caused by one of the following conditions:
❍ temporary communication errors between the Bitdefender services.
❍ some of the Bitdefender services are stopped.
❍ other security solutions running on your device at the same time with
Bitdefender.
To troubleshoot this error, try these solutions:
1. Wait a few moments and see if anything changes. The error may be
temporary.

Troubleshooting 127
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

2. Restart the device and wait a few moments until Bitdefender is loaded.
Open Bitdefender to see if the error persists. Restarting the device
usually solves the problem.
3. Check if you have any other security solution installed as they may
disrupt the normal operation of Bitdefender. If this is the case, we
recommend you to remove all of the other security solutions and then
reinstall Bitdefender.
For more information, refer to How do I remove other security
solutions? (page 118).
If the error persists, please contact our support representatives for help as
described in section Asking for Help (page 139).

6.1.7. Bitdefender removal failed

If you want to remove your Bitdefender product and you notice that the
process hangs out or the system freezes, click Cancel to abort the action.
If this does not work, restart the system.
When removal fails, some Bitdefender registry keys and files may remain
in your system. Such remainders may prevent a new installation of
Bitdefender. They may also affect system performance and stability.
To completely remove Bitdefender from your system:
❍ In Windows 7:
1. Click Start, go to Control Panel and double-click Programs and
Features.
2. Find Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and select Uninstall.
3. Click REMOVE in the window that appears.
4. Wait for the uninstall process to complete, and then reboot your
system.

❍ In Windows 8 and Windows 8.1:

1. From the Windows Start screen, locate Control Panel (for example,
you can start typing "Control Panel" directly in the Start screen), and
then click its icon.
2. Click Uninstall a program or Programs and Features.
3. Find Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and select Uninstall.

Troubleshooting 128
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

4. Click REMOVE in the window that appears.

5. Wait for the uninstall process to complete, and then reboot your
system.

❍ In Windows 10 and Windows 11:

1. Click Start, then click Settings.
2. Click the System icon in the Settings area, then select Installed
apps.
3. Find Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and select Uninstall.
4. Click Uninstall again to confirm your choice.
5. Click REMOVE in the window that appears.
6. Wait for the uninstall process to complete, and then reboot your
system.

6.1.8. My system doesn't boot up after installing

Bitdefender
If you just installed Bitdefender and cannot reboot your system in normal
mode anymore there may be various reasons for this issue.
Most probably this is caused by a previous Bitdefender installation which
was not removed properly or by another security solution still present on
the system.
This is how you may address each situation:
❍ You had Bitdefender before and you did not remove it properly.
To solve this:
1. Reboot your system and enter in Safe Mode. To find out how to do
this, refer to How do I restart in Safe Mode? (page 119).
2. Remove Bitdefender from your system:
❍ In Windows 7:
a. Click Start, go to Control Panel and double-click Programs
and Features.
b. Find Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and select Uninstall.
c. Click REMOVE in the window that appears.

Troubleshooting 129
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

d. Wait for the uninstall process to complete, and then reboot

your system.
e. Reboot your system in normal mode.

❍ In Windows 8 and Windows 8.1:

a. From the Windows Start screen, locate Control Panel (for
example, you can start typing "Control Panel" directly in the
Start screen), and then click its icon.
b. Click Uninstall a program or Programs and Features.
c. Find Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and select Uninstall.
d. Click REMOVE in the window that appears.
e. Wait for the uninstall process to complete, and then reboot
your system.
f. Reboot your system in normal mode.

❍ In Windows 10 and Windows 11:

a. Click Start, then click Settings.
b. Click the System icon in the Settings area, then select
Installed apps.
c. Find Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and select Uninstall.
d. Click Uninstall again to confirm your choice.
e. Click REMOVE in the window that appears.
f. Wait for the uninstall process to complete, and then reboot
your system.
g. Reboot your system in normal mode.

3. Reinstall your Bitdefender product.

❍ You had a different security solution before and you did not remove it
properly.
To solve this:
1. Reboot your system and enter in Safe Mode. To find out how to do
this, refer to How do I restart in Safe Mode? (page 119).

