Fix Avast HTTPS Scanning

TL;DR

Avast’s HTTPS scanning can cause website loading issues or security warnings. This guide shows you how to temporarily disable it for troubleshooting, update your root certificates, and selectively enable it if needed.

1. Understand the Problem

Avast scans encrypted (HTTPS) connections for threats. While this improves cyber security, it can sometimes interfere with websites that use newer or less common certificate authorities. This interference manifests as:

• Website loading errors
• Security warnings in your browser
• Slow website performance

2. Temporarily Disable HTTPS Scanning (Troubleshooting)

Disabling HTTPS scanning helps determine if Avast is the cause of the issue. Important: Only disable it temporarily for testing, as this reduces your cyber security protection.

1. Open Avast Antivirus.
2. Click on Protection in the left-hand menu.
3. Select Shields.
4. Click the Settings icon (gear) next to ‘Web & Email Shield’.
5. Go to the Exceptions tab.
6. Scroll down and find HTTPS Scanning. Uncheck the box.
7. Confirm any prompts.

Restart your browser and check if the problem is resolved.

3. Update Avast Root Certificates

Outdated root certificates are a common cause of HTTPS scanning issues. Updating them ensures Avast trusts valid websites.

1. Open Avast Antivirus.
2. Click on Maintenance in the left-hand menu.
3. Select Update Program. This will also update virus definitions and root certificates.
4. Alternatively, you can manually check for updates: Click Settings > General > Updates > Check for Updates.

After the update completes, restart your computer.

4. Add Specific Websites as Exceptions (Selective Enabling)

If disabling HTTPS scanning entirely isn’t ideal, you can add problematic websites to Avast’s exceptions list. This allows them to load normally while keeping protection active for other sites.

1. Open Avast Antivirus.
2. Click on Protection in the left-hand menu.
3. Select Shields.
4. Click the Settings icon (gear) next to ‘Web & Email Shield’.
5. Go to the Exceptions tab.
6. Click Add Exception.
7. Enter the website address (e.g., www.example.com) or file path. You can also add a folder if multiple files are affected.
8. Confirm any prompts.

Repeat for each problematic website.

5. Check Browser Settings

Sometimes, browser settings can conflict with Avast’s HTTPS scanning. Ensure your browser trusts the root certificates installed by Avast.

• Chrome: Chrome generally uses the system’s certificate store (where Avast installs its certificates). No specific action is usually needed.
• Firefox: In Firefox, go to Options > Privacy & Security > Certificates > View Certificates. Ensure the Avast root certificates are listed and trusted. If not, you may need to import them (usually unnecessary).

6. Re-enable HTTPS Scanning (If Possible)

Once you’ve identified and resolved the issue, re-enable HTTPS scanning for optimal cyber security.

1. Follow the steps in 2. Temporarily Disable HTTPS Scanning, but this time check the box next to ‘HTTPS Scanning’.