How can antivirus software affect Luminar for Desktop?

Note: Some interface details and visuals in this article may differ from the latest version of Luminar for Desktop. To see the current interface, visit the Luminar for Desktop walkthrough.

Sometimes, your antivirus software can mistakenly block Luminar for Desktop’s necessary processes. If it happens, you might experience problems with the app, such as crashes, inability to activate, getting stuck during your login, or seeing a broken/corrupted UI of the login window.

🛠️ How to Fix It

You need to tell your antivirus that Luminar for Desktop is safe by adding it to the "exclusions" or "exceptions" list.

You can follow these simple steps:

on Windows

1. Open your antivirus settings.

2. Find the section called "Exclusions," "Exceptions," "Allowed Apps," or similar.

3. Add the Luminar for Desktop application (LuminarNeo.exe) or its folder (usually in C:\Program Files\Skylum\Luminar Neo).

4. Save your changes.

on macOS

1. Open your antivirus settings.

2. Find the section called "Exclusions," "Exceptions," "Allowed Apps," or similar.

3. Add the Luminar for Desktop application in the Applications folder on your Mac.

4. Save your changes.

🤔 Where do I find the Exceptions settings in my specific antivirus?

• Windows Defender: Virus & threat protection > Manage settings > Add or remove exclusions.

• McAfee: Check Internet Connections and Exceptions list.

• Avast: Settings > General > Exclusions.

• ESET: Advanced Setup (F5) > Detection Engine (or Antivirus) > Exclusions.

• Avira: Add to Exceptions under Scan & Real-time protection (may need to disable real-time protection temporarily).

• Bitdefender: Protection > Settings (or Antivirus) > Exclusions.

• Malwarebytes: Settings > Allow List (or Malware Exclusions).

• Sophos: Policies > Antivirus > Exclusions > Add.

• Kaspersky: Settings > Additional > Threats and Exclusions > Manage Exceptions > Add.

❗Important: Steps might vary slightly depending on your antivirus version. Always check your antivirus program's official help guide if you're unsure.

If adding an exclusion doesn't resolve the installation or update issues, you can try a few additional steps:

✅ Check if your internet router has its own firewall that might be blocking the connection—if so, try disabling it temporarily to see if that helps.

✅ Try temporarily disabling your entire antivirus software while installing or updating the app.

✅ On Windows, temporarily disable your Windows Defender Firewall or add Luminar for Desktop as an exception there.

We recommend using caution with the Kaspersky antivirus program, as it may raise security concerns and can sometimes be overly strict—occasionally blocking safe applications like Luminar for Desktop. If you continue to experience issues, consider switching to a different antivirus solution.