Troubleshooting 130
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

2. Remove the other security solution from your system:

❍ In Windows 7:
a. Click Start, go to Control Panel and double-click Programs
and Features.
b. Find the name of the program you want to remove and select
Remove.
c. Wait for the uninstall process to complete, and then reboot
your system.

❍ In Windows 8 and Windows 8.1:

a. From the Windows Start screen, locate Control Panel (for
example, you can start typing "Control Panel" directly in the
Start screen), and then click its icon.
b. Click Uninstall a program or Programs and Features.
c. Find the name of the program you want to remove and select
Remove.
d. Wait for the uninstall process to complete, and then reboot
your system.

❍ In Windows 10 and Windows 11:

a. Click Start, then click Settings.
b. Click the System icon in the Settings area, then select
Installed apps.
c. Find the name of the program you want to remove and select
Uninstall.
d. Wait for the uninstall process to complete, and then reboot
your system.

To correctly uninstall the other software, go to their website and run

their uninstall tool or contact them directly to provide you with the
uninstall guidelines.
3. Reboot your system in normal mode and reinstall Bitdefender.

You have already followed the steps above and the situation is not solved.
To solve this:

Troubleshooting 131
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

1. Reboot your system and enter in Safe Mode. To find out how to do this,
refer to How do I restart in Safe Mode? (page 119).
2. Use the System Restore option from Windows to restore the device to
an earlier date before installing the Bitdefender product.
3. Reboot the system in normal mode and contact our support
representatives for help as described in section Asking for Help (page
139).

6.2. Removing threats from your system

Threats can affect your system in many different ways and the Bitdefender
approach depends on the type of threat attack. Because threats change
their behavior frequently, it is difficult to establish a pattern for their
behavior and their actions.
There are situations when Bitdefender cannot automatically remove the
threat infection from your system. In such cases, your intervention is
required.
❍ Rescue Environment (page 132)
❍ What to do when Bitdefender finds threats on your device? (page 133)
❍ How do I clean a threat in an archive? (page 134)
❍ How do I clean a threat in an email archive? (page 136)
❍ What to do if I suspect a file as being dangerous? (page 137)
❍ What are the password-protected files in the scan log? (page 137)
❍ What are the skipped items in the scan log? (page 137)
❍ What are the over-compressed files in the scan log? (page 138)
❍ Why did Bitdefender automatically delete an infected file? (page 138)
If you cannot find your problem here, or if the presented solutions do not
solve it, you can contact the Bitdefender technical support representatives
as presented in chapter Asking for Help (page 139).

6.2.1. Rescue Environment

Rescue Environment is a Bitdefender feature that allows you to scan
and disinfect all existing hard drive partitions inside and outside of your
operating system.

Troubleshooting 132
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Bitdefender Rescue Environment is integrated with Windows RE.

Starting your system in Rescue Environment

You can enter Rescue Environment only from your Bitdefender product, as
follows:
1. Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the ANTIVIRUS pane, click Open.
3. Click Open next to Rescue Environment.
4. Click REBOOT in the window that appears.
Bitdefender Rescue Environment loads in a few moments.

Scanning your system in Rescue Environment

To scan your system Rescue Environment:
1. Enter Rescue Environment, as described in Starting your system in
Rescue Environment (page 133).
2. The Bitdefender scanning process starts automatically as soon as the
system is loaded in Rescue Environment.
3. Wait for the scan to complete. If any threat is detected, follow the
instructions to remove it.
4. To exit Rescue Environment, click the Close button in the window with
the scan results.

6.2.2. What to do when Bitdefender finds threats on your

device?
You may find out there is a threat on your device in one of these ways:
❍ You scanned your device and Bitdefender found infected items on it.
❍ A threat alert informs you that Bitdefender blocked one or multiple
threats on your device.
In such situations, update Bitdefender to make sure you have the latest
threat information database and run a System Scan to analyze the system.
As soon as the system scan is over, select the desired action for the
infected items (Disinfect, Delete, Move to quarantine).

