How to Add a Firewall Exception in Bitdefender App (Windows)

Adding a firewall exception allows trusted applications, devices, or network services to communicate without being blocked. You may need to add an exception if a program cannot access the internet, a printer is not responding, or a device on your network is unreachable.

Before adding a firewall exception, it’s important to confirm that Bitdefender firewall is the cause:

Temporarily disable Bitdefender Firewall (from Services → Protection → Firewall) and check if the issue persists.
If the connection works with Bitdefender firewall turned off, re-enable the firewall and follow the steps below to add an exception.

Add a Firewall Exception for an Application

Use this option when a specific program (e.g. a game or internal tool) cannot access the network.

1. Open Bitdefender App, then click Services in the left-hand sidebar.

2. Next, go to Protection in the Security menu.

3. In the Firewall panel, click Open.

open Firewall

4. Go to the Rules tab and then click the + Add rule button.

5. Click Browse and select the executable file (.exe) of the application the rule will apply to.

6. Click Save.

The application is now allowed to communicate through the firewall without being blocked.

Add a Firewall Exception for a Device (Printer, Computer, NAS etc.)

Use this option when a device on your network (such as a printer, NAS, or another computer) is not reachable.

1. Open Bitdefender App, then click Services in the left-hand sidebar.

2. Next, go to Protection in the Security menu.

3. In the Firewall panel, click Open.

open Firewall

4. Open the Network Adapters tab and set your network type to Home/Office.

5. Go to the Settings tab and click Manage stealth settings.

6. Turn off stealth mode (gray switch) for your network adapter. This will make your device visible both inside and outside the network.

Your device should now function normally on your network.

If the issue persists, follow the steps below to also add a firewall exception for the device’s IP address:

7. In the Firewall section, open the Rules tab, then click the + Add rule button.

8. In the new window, scroll down and click Show advanced options.

9. Turn on the Custom Local Address switch.

10. Enter the IP address of the device you want to connect to (e.g. printer, NAS), then click Save.

The specified device or IP address can now communicate through the firewall without restriction.

Edit or Remove a Firewall Exception

If you want to modify or remove a previously excluded app or IP address:

Return to Services → Protection → Firewall → Rules.
Click on the app or IP rule in the list.
Use the available options to Edit or Delete the firewall rule.