Frequents Ask Questions
How does Bitdefender Total Security protect me against viruses, malware and cyber threats?
Bitdefender Total Security provides the best anti-malware protection in the industry, as proven by the last 10 years of independent test scores.
You get a wealth of advanced security and privacy features for Windows, Android and iOS – plus many bonus features, including VPN and Premium Parental Control. Easy to install and use, Bitdefender Total Security reacts instantly to malware with no compromise to your system’s performance.
Does Bitdefender Total Security protect me against ransomware?
Bitdefender Total Security offers unbeatable ransomware protection that keeps your documents, pictures and videos safe from all known and emerging cyber threats.
This security solution can identify even the latest ransomware families through the use of multiple layers of protection designed to detect malware during various stages of the attack.
What type of devices and operating systems does Bitdefender Total Security cover?
Bitdefender Total Security will protect your Windows PCs, Macs, smartphones and tablets running Android or iOS against all malware threats.
Why do I need Bitdefender Total Security on Windows 10/ macOS/ Android?
Windows 10 lets you run the anti-malware program of your choosing, and Bitdefender Total Security is the perfect option if you need a security suite that goes beyond traditional malware protection.
With the rapid evolution of malware, Macs have become increasingly vulnerable. This is why it is always recommended to leave security in the hands of specialists. Bitdefender Total Security makes sure your Mac is protected from all new and existing cyber-threats.
Some of your most personal data is stored on your Android smartphone – and you need to know it is safe at all times. Bitdefender Total Security takes care of your online privacy and private information without interfering in your day-to-day activities.
Support Activate Product
How to activate a Bitdefender subscription
In this article, you can find quick steps for activating your new Bitdefender subscription. With Bitdefender, you can choose one of two methods to activate your subscription: either click to activate the subscription directly from the purchase e-mail received shortly after placing an online order, or manually activate the code from the e-mail or retail box. Automatic activation does not require your intervention and occurs only under certain conditions that we will detail below.
Select one of the following activation methods to learn more:
One-click activation of a Bitdefender subscription »
This section covers one-click instant activation, the easiest way to activate a Bitdefender subscription.
1. Open the confirmation e-mail sent by Bitdefender upon completion of the online payment and click on ACTIVATE IN CENTRAL. See the image below for reference.
2. After clicking the ACTIVATE IN CENTRAL button, the default web browser will open and take you to Bitdefender Central where the subscription is instantly activated after login. If you don’t have a Central account, choose to create one.
Bitdefender Central is a centralized platform for managing all your Bitdefender products and services. Here, you can activate your subscription using the activation code purchased or received as a present, and install Bitdefender on any device. For more information, read – What is Bitdefender Central & How do I use it?
3. If prompted, choose how you would like to use the code, and then press the CONFIRM ACTIVATION button.
For instance, you can decide to add a separate subscription or to extend the current one. The latter option is only available if one of your current subscriptions is identical to the new one you are trying to add.
The subscription is now active in your Bitdefender Central account! If you have further questions about the activation process, check out the FAQ below.
Manual activation of a Bitdefender subscription
This section covers the manual activation. Manual activation means that you can use the one-time code from the purchase e-mail or retail box to activate your Bitdefender subscription, as follows:
1. Log in to your Bitdefender Central account at https://central.bitdefender.com/. If you don’t have an account, choose to create one.
Bitdefender Central is a centralized platform for managing all your Bitdefender products and services. Here, you can activate your subscription using the activation code purchased or received as a present, and install Bitdefender on any device. For more information, read – What is Bitdefender Central & How do I use it?
2. If you don’t have any active subscriptions in your Bitdefender Central account, as soon as you sign in you will be prompted to either activate your new subscription or to buy Bitdefender. Click ACTIVATE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION.
If another subscription is already active in your Central account, access the My Subscriptions panel located on the left side of the page. Next, click + Activate with code.
3. Input the activation code from the confirmation e-mail received after purchasing Bitdefender. The code is displayed beneath the Want to use your activation code instead? section. In the image used as reference below, the code is IOTESTCODE.
If Bitdefender was purchased from a retail store, the code is printed on the card inside the box that Bitdefender came in.
Note: The e-mail is received only upon purchase. If you already activated this code and your Bitdefender product expired, visit www.bitdefender.com/solutions to purchase a new one.
4. Click ACTIVATE to continue.
Note: If you receive a “This key was already used to generate a subscription” error when entering your activation code, please check the My Subscriptions panel to see if your subscription is already attached to your Central account. If you encounter a different error when trying to activate your Bitdefender code, check out this article – Troubleshoot activation errors in Bitdefender Central.
5. Choose how you would like to use the code, and then press the CONFIRM ACTIVATION button.
For instance, you can choose to add a separate subscription or to extend the current one. The latter option is only available if one of your current subscriptions is identical to the new one you are trying to add.
The subscription is now active in your Bitdefender Central account! If you have further questions about the activation process, check out the FAQ below.
Automatic activation of a Bitdefender subscription - for recurring customers
* This section covers auto-activation and is available exclusively for recurring Bitdefender customers.
How does auto-activation work?
When you make a purchase through the Bitdefender website, the activation takes place immediately after completing the transaction. No further steps or actions are required on your part. Only existing Bitdefender users can benefit from automatic activation as long as the following conditions are met:
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- you have purchased Bitdefender from our website in the past
- they have previously activated a Bitdefender subscription in the same Bitdefender Central account
- their old Bitdefender subscription is still valid
If the new acquisition matches the name and seat number of a product already active in your Central account (e.g. both Bitdefender Total Security, 5 users) then the old subscription will be extended automatically. Otherwise, the new subscription is activated and added in parallel.
How do I know my subscription was automatically activated?
When the subscription activates itself automatically, customers receive a separate email, similar to the one below, informing them that the subscription has been automatically activated and associated with their Bitdefender Central account.
As a result, if a Bitdefender subscription is activated automatically, and you attempt to activate it using one of the activation methods described above, you will be prompted with the message “Your subscription is already active”.
For further questions about the activation process, check out the FAQ below.
VIDEO TUTORIAL – How to activate a Bitdefender subscription
Bitdefender Subscription – FAQ
When does my subscription start?
Your Bitdefender subscription is activated immediately after you order it online.
The clock starts counting down the minute the code has been purchased via our online store www.bitdefender.com and sent to the user even if it isn’t redeemed in a Central account and in use. So the subscription starts the same day the order is placed, not the day the code is activated in Bitdefender Central.
Do I need the activation code each time I install Bitdefender?
No. Bitdefender codes only need to be activated once and may only be activated in one Bitdefender Central account.
Once the subscription is active, the activation code is no longer needed in the installation process, as all installations are managed directly from your Bitdefender Central account.
I renewed my Bitdefender subscription, but the product expired
If you purchased a subscription and the new validity is not reflected in the installed product, just log out and log back in again to your Central account using the Switch Account button (see the image below for reference). That should refresh your Bitdefender account and allow you to use the renewed subscription.
How do I install Bitdefender on my devices?
You don’t need to reinstall Bitdefender on devices that are already protected.
If you’ve already activated the subscription and need help with the installation process on a new device, first log in to your Bitdefender Central account. Select the My Devices panel, then click + Install Bitdefender products on your devices and follow the on-screen steps to install Bitdefender.
If you are already logged in, simply click this link to automatically land on the Install Bitdefender products section.
Check out these articles for additional resources:
How to install Bitdefender on Windows | on Mac | on Android | on iOS
I haven’t received my Bitdefender activation code. What can I do?
For payment methods such as bank transfers or checks, you will receive an e-mail with your activation code after the payment is confirmed. Bank transfers are typically processed in 2-3 working days from the time the wire payment was sent. If paying by check, it could take up to 2 weeks to receive your payment.
For payment methods like credit card or PayPal, if you haven’t received your Bitdefender code within 30 minutes of a successful transaction, here is what you should do:
1. Check all folders in your mailbox, especially Spam/Junk and Promotions
The e-mail might have been accidentally marked as spam, so make sure to check all folders in your mailbox, especially Spam/Junk and Promotions.
If the confirmation e-mail from Bitdefender has been flagged as spam by mistake, select the e-mail marked as spam and then click the “Not spam” button at the top of the Inbox.
The e-mail will be unmarked as spam and moved to your Inbox.
2. Look up your Bitdefender order
Unexpected processing delays may occur. You can track your order and view its status in real-time by accessing the Order Look-up section available here. Open the “Card Charged” tab, input the first 4 & last 4 digits of your credit card and the e-mail address used in the transaction, then click on “Look up this order”.
Do the following, depending on the status of your online order:
• If the order cannot be found even though the credit card has been charged, double-check that you have entered a valid e-mail address and that it matches the e-mail used when placing the order. This is to ensure that our system is able to locate the order. If the platform is unable to find any orders related to the data you entered, you most likely accidentally typed the email address wrong when making the purchase. Please contact our support team to help you receive the activation code for your online order.
• If the order is incomplete or pending, wait a few more hours. Unexpected processing delays may occur. To keep your system safe until the code arrives, you may install a trial version of the Bitdefender product you ordered. If you don’t receive the code after 24 hours, please contact our support team. They will be more than happy to assist you.
• If the order is complete, click here to retrieve the activation code. Type in the e-mail address associated with the order, then click on “Send access link”. You will receive an email with an access link valid for 1 hour. Follow the link and press “View order details” to find the code for your new Bitdefender subscription. It’s the 10-digit key inside the “Registration info” card.
After you receive the code for your new Bitdefender subscription, the next step is to activate it in your Bitdefender Central account. If you need help with the activation process, please consult this article – How to activate the Bitdefender subscription. Don’t worry about adding the validity of your new code to your subscription. You will find it very easy to merge the validity directly into your Bitdefender Central account.
In case you encounter any errors when activating the code, you can access this friendly guide regarding common activation errors.
What is Bitdefender Central & How do I use it? Quick guide
In this article, we’re going to cover all the basics to get you acquainted with Bitdefender Central – both the website and the mobile app version.
What is Bitdefender Central?
Besides offering the best protection for your systems, we want you to have the smoothest experience managing and using your Bitdefender products on all of your systems (Windows-based, macOS systems, iOS, and Android mobile devices). That is why we created Bitdefender Central.
Bitdefender Central is an online platform for managing all your Bitdefender products and subscriptions. From Central, you can control security for yourself and your entire family. You can activate and manage your subscriptions, install protection, track your lost devices and run remote scans and optimizations – all in one place.
You need to create an account to sign in to the Bitdefender Central portal. Sign up or log in to your Central account wherever you are by visiting https://central.bitdefender.com/ in a web browser.
Alternatively, you can use the Bitdefender Central mobile app available on the App Store and Google Play:
Select one of the following to learn more:
A spaceship needs a command center. From Bitdefender Central, customers can safely command all their devices.
Fix common Activation Errors in Bitdefender Central
This article will help you troubleshoot and fix common activation errors in Bitdefender Central.
Bitdefender Central is an online hub that facilitates the management of all your Bitdefender subscriptions, products, and services. Here, you can activate your Bitdefender subscription using the code purchased or received as a present, and install Bitdefender on any device. Bitdefender subscriptions guarantee a smoother experience when installing Bitdefender on your devices and better management of all your Bitdefender enrolled devices. Once a subscription is attached to an account, it remains there and every time you install Bitdefender on a new system, using your account, it is automatically logged in and the number of days the product is valid for is recognized by the product.
However, when activating a subscription, certain errors may occur. Let’s look at what activation errors you might encounter during the activation process and how to deal with them:
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Activation Error |
What it means and how to fix it |
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« Oops, the code you have entered is invalid »
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You may see this error because the activation code you entered contains typos, or it has been invalidated. Your Bitdefender activation code must be 7 or 10 digit long, all caps. It never includes the letter “o” (it’s the number zero) and the number “1” (it’s the letter i). Double-check for typos when entering the activation code. If the code is still rejected as invalid, please contact Bitdefender support. |
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« This key was already used to generate a subscription »
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This error indicates that the Bitdefender code is already activated either on the same Central account or on another one. Activation codes can only be used once, to activate your subscription, which is then automatically associated with your Central account. You do not have to enter the code each time you install Bitdefender on another device. If you have another e-mail address try to sign in to Central with that one, the code was probably activated on the other Central account. If you never used the code before, contact Bitdefender Support for further assistance. |
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« Your license key is expired »
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This error means that the code has expired. If you used the code to register an older Bitdefender version (e.g. Bitdefender 2015) and it has expired in the meantime, you will no longer be able to transform the code into a Central subscription. Please note that for good management of the renewal time, all the users of a Bitdefender license code expire on the same day on each installation. The validation period starts the countdown at the activation of the first device. Make sure the code you used is correct, then try again. If you are sure the code is valid, contact Bitdefender support. |
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« This code is restricted in your region and can’t be used to activate a subscription on your account. Please contact your vendor for more information »
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Some Bitdefender codes are supposed to be used only in certain countries. If you see this error, and you happen to travel abroad, wait until you get back to the country where the code was purchased from, then try again to activate it in Central. If you believe your Bitdefender code shouldn’t have a regional restriction, contact the vendor or Bitdefender support. |
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« We weren’t able to migrate your key. Please contact support »
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If you see this error, it means that either the code corresponds to a trial version of Bitdefender, or it was generated from Central for older products such as Bitdefender Security for XP & Vista. Such codes do not qualify for subscriptions. If the code was purchased from a vendor, contact Bitdefender support with details of your acquisition. |
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« Your account is set to manage security services for your business. Create a new account to manage your security service for personal use. » or « This subscription cannot be activated on this account type »
or « There was an error activating your subscription. Please try again later »
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Reasons why you might see these activation errors: 1. Bitdefender Small Office Security (Home Office subscription) is already active in Bitdefender Central and you try to activate a code for Home Solutions: Bitdefender Total Security
2. A subscription for Home Solutions is active in Central and you try to activate a Home Office subscription for Bitdefender Small Office Security. Currently, Central does not support both subscription types. You can either activate the code in a different Bitdefender Central account. Or, wait until the current subscription expires, then contact Bitdefender support to help you redeem the new code. |
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« Sorry, you cannot use this activation code on this account. That’s because with your new code your subscription would be valid for more than the maximum 3-year period. You can still use the code with a different Central account to protect more devices. »
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Bitdefender Central subscriptions have a maximum validity of 3 years. You cannot merge activation codes that exceed this period. You can either add the code as a new subscription separate from the current service, you can activate the code at a later date, or you can use it in a different Central account. |
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All other activation errors |
Try again later. If the activation errors persist, contact Bitdefender support. |
Support Install
How do I check if my PC meets the System Requirements for running Bitdefender?
Before you install Bitdefender on Windows, it is best to check if your device meets the system requirements. If the computer does not meet all system requirements, Bitdefender will not be installed or, if installed, it will not work properly, and will cause system slowdowns and instability.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
You may install Bitdefender only on computers running the following operating systems:
- Operating System: Windows 7 with Service Pack 1, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows 11
- Memory (RAM): 2 GB
- Free hard disk space: 2.5 GB free space (at least 800 MB on the system drive)
*System performance may be affected on devices that have old generation CPUs
SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS
To be able to use Bitdefender and all its features, your computer needs to meet the following software requirements:
- Internet Explorer version 11
HOW TO CHECK SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
In this section, we will show you an easy way to check your PC’s basic hardware and software specifications such as the processor, memory, free space, and operating system version. To get started, choose your Windows version from the list below. Which version of Windows am I running?
For Windows 11
1. Click the ⊞ Windows Start menu and then type System.
2. In the search results, go to the Settings section and select the entry named System.
Alternatively, you can also open System by pressing the ⊞ key and I key on your keyboard simultaneously. Then click on About at the bottom of the window that appears on the screen.
3. A new window will appear on the screen. You will be able to see which Windows Edition is installed on your computer in the Windows specifications panel.
4. Next, check if you have enough memory installed to run Bitdefender. The amount of memory is displayed next to Installed RAM, in the Device specifications panel. Bitdefender requires at least 2 GB RAM to run properly.
For Windows 10
1. Go to your desktop and right-click on This PC. If you don’t have the This PC icon on your desktop, you can also click the Windows 
Start menu in the lower-left corner, type This PC, and right-click on it.
2. Select Properties.
3. In this window you will be able to see which Windows edition is currently installed on your PC.
4. Next, check if you have enough memory installed to run Bitdefender. This is displayed next to Installed memory (RAM). Bitdefender requires at least 2 GB RAM to run properly.
For Windows 8.1
1. Hold down simultaneously the Windows key and the X key on your keyboard, then click System Information in the menu that appears.
2. Here you will be able to see all the necessary information.
3. The name of the operating system appears in the Windows edition section.
4. Next, check if you have enough memory installed to run Bitdefender. This is displayed next to Installed memory (RAM). Bitdefender requires at least 2 GB RAM to run properly.
For Windows 7
1. First, click the Windows Start 
button in the lower-left corner of the screen.
2. Then right-click on Computer and select Properties. A window should come up on your screen summarizing basic system information.
3. The name of the operating system and the Service Pack appear in the Windows edition section. Service Pack 1 is required for Windows 7 computers.
4. Next, check if you have enough memory installed to run Bitdefender. This is displayed next to Installed memory (RAM). Bitdefender requires at least 2 GB RAM to run properly.
If your system meets all the requirements, you can proceed with the installation.
How to install Bitdefender on Windows
This article guides you on how to download and install Bitdefender on Windows computers. You can also watch the step-by-step tutorial presented in the video below.
Prior to the installation, make sure your PC meets the system requirements for running Bitdefender and that you have a valid subscription in your Bitdefender Central account so the product you install can retrieve its validity from your account. Active subscriptions are listed in the ‘My Subscriptions’ section of Central. For more information about subscriptions, see How to activate your Bitdefender Subscription.
VIDEO – How to install Bitdefender on Windows
1. Go to the PC you want to protect and sign in to your Bitdefender Central account. If you don’t have an account already, please sign up for one.
2. Select the My Devices panel.
3. In the My Devices window, click + Install Bitdefender products on your devices.
4. A new window will pop up. Choose Security, then click This device to download Bitdefender on your computer.
5. Wait until the download completes. Then double-click the bitdefender file you’ve just saved – this arrow will help you locate it in the browser 
– and follow the on-screen instructions to begin the installation.
Note: The installation package is first updated, then the setup wizard appears. Downloading the installation files can take a long time, especially over slower internet connections.
6. Select the language you want to install the product in.
7. Click Install to confirm your preferences and begin the installation. Wait for the installation to complete.
8. Click Start Device Assessment to initiate a scan of critical system areas. Once the scan is completed, click Open Bitdefender Interface.
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- If you do not wish to perform the scan, simply click Skip.
9. In the “Getting Started” window, you can see details about your active subscription. Click Finish to access the Bitdefender interface.
Congratulations! You have successfully installed Bitdefender on Windows.
How to install Bitdefender alongside other security solutions
Having two or more security solutions installed at the same time can have a negative impact on your computer. The symptoms may include but are not limited to degraded performance, system crashes, and software errors.
« Before you install antimalware software, check to make sure you don’t already have an antimalware product on your computer. If you do, be sure to remove the product you don’t want before you install the new one. It can cause problems on your computer to have two different antimalware products installed and running at the same time. »
• source: Microsoft
During the setup, Bitdefender identifies other security products that were previously installed. To ensure these different security solutions will not cause difficulties, you will be advised to uninstall them.
At this point, you may be tempted to keep all security solutions as a multi-layered defense mechanism.
In some cases, Bitdefender allows you to operate two or more security solutions on a single computer by loading only a stripped-down version: Bitdefender Security Lite. Those features that cannot work in parallel with another security solution will not be functional, though. This way you can use all security apps without system overkill. Bitdefender Security Lite will provide a minimal scanning, reserving your other security apps for actively monitoring the system.
If you decide to keep the existing app and opt for Bitdefender Security Lite, the main Bitdefender interface will be marked with a label highlighting the fact that your device is not fully protected by Bitdefender as long as it’s installed alongside another security product.
To unlock the missing features simply activate the protection directly from the product:
1. Click Activate Protection on the right-hand side of the Bitdefender interface.
2. Choose Continue in the Activate Complete Protection screen.
3. Select the Uninstall button next to each incompatible application from the list.
Then follow the on-screen steps.
Bitdefender setup has encountered an error. Fix this installation issue
Bitdefender setup has encountered an error? In rare situations, this message may appear shortly after starting the Bitdefender installation process on a Windows computer.
To fix this situation, you will have to follow these steps:
• Remove any previous versions of Bitdefender from your system by using one of the uninstall tools available here.
• Remove any other security solutions installed and reboot the computer. To uninstall them from the Control Panel, use the instructions provided here.
NOTE: You can also find a list of removal tools (uninstall tools) for common antivirus software here.
• After that, reinstall Bitdefender from your Bitdefender Central.
If the error persists, we recommend the following:
1. Use the Microsoft System File Checker tool (sfc) to repair missing or corrupted files, as specified in this article.
2. Use the Check Disk tool to check the integrity of disks and correct certain types of common errors. To use the tool from an elevated command prompt, you will have to:
• Click on the Windows icon in the lower-left corner of the screen.
• Type Command Prompt.
• Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
• Click Yes on the User Account Control Prompt.
• To find and repair errors on drive C, for example, use the command below:
chkdsk /f C:
• In case you want to scan a different drive, just replace C with the corresponding letter of the drive.
3. Perform all the Windows updates (make sure you have the latest Service Pack installed). Find out more about Windows Update by accessing this link.
NOTE: If you use Windows 8, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10, please also run the DISM command by following these steps:
• Open an elevated command prompt. To do this, press the Windows button in the lower left corner of the screen and type Command Prompt
• Right-click on Command Prompt and then click Run as administrator.
• Click Yes on the User Account Control Prompt.
• Type the following command, and then press Enter:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
4. Manually add permissions to the Bitdefender installation folders. To do this, you will have to:
• Manually create the following path:
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Bitdefender\SetupInformation\
• Right-click on SetupInformation and then select Properties.
• Click on the Security tab then click on the Edit button.
• Select your Windows user.
• After selecting your user check the box next to Full Control.
The above steps will set the correct Windows permissions for the C:\Program Files\Common Files\Bitdefender\SetupInformation folder.
• You will also have to set full permissions (repeat step 4) for the folders below:
C:\Program Files\Bitdefender (create it manually if needed)
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Bitdefender
5. After setting full permissions on the above folders, please restart the computer and install Bitdefender from your Central account.
This app has been blocked for your protection: installer.exe won’t start
Because of certain changes within the Bitdefender security software, users who try to install Bitdefender security using older kits might encounter issues during the installation process. The User Account Control will block installer.exe and a window similar to the one below will be displayed on your screen:
“The app has been blocked for your protection. An administrator has blocked you from running this app. For more information, contact the administrator.”
In such cases, you will have to:
1. Go to Bitdefender Central and sign in to your account.
2. Install Bitdefender with the latest kit by following the steps from this article.
Support Unistall
How to uninstall Bitdefender from a Windows PC
If you want to uninstall Bitdefender from a Windows PC, here you will find a step-by-step tutorial on how to remove this security solution. There often comes a time when you just don’t need to keep a program around. Uninstalling Bitdefender from a Windows system can be an easy step for many users, beginner or expert level.
How to uninstall Bitdefender on Windows
In Windows 11
1. Click the Start menu ⊞ and then type APPWIZ.CPL in the Type here to search field at the top of the search bar.
2. Right-click on the Bitdefender app and select Uninstall or click the Uninstall button up at the top.
3. If the User Account Control shows up, confirm the uninstallation by choosing Yes.
4. In the selection window choose Remove, to permanently uninstall Bitdefender from your computer.
5. Wait for the uninstall process to complete, then reboot your system.
NOTE: If the uninstall process fails and Bitdefender cannot be removed, download and run the uninstall tool corresponding to your Bitdefender version from this location.
In Windows 10
1. Click Start, then look for the Bitdefender Security entry in the list.
2. Click to expand the Bitdefender Security folder
3. Right-click on the Bitdefender app, then select Uninstall. The Uninstall or change a program section from Control Panel will pop up.
4. Select the name of your Bitdefender security product (Bitdefender Total Security, Bitdefender Internet Security, or Bitdefender Antivirus Plus), then click the Uninstall button at the top of the list.
5. If the User Account Control shows up, confirm the uninstallation by choosing Yes.
6. In the selection window choose Remove, to permanently uninstall Bitdefender from your computer.
7. Wait for the uninstall process to complete, then reboot your system.
NOTE: If the uninstall process fails and Bitdefender cannot be removed, download and run the uninstall tool corresponding to your Bitdefender version from this location.
In Windows 8 and Windows 8.1
1. From the Windows Start screen start typing “Control Panel” directly in the search box on the taskbar and then select Control Panel in the search results.
2. Click Uninstall a program or Programs and Features.
3. Select the name of your Bitdefender security product (Bitdefender Total Security, Bitdefender Internet Security, or Bitdefender Antivirus Plus), then click the Uninstall button at the top of the list.
4. In the selection window choose Remove, to permanently uninstall Bitdefender from your computer.
5. Wait for the uninstall process to complete, then reboot your system.
NOTE: If the uninstall process fails and Bitdefender cannot be removed, download and run the uninstall tool corresponding to your Bitdefender version from this location.
In Windows 7
1. Click Start and go to Control Panel.
2. Click Uninstall a program or Programs and Features.
3. Select the name of your Bitdefender security product (Bitdefender Total Security, Bitdefender Internet Security, or Bitdefender Antivirus Plus), then click the Uninstall button at the top of the list.
4. In the selection window choose Remove, to permanently uninstall Bitdefender from your computer.
5. Wait for the uninstall process to complete, then reboot your system.
NOTE: If the uninstall process fails and Bitdefender cannot be removed, download and run the uninstall tool corresponding to your Bitdefender version from this location.
What to do when Bitdefender is glitching on a PC: Easy product repair
If you have Bitdefender on a Windows computer and the product doesn’t work correctly, is showing errors, or does not respond, simply uninstall & reinstall Bitdefender to repair it. Don’t worry about your subscription, reinstalling Bitdefender on the same device does not count as a separate device and does not affect the validity.
In this article, you will find an easy way to uninstall & reinstall Bitdefender to repair the program if it’s not running as well as it should on your PC. By following this quick reinstall procedure, your customized settings are kept and available in the reinstalled product. Other Bitdefender options may be switched back to their default configuration.
VIDEO – What to do when Bitdefender is glitching. Easy product repair
How to repair Bitdefender using the reinstallation option
If you wish to uninstall & reinstall Bitdefender on your computer, follow the steps below.
Note: These steps work only on Windows computers that have a version of the Bitdefender product already installed. If Bitdefender is not installed on your device, and you want to reinstall a fresh copy of Bitdefender on the same device, or you switched devices, follow these steps instead – Install Bitdefender on another device: How to reinstall, transfer or protect extra devices.
1. Press the Windows key and the R key together on your keyboard.
2. Type appwiz.cpL in the command box that appears and press Enter.
3. This will bring up Uninstall or change a program in Control Panel. Locate the Bitdefender product in the list, right-click on it and choose Uninstall.
4. A wizard will appear. Choose Reinstall by clicking on the corresponding button.
5. A new window will appear. Wait until the program is uninstalled, then click on Restart device.
6. After the system restart, your product will download once more.
7. Once the download is complete, click on Install, then wait until the process is finished.
8. Finally, click on Finish. Your Bitdefender product is now reinstalled.
If you followed all the steps provided in this short guide, you have managed to successfully repair Bitdefender and the software should be perfectly functional on your computer.
Uninstall Tools for major antivirus software | Windows & Mac
This article provides uninstall tools for common antivirus software to help you remove other security solutions prior to installing Bitdefender on your system. Never have more than one security solution installed on your computer at the same time. Having multiple antivirus programs running at the same time will not make your computer more secure. It may degrade performance and even prevent proper malware detection.
Note: Bitdefender does not take responsibility for any damages or loss of data caused by or during the uninstallation of any antivirus software.
Uninstall tools for Windows security solutions »
In order to uninstall another security solution, access the link corresponding to the antivirus software currently installed on your computer and follow the instructions available on their website.
Once the uninstallation is complete, you will need to restart your computer. Then you can start installing Bitdefender.
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- Avast
- AVG
- Avira
- BullGuard
- Comodo Internet Security
- Dr. Web
- eScan
- ESET
- FRISK F-PROT Antivirus for Windows
- F-Secure
- G Data
- Kaspersky
- K7 Total Security
- LavaSoft
- Malwarebytes
- McAfee
- Norton (Symantec) – after running the tool, click on Advanced Options and select Remove only.
- Norton Studio
- Panda
- Panda Cloud Antivirus
- Rapport
- SpyBot Search & Destroy
- Sophos
- Trend Micro
- Trend Micro Titanium
- Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security Agent
- Vipre (Sunbelt Software)
- Webroot
- Windows Live OneCare
- Zone Alarm
Uninstall tools for macOS security solutions »
In order to uninstall another security solution, access the link corresponding to the antivirus app currently installed on your Mac and follow the instructions available on their website.
Once the uninstallation is complete, you can start installing the Bitdefender security app.
If you experience issues using any of the uninstallers and removal tools listed above, please contact the software vendor for support.
Support – Prevention & Threat Removal
Remove Adware, pop-ups, and browser redirects from your Windows PC
What is Adware?
Adware is a form of ad-based software, a form of monetization that allows the developer to offer products for free to the public, but still get paid by an advertising company. In exchange for a fee, the developer will either put together code that will display advertisements for the ad network or convince the user to install software from another vendor along with the original product. Adware can be dangerous. The line between adware and spyware is so fine and blurred that the initial offering may include more than you would have liked. Ads, which may be pop-ups or videos, may not be a problem at first, but behind them may be a suspicious program monitoring the user’s activity, establishing a shadow pattern of browsing habits, or encouraging them to purchase a product through an affiliate network.
There is certainly controversy about ad-supported software, and that’s because some e-book readers, phones, and messaging apps include this type of software and also require user consent for certain benefits. Occasionally, companies include information about adware in terms and conditions or in the end-user license agreement. However, who has the patience to read all the way through? Aggressive adware is not harmless and has so far attacked a significant number of known and trusted applications.
How to avoid Adware
There are very rarely signs that a program would run in the background or that suspicious files have been installed on your computer. Even security software can face some problems when it comes to adware, and that’s because there are legitimate services that come bundled with ad-based software.
Even if detecting adware is difficult, it is almost impossible to determine the extent of the damage. Often, advertising companies illicitly combine open-source applications with adware, and this sometimes happens against the wishes of the developer. In order to distribute these unofficial ad-supported software kits, advertisers trick the original website itself and register domains for the purpose of typo-squatting.
If you use a cybersecurity solution, there’s not much left to do. A simple scan will reveal all suspicious files and programs which you can then delete with a single click. Security solutions also give users the option to disable adware detection, but this isn’t necessarily a good idea if you want complete network protection.
After all, it’s up to each user to be careful what they install on their devices. So make sure you download files that only come from trusted shops, such as the app’s official website, and that you pay attention to all installation steps. If you see that the app you want to install comes bundled with a “special offer”, make sure you don’t install that too by unchecking the box next to it or pressing the Cancel button.
Eliminate Adware, annoying apps, toolbars & other browser add-ons
To get rid of annoying adware, so you can enjoy a pleasant Internet browsing experience, follow the instructions below:
Step 1
Try to uninstall all the unknown programs from your computer:
Go to Start > Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features and double-click on each of the unknown/unwanted applications in order to remove them from the system. For more details, read – How to uninstall or remove apps and programs in Windows.
Step 2
Now you should be able to change your browser’s homepage, search engine and get rid of any unwanted add-ons/extensions:
If you are using Mozilla Firefox, here are the steps to take.
If you are using Google Chrome, follow the steps described in the articles below:
• How to set your homepage in Google Chrome
• How to set your search engine in Google Chrome
• How to manage extensions in Google Chrome
If you are using Microsoft Edge use the articles below:
• How to change the home page in Edge
• Set your search engine in Edge
If you are using Internet Explorer, here are the articles:
• How to change the home page in IE
• Set your search engine in IE
Step 3
Block notifications from the websites allowed to display messages on your screen by following these steps:
• Turn notifications off in Google Chrome
• Turn notifications off in Mozilla Firefox
Step 4
To be able to block future ads, we recommend you to install Adblock Plus or uBlock Origin for your browser:
• Adblock Plus for Mozilla Firefox / uBlock Origin for Mozilla Firefox
• Adblock Plus for Google Chrome / uBlock Origin for Google Chrome
• Adblock Plus for Microsoft Edge / uBlock Origin for Microsoft Edge
• Adblock Plus for Internet Explorer
Step 5
Perform a disk cleanup to reduce the number of unnecessary files on your drives (this can also help your PC run faster). You can follow the instructions presented here.
If after restarting the computer the situation still persists, please open a support ticket that includes a BDSYS log.
Bitdefender found an infection on my computer. What to do?
You may find out there is an infection 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.
Bitdefender found an infection on my computer. What to do?
When Bitdefender finds an infection on your computer, it usually takes automatic action against it and gets rid of the malware without requiring any input on your side.
To be sure the infection is gone bring up your Bitdefender security program and open Notifications from the left-side column of the dashboard. Bitdefender keeps here a detailed log of events concerning its activity on your computer. Access the Critical tab, then click the entry concerning the threat detection. It will show a short description, the action Bitdefender took on the malware, and the date and time when it occurred.
If the Notification indicates that Bitdefender successfully blocked the threat, you are safe. Bitdefender already took care of the infection.
On the other hand, if the Notification states that the threat could not be deleted, follow the steps below to learn how to deal with the malware.
METHOD 1 – Update & System Scan
The best approach is to update Bitdefender to be sure it has the latest virus signatures and then scan the entire system for malware.
First, update Bitdefender:
• Right-click the Bitdefender icon in the System Tray.
• Click on Update Now. Bitdefender will check for updates.
• If an update is available, it is automatically downloaded and installed on your computer. Wait until the update completes.
Next, once the update is complete, run a System Scan to thoroughly check the PC for malware:
• Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
• In the Antivirus module, click Open.
• Click the Run Scan button next to System Scan and wait until it completes.
• As soon as the system scan is over, Bitdefender will take automatic action for the detected malware. If automatic action cannot be taken you will be prompted to select a desired action for the infected file: Disinfect, Delete, Move to quarantine.
If the selected action can’t be taken either you’ll have to remove the infection manually. Check out METHOD 2 below for detailed instructions.
METHOD 2 – Remove the infection manually
A log will be generated at the end of the scan. All detected and unresolved items will be stored in it. Click View Log to see the scan results.
If infected files are still found on the system and haven’t been dealt with by the system scan, follow the steps from this article to manually remove the infection. Use the scan log to find out the path to the infected file.
WARNING! If you suspect the file is part of the Windows operating system or that it is not an infected file (a false alarm) do not delete the file yet and contact Bitdefender support instead.
As a last resort, you may have to use Bitdefender Rescue Environment to eliminate stubborn malware outside the operating system. This feature is available only on Windows 10. Check out this article for more information about disinfecting a computer from outside Windows.
Am I protected? Find out if Bitdefender is protecting your PC
Am I protected? In this article, we are going to show you how to determine if Bitdefender is protecting your Windows computer.
Am I protected? Find out if Bitdefender is protecting your PC
1. Find out if Bitdefender is installed
To check if Bitdefender is installed on your computer open Control Panel and look for Bitdefender in the list of installed applications: click the Start button, type in appwiz.cpL and hit Enter on your keyboard. This will open the list of all the programs installed on your PC. Look for the name of your Bitdefender product in the list: Bitdefender Total Security, Bitdefender Internet Security, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, etc.
If Bitdefender is missing from the list of installed programs, read – How to install Bitdefender.
2. Check the security status of your Bitdefender product
Now that Bitdefender is installed, let’s check its security status, to ensure that it’s protecting your system.
Double-click this Desktop shortcut to open the Bitdefender dashboard. You are protected if the message You are safe is displayed on the Bitdefender interface. Whenever issues affect your computer’s security, 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. To fix an issue, click the button next to the detected issue.
Alternatively, look for the small Bitdefender icon in the notification area located at the right end of the taskbar. If you double-click or right-click on this tray icon and choose Show, the Bitdefender interface will open on your screen. The Bitdefender system tray icon also informs you when issues affect your computer or how the product operates by displaying a special symbol, as follows:
No issues are affecting the security of your system. You are protected!
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 at all, the system tray icon appears grayed-out. This usually happens when the subscription expires. If you need help purchasing a Bitdefender subscription, read – How can I place an order?
It can also occur when the Bitdefender services are not responding or when other errors affect the normal operation of Bitdefender. In such a case, we recommend that you restart Windows. If the issue persists after a reboot, reinstall your Bitdefender product.
3. Check your subscription status
Bring up the Bitdefender interface from the Desktop icon or the system tray icon and access the account 
icon in the top right corner. Here, you can view subscription information and access your Bitdefender Central account to manage your devices’ protection.
Check the subscription status to make sure that the subscription is up-to-date, and is not expiring soon. If you recently purchased a new Bitdefender subscription and the validity is not reflected in the installed product, read – How to activate your Bitdefender subscription.
4. Check Security and Maintenance status in Windows
The Security and Maintenance feature from Windows Action Center will also inform you if you have antivirus protection:
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- Click the ⊞ Start button, type in Control Panel, then hit Enter on your keyboard. This will open Control Panel on your screen.
- Under System and Security, click Review your computer’s status.
- Click Security to expand this section.
- Click the link View in Windows Security, under Virus protection.
- In the Virus & threat protection window, you should see Bitdefender Antivirus with green check-marks.
5. Perform the EICAR Test to verify virus detection
The European Institute for Computer Antivirus Research (EICAR) has developed a test file to help test antivirus programs. The EICAR test file is not actually malicious, but by industry-wide agreement it is detected as malicious by mainstream products with antivirus functionality so that people can verify that their security solutions are configured correctly. When Bitdefender is working properly, it should detect the EICAR test as if it were malware.
To simulate an infection and check how Bitdefender would react to it:
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- Open a text editor such as Notepad, the default app for opening text files in Windows.
- Copy & paste the line below into the text editor.
X5O!P%@AP[4\PZX54(P^)7CC)7}$EICAR-STANDARD-ANTIVIRUS-TEST-FILE!$H+H*
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- Save the new text file as eicar.com
If the EICAR test file is detected and blocked as soon as you save it, it means that Bitdefender is working correctly, and your PC is actively protected against threats. No further action is required.
On the other hand, if you can save the EICAR file and you do not receive any Bitdefender alert, your computer is not protected. We recommend you contact Bitdefender for support.
Rescue Environment: How to disinfect your PC from outside Windows
Rescue Environment is a Bitdefender feature that allows you to scan and remove stubborn threats that cannot be eliminated while the operating system is running. Advanced malware can camouflage itself among other legitimate processes running onto the system, which dramatically increases discovery and disinfection times. Rootkits – for example – are designed to conceal their presence and need to be removed before Windows starts.
NOTE: Rescue Environment is only available in Windows 10.
How do I enter Bitdefender Rescue Environment?
When Bitdefender detects a threat that cannot be removed, it will prompt you to reboot the computer in Rescue Environment for clean-up and restoration. Simply click REBOOT IN RESCUE ENVIRONMENT at the end of the scan. The computer will automatically restart in Rescue Environment. And will begin scanning your computer for viruses and all other types of malware. Once the scan is completed, Bitdefender will remove the infection.
You can also enter Rescue Environment manually from the Bitdefender interface:
1. Bring up Bitdefender and choose Protection on the left-hand side menu.
2. In the ANTIVIRUS pane, click Open.
3. Click ‘Open’ next to ‘Rescue Environment’.
4. Choose ‘Restart’ in the confirmation window that appears.
5. The computer will restart directly in Bitdefender Rescue Environment.
6. The scanning process begins instantly. Wait for the scan to complete. If any threat is detected, follow the instructions to remove it.
7. To exit Rescue Environment, click the CLOSE button from the scan window with the scan results. The computer will restart and boot up Windows.
Another way to exit is to stop the scan at any point. Once the scan is canceled, the computer will restart and boot up Windows.
Incorrect Detection: Report a False Positive or False Negative detection to Bitdefender Labs
Fill out the form below to report an incorrect detection to Bitdefender Labs. For example, if you think Bitdefender has incorrectly classified as malware a file or a website you trust (false positive). Or that it missed a threat (false negative). Once confirmed, false alarms are corrected within hours.
What is a False Positive?
A false positive, also known as a false detection or false alarm, is a legitimate file or website wrongly detected by antivirus as being infected. It occurs when a program or webpage performs an action that appears to the antivirus program to be a virus-like activity. We strive to reduce false-positive reports to a minimum. However, Bitdefender may on occasion mistakenly flag a safe website or a legitimate file as a false positive threat.
What is a False Negative?
A false negative occurs when an antivirus fails to detect an infection. Bitdefender detects about 99.51% of viruses