Troubleshooting 133
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Warning
If you suspect the file is part of the Windows operating system or that it
is not an infected file, do not follow these steps and contact Bitdefender
Customer Care as soon as possible.
If the selected action could not be taken and the scan log reveals an
infection which could not be deleted, you have to remove the file(s)
manually:
The first method can be used in normal mode:
1. Turn off the Bitdefender real-time antivirus protection:
a. Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender
interface.
b. In the ANTIVIRUS pane, click Open.
c. In the Advanced window, turn off Bitdefender Shield.

2. Display hidden objects in Windows. To find out how to do this, refer to

How do I display hidden objects in Windows? (page 117).
3. Browse to the location of the infected file (check the scan log) and
delete it.
4. Turn on the Bitdefender real-time antivirus protection.
In case the first method failed to remove the infection:
1. Reboot your system and enter in Safe Mode. To find out how to do this,
refer to How do I restart in Safe Mode? (page 119).
2. Display hidden objects in Windows. To find out how to do this, refer to
How do I display hidden objects in Windows? (page 117).
3. Browse to the location of the infected file (check the scan log) and
delete it.
4. Reboot your system and enter in normal mode.
If this information was not helpful, you can contact Bitdefender for support
as described in section Asking for Help (page 139).

6.2.3. How do I clean a threat in an archive?

An archive is a file or a collection of files compressed under a special
format to reduce the space on disk necessary for storing the files.

Troubleshooting 134
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Some of these formats are open formats, thus providing Bitdefender the
option to scan inside them and then take appropriate actions to remove
them.
Other archive formats are partially or fully closed, and Bitdefender can only
detect the presence of threats inside them, but is not able to take any other
actions.
If Bitdefender notifies you that a threat has been detected inside an archive
and no action is available, it means that removing the threat is not possible
due to restrictions on the archive’s permission settings.
Here is how you can clean a threat stored in an archive:
1. Identify the archive that includes the threat by performing a System
Scan of the system.
2. Turn off the Bitdefender real-time antivirus protection:
a. Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender
interface.
b. In the ANTIVIRUS pane, click Open.
c. In the Advanced window, turn off Bitdefender Shield.

3. Go to the location of the archive and decompress it using an archiving

app, like WinZip.
4. Identify the infected file and delete it.
5. Delete the original archive to make sure the infection is totally removed.
6. Recompress the files in a new archive using an archiving app, like
WinZip.
7. Turn on the Bitdefender real-time antivirus protection and run a System
scan to make sure there is no other infection on the system.

Note
It's important to note that a threat stored in an archive is not
an immediate threat to your system, since the threat has to be
decompressed and executed to infect your system.
If this information was not helpful, you can contact Bitdefender for support
as described in section Asking for Help (page 139).

Troubleshooting 135
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

6.2.4. How do I clean a threat in an email archive?

Bitdefender can also identify threats in email databases and email archives
stored on disk.
Sometimes it is necessary to identify the infected message using the
information provided in the scan report, and delete it manually.
Here is how you can clean a threat stored in an email archive:
1. Scan the email database with Bitdefender.
2. Turn off the Bitdefender real-time antivirus protection:
a. Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender
interface.
b. In the ANTIVIRUS pane, click Open.
c. In the Advanced window, turn off Bitdefender Shield.

3. Open the scan report and use the identification information (Subject,
From, To) of the infected messages to locate them in the email client.
4. Delete the infected messages. Most email clients also move the
deleted message to a recovery folder, from which it can be recovered.
You should make sure the message is deleted also from this recovery
folder.
5. Compact the folder storing the infected message.
❍ In Microsoft Outlook 2007: On the File menu, click Data File
Management. Select the personal folders (.pst) files you intend to
compact, and click Settings. Click Compact Now.
❍ In Microsoft Outlook 2010 / 2013/ 2016: On the File menu, click
Info, and then Account settings (Add and remove accounts or
change existing connection settings). Then click Data File, select
the personal folders (.pst) files you intend to compact, and click
Settings. Click Compact Now.

6. Turn on the Bitdefender real-time antivirus protection.

If this information was not helpful, you can contact Bitdefender for support
as described in section Asking for Help (page 139).

Troubleshooting 136
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

6.2.5. What to do if I suspect a file as being dangerous?

You may suspect a file from your system as being dangerous, even though
your Bitdefender product did not detect it.
To make sure your system is protected:
1. Run a System Scan with Bitdefender. To find out how to do this, refer to
How do I scan my system (page 103).
2. If the scan result appears to be clean, but you still have doubts and
want to make sure about the file, contact our support representatives
so that we may help you.
To find out how to do this, refer to Asking for Help (page 139).

6.2.6. What are the password-protected files in the scan

log?
This is only a notification which indicates that Bitdefender has detected
these files are either protected with a password or by some form of
encryption.
Most commonly, the password-protected items are:
❍ Files that belong to another security solution.
❍ Files that belong to the operating system.
To actually scan the contents, these files would need to either be extracted
or otherwise decrypted.
Should those contents be extracted, Bitdefender's real-time scanner would
automatically scan them to keep your device protected. If you want to scan
those files with Bitdefender, you have to contact the product manufacturer
to provide you with more details on those files.
Our recommendation to you is to ignore those files because they are not a
threat for your system.

6.2.7. What are the skipped items in the scan log?

All files that appear as Skipped in the scan report are clean.
For increased performance, Bitdefender does not scan files that have not
changed since the last scan.

Troubleshooting 137
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

6.2.8. What are the over-compressed files in the scan log?

The over-compressed items are elements which could not be extracted by
the scanning engine or elements for which the decryption time would have
taken too long making the system unstable.
Overcompressed means that Bitdefender skipped scanning within that
archive because unpacking it proved to take up too many system
resources. The content will be scanned on real time access if needed.

6.2.9. Why did Bitdefender automatically delete an infected

file?
If an infected file is detected, Bitdefender will automatically attempt to
disinfect it. If disinfection fails, the file is moved to quarantine to contain
the infection.
For particular types of threats, disinfection is not possible because the
detected file is entirely malicious. In such cases, the infected file is deleted
from the disk.
This is usually the case with installation files that are downloaded from
untrustworthy websites. If you find yourself in such a situation, download
the installation file from the manufacturer's website or other trusted
website.

Troubleshooting 138
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

7. GETTING HELP

7.1. Asking for Help

Bitdefender provides its customers with an unparalleled level of fast and
accurate support. If you experience any issue or if you have any question
about your Bitdefender product, you can use several online resources to
find a solution or an answer.

7.2. Online Resources

Several online resources are available to help you solve your Bitdefender-
related problems and questions.
❍ Bitdefender Support Center:
https://www.bitdefender.com/consumer/support/
❍ The Bitdefender Expert Community:
https://community.bitdefender.com/en/
❍ Bitdefender Cyberpedia:
https://www.bitdefender.com/cyberpedia/
You can also use your favorite search engine to find out more information
about computer security, the Bitdefender products and the company.

7.2.1. Bitdefender Support Center

The Bitdefender Support Center is an online repository of information
about the Bitdefender products. It stores, in an easily accessible format,
reports on the results of the ongoing technical support and bugfixing
activities of the Bitdefender support and development teams, along
with more general articles about threat prevention, the management of
Bitdefender solutions with detailed explanations, and many other articles.
The Bitdefender Support Center is open to the public and freely searchable.
The extensive information it contains is yet another means of providing
Bitdefender customers with the technical knowledge and insight they need.
All valid requests for information or bug reports coming from Bitdefender
clients eventually find their way into the Bitdefender Support Center,
as bugfix reports, workaround cheatsheets or informational articles to
supplement product helpfiles.

Getting Help 139

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

The Bitdefender Support Center is available any time at at the following

address: https://www.bitdefender.com/consumer/support/.

7.2.2. The Bitdefender Expert Community

The Expert Community is an environment where Bitdefender users,
enthusiasts and fans can engage, exchange ideas, support each other and
share their knowledge and solutions. It is also a place of ideation and
provides valuable feedback to our development teams. The community
members are experienced Bitdefender users happy to help other peers on
their own time.
Here you will find meaningful conversations with people that use
Bitdefender on their devices. The community offers a true connection
with our members and makes your voice heard. It is a place where
you are encouraged to participate knowing that your opinion and input
are respected and cherished. As a valued provider, we strive to offer an
unparalleled level of fast, accurate support and we wish to bring our users
closer to us. We have designed our community with this purpose in mind.
You can find our Expert Community webpage here:
https://community.bitdefender.com/en/

7.2.3. Bitdefender Cyberpedia

Bitdefender Cyberpedia has all the info you need about the latest cyber-
threats. This is the place where Bitdefender experts share tips & tricks
about how to stay protected from hackers, data breaches, identity theft and
social impersonation attempts.
The Bitdefender Cyberpedia webpage can be found here:
https://www.bitdefender.com/cyberpedia/.

7.3. Contact Information

Efficient communication is the key to a successful business. Since 2001
BITDEFENDER has established an unquestionable reputation by constantly
striving for better communication so as to exceed the expectations of our
clients and partners. Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to
contact us directly through our Bitdefender Support Center:
https://www.bitdefender.com/consumer/support/

Getting Help 140

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

7.3.1. Local distributors

The Bitdefender local distributors are ready to respond to any inquiries
regarding their areas of operation, both in commercial and in general
matters.
To find a Bitdefender distributor in your country:
1. Go to https://www.bitdefender.com/partners/partner-locator.html.
2. Choose your country and city using the corresponding options.

Getting Help 141

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

GLOSSARY
Activation code
Is a unique key that can be bought from retail and used to activate a
specific product or service. An activation code enables the activation of a
valid subscription for a certain period of time and number devices and can
also be used to extend a subscription with the condition to be generated
for the same product or service.
ActiveX
ActiveX is a model for writing programs so that other programs and the
operating system can call them. ActiveX technology is used with Microsoft
Internet Explorer to make interactive webpages that look and behave like
computer programs, rather than static pages. With ActiveX, users can ask
or answer questions, use push buttons, and interact in other ways with the
webpage. ActiveX controls are often written using Visual Basic. Active X is
notable for a complete lack of security controls; computer security experts
discourage its use over the internet.
Advanced persistent threat
Advanced persistent threat (APT) exploits vulnerabilities of systems to
steal important information to deliver it to the source. Big groups such as
organizations, companies, or governments, are targeted by this threat. The
objective of an advanced persistent threat is to remain undetected for a
long time being able to monitor and gather important information without
damaging the targeted machines. The method used to inject the threat into
the network is through a PDF file or an Office document that look harmless
so that every user can run the files.
Adware
Adware is often combined with a host app that is provided at no charge as
long as the user agrees to accept the adware. Because adware apps are
usually installed after the user has agreed to a licensing agreement that
states the purpose of the app, no offense is committed. However, pop-up
advertisements can become an annoyance, and in some cases degrade
system performance. Also, the information that some of these apps collect
may cause privacy concerns for users who were not fully aware of the
terms in the license agreement.

Glossary 142
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Archive
A disk, tape, or directory that contains files that have been backed up.
A file that contains one or more files in a compressed format.
Backdoor
A hole in the security of a system deliberately left in place by designers or
maintainers. The motivation for such holes is not always sinister; some
operating systems, for example, come out of the box with privileged
accounts intended for use by field service technicians or the vendor's
maintenance programmers.
Boot sector
A sector at the beginning of each disk that identifies the disk's architecture
(sector size, cluster size, and so on). For startup disks, the boot sector also
contains a program that loads the operating system.
Boot virus
A threat that infects the boot sector of a fixed or floppy disk. An attempt to
boot from a diskette infected with a boot sector virus will cause the threat
to become active in memory. Every time you boot your system from that
point on, you will have the threat active in memory.
Botnet
The term “botnet” is composed of the words “robot” and “network”.
Botnets are internet-connected devices infected with threats and can be
used to send spam emails, steal data, remotely control vulnerable devices,
or spread spyware, ransomware, and other kinds of threats. Their objective
is to infect as many connected devices as possible, such as PCs, servers,
mobile or IoT devices belonging to big companies or industries.
Browser
Short for web browser, a software app used to locate and display
webpages. Popular browsers include Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla
Firefox and Google Chrome. These are graphical browsers, which means
that they can display graphics as well as text. In addition, most modern
browsers can present multimedia information, including sound and video,
though they require plug-ins for some formats.

Glossary 143
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Brute Force Attack

Password guessing attack used to break into a computer system by
entering possible password combinations, mostly starting with the easiest-
to-guess password.
Command line
In a command line interface, the user types commands in the space
provided directly on the screen using command language.
Cookies
Within the internet industry, cookies are described as small files containing
information about individual computers that can be analyzed and used
by advertisers to track your online interests and tastes. In this realm,
cookie technology is still being developed and the intention is to target
ads directly to what you've said your interests are. It's a double-edge
sword for many people because on one hand, it's efficient and pertinent
as you only see ads about what you're interested in. On the other hand,
it involves actually "tracking" and "following" where you go and what you
click. Understandably so, there is a debate over privacy and many people
feel offended by the notion that they are viewed as a "SKU number" (you
know, the bar code on the back of packages that gets scanned at the
grocery check-out line). While this viewpoint may be extreme, in some
cases it is accurate.
Cyberbullying
When peers or strangers are committing abusive acts against children on
purpose to physically hurt them. To damage emotionally, the assaulters are
sending mean messages or unflattering photos, thus making their victims
isolate from others or feel frustrated.
Dictionary Attack
Password guessing attacks used to break into a computer system
by entering a combination of common words to generate potential
passwords. The same method is used to guess decryption keys of
encrypted messages or documents. Dictionary attacks succeed because
many people incline to choose short and single words passwords that are
easy to be guessed.
Disk drive
It's a machine that reads data from and writes data onto a disk. A hard disk
drive reads and writes hard disks. A floppy drive accesses floppy disks.

Glossary 144
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Disk drives can be either internal (housed within a computer) or external

(housed in a separate box that connects to the computer).
Download
To copy data (usually an entire file) from a main source to a peripheral
device. The term is often used to describe the process of copying a file
from an online service to one's own computer. Downloading can also refer
to copying a file from a network file server to a computer on the network.
Email
Electronic mail. A service that sends messages on computers via local or
global networks.
Events
An action or occurrence detected by a program. Events can be user
actions, such as clicking a mouse button or pressing a key, or system
occurrences, such as running out of memory.
Exploits
A way to take advantage of different bugs or vulnerabilities that are present
in a computer (software or hardware). Thus, hackers may gain the control
of computers or networks.
False positive
Occurs when a scanner identifies a file as infected when in fact it is not.
Filename extension
The portion of a filename, following the final point, which indicates the kind
of data stored in the file. Many operating systems use filename extensions,
e.g. Unix, VMS, and MS-DOS. They are usually from one to three letters
(some sad old OSes support no more than three). Examples include "c" for
C source code, "ps" for PostScript, "txt" for arbitrary text.
Heuristic
A rule-based method of identifying new threats. This method of scanning
does not rely on specific threat information database. The advantage of
the heuristic scan is that it is not fooled by a new variant of an existing
threat. However, it might occasionally report suspicious code in normal
programs, generating the so-called "false positive".

Glossary 145
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Honeypot
A decoy computer system set to attract hackers to study the way they act
and identify the heretical methods they use to collect system information.
Companies and corporations are more interested in implementing and
using honeypots to improve their overall state of security.
IP
Internet Protocol - A routable protocol in the TCP/IP protocol suite that
is responsible for IP addressing, routing, and the fragmentation and
reassembly of IP packets.
Java applet
A Java program which is designed to run only on a webpage. To use
an applet on a webpage, you would specify the name of the applet and
the size (length and width, in pixels) that the applet can utilize. When the
webpage is accessed, the browser downloads the applet from a server and
runs it on the user's machine (the client). Applets differ from apps in that
they are governed by a strict security protocol.
For example, even though applets run on the client, they cannot read
or write data onto the client's machine. Additionally, applets are further
restricted so that they can only read and write data from the same domain
that they are served from.
Keylogger
A keylogger is an app that logs anything you type. Keyloggers are not
malicious in nature. They can be used for legitimate purposes, such as
monitoring employees or children activity. However, they are increasingly
being used by cyber-criminals for malicious purposes (for example, to
collect private data, such as login credentials and social security numbers).
Macro virus
A type of computer threat that is encoded as a macro embedded in
a document. Many apps, such as Microsoft Word and Excel, support
powerful macro languages. These apps allow you to embed a macro in a
document, and have the macro execute each time the document is opened.
Mail client
An email client is an app that enables you to send and receive email.

Glossary 146
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Memory
Internal storage areas in the computer. The term memory identifies data
storage that comes in the form of chips, and the word storage is used
for memory that exists on tapes or disks. Every computer comes with a
certain amount of physical memory, usually referred to as main memory or
RAM.
Non-heuristic
This method of scanning relies on specific threat information database.
The advantage of the non-heuristic scan is that it is not fooled by what
might seem to be a threat, and does not generate false alarms.
Online predators
Individuals who seek to attract minors or adolescents into conversations
on purpose to involve them into illegal sexual activities. Social networks
are the ideal place where vulnerable children can easily be hunted and
seduced into committing sexual activities, online or face-to-face.
Packed programs
A file in a compression format. Many operating systems and apps contain
commands that enable you to pack a file so that it takes up less memory.
For example, suppose you have a text file containing ten consecutive
space characters. Normally, this would require ten bytes of storage.
However, a program that packs files would replace the space characters by
a special space-series character followed by the number of spaces being
replaced. In this case, the ten spaces would require only two bytes. This is
just one packing technique - there are many more.
Path
The exact directions to a file on a computer. These directions are usually
described by means of the hierarchical filing system from the top down.
The route between any two points, such as the communications channel
between two computers.
Phishing
The act of sending an email to a user falsely claiming to be an established
legitimate enterprise in an attempt to scam the user into surrendering
private information that will be used for identity theft. The email directs
the user to visit a website where they are asked to update personal
information, such as passwords and credit card, social security, and

Glossary 147
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

bank account numbers, that the legitimate organization already has. The
website, however, is bogus and set up only to steal the user’s information.
Photon
Photon is an innovative non-intrusive Bitdefender technology, designed to
minimize the performance impact of your security solution. By monitoring
your PC’s activity in the background, it creates usage patterns that help
optimize booting and scanning processes.
Polymorphic virus
A threat that changes its form with each file it infects. Since they have no
consistent binary pattern, such threats are hard to identify.
Port
An interface on a computer to which you can connect a device. Personal
computers have various types of ports. Internally, there are several ports
for connecting disk drives, display screens, and keyboards. Externally,
personal computers have ports for connecting modems, printers, mice, and
other peripheral devices.
In TCP/IP and UDP networks, an endpoint to a logical connection. The port
number identifies what type of port it is. For example, port 80 is used for
HTTP traffic.
Ransomware
Ransomware is a malicious program that tries to make money from
users by locking their vulnerable systems. CryptoLocker, CryptoWall, and
TeslaWall, are only some variants that hunt personal systems of users.
The infection can be spread by accessing spam emails, downloading email
attachments, or installing apps, without letting the user know about what
is happening on his system. Daily users and companies are targeted by
ransomware hackers.
Report file
A file that lists actions that have occurred. Bitdefender maintains a report
file listing the path scanned, the folders, the number of archives and files
scanned, how many infected and suspicious files were found.
Rootkit
A rootkit is a set of software tools which offer administrator-level access
to a system. The term was first used for the UNIX operating systems and it

Glossary 148
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

referred to recompiled tools which provided intruders administrative rights,

allowing them to conceal their presence so as not to be seen by the system
administrators.
The main role of rootkits is to hide processes, files, logins and logs.
They may also intercept data from terminals, network connections or
peripherals, if they incorporate the appropriate software.
Rootkits are not malicious in nature. For example, systems and even some
apps hide critical files using rootkits. However, they are mostly used to hide
threats or to conceal the presence of an intruder into the system. When
combined with threats, rootkits pose a great threat to the integrity and the
security of a system. They can monitor traffic, create backdoors into the
system, alter files and logs and avoid detection.
Script
Another term for macro or batch file, a script is a list of commands that
can be executed without user interaction.
Spam
Electronic junk mail or junk newsgroup postings. Generally known as any
unsolicited email.
Spyware
Any software that covertly gathers user information through the user's
internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising
purposes. Spyware apps are typically bundled as a hidden component
of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the
internet; however, it should be noted that the majority of shareware and
freeware apps do not come with spyware. Once installed, the spyware
monitors user activity on the internet and transmits that information in the
background to someone else. Spyware can also gather information about
email addresses and even passwords and credit card numbers.
Spyware's similarity to a Trojan horse threat is the fact that users
unwittingly install the product when they install something else. A common
way to become a victim of spyware is to download certain peer-to-peer file
swapping products that are available today.
Aside from the questions of ethics and privacy, spyware steals from
the user by using the computer's memory resources and also by eating
bandwidth as it sends information back to the spyware's home base via the
user's internet connection. Because spyware is using memory and system

Glossary 149
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

resources, the apps running in the background can lead to system crashes
or general system instability.
Startup items
Any files placed in this folder will open when the computer starts. For
example, a startup screen, a sound file to be played when the computer
first starts, a reminder calendar, or apps can be startup items. Normally, an
alias of a file is placed in this folder rather than the file itself.
Subscription
Purchase agreement that gives the user the right to use a particular
product or service on a specific number of devices and for a certain period
of time. An expired subscription can be automatically renewed using the
information provided by the user at the first purchase.
System tray
Introduced with Windows 95, the system tray is located in the Windows
taskbar (usually at the bottom next to the clock) and contains miniature
icons for easy access to system functions such as fax, printer, modem,
volume, and more. Double click or right-click an icon to view and access
the details and controls.
TCP/IP
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol - A set of networking
protocols widely used on the internet that provides communications
across interconnected networks of computers with diverse hardware
architectures and various operating systems. TCP/IP includes standards
for how computers communicate and conventions for connecting
networks and routing traffic.
Threat
A program or piece of code that is loaded onto your computer without
your knowledge and runs against your will. Most threats can also replicate
themselves. All computer threats are manmade. A simple threat that can
copy itself over and over again is relatively easy to produce. Even such a
simple threat is dangerous because it will quickly use all available memory
and bring the system to a halt. An even more dangerous type of threat is
one capable of transmitting itself across networks and bypassing security
systems.

Glossary 150
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Threat Information Update

The binary pattern of a threat, used by the security solution to detect and
eliminate the threat.
Trojan
A destructive program that masquerades as a benign app. Unlike malicious
software programs and worms, Trojans do not replicate themselves but
they can be just as destructive. One of the most insidious types of Trojan
horse threats is a program that claims to rid your computer of threats but
instead introduces threats onto your computer.
The term comes from a story in Homer's Iliad, in which the Greeks give
a giant wooden horse to their foes, the Trojans, ostensibly as a peace
offering. But after the Trojans drag the horse inside their city walls, Greek
soldiers sneak out of the horse's hollow belly and open the city gates,
allowing their compatriots to pour in and capture Troy.
Update
A new version of a software or hardware product designed to replace an
older version of the same product. In addition, the installation routines for
updates often check to make sure that an older version is already installed
on your computer; if not, you cannot install the update.
Bitdefender has its own update feature that allows you to manually check
for updates, or let it automatically update the product.
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Is a technology that enables a temporary and encrypted direct connection
to a certain network over a less secure network. This way, sending and
receiving data is secure and encrypted, difficult to be caught by snoopers.
A proof of security is the authentication, which can be done only using a
username and password.
Worm
A program that propagates itself over a network, reproducing itself as it
goes. It cannot attach itself to other programs.

Glossary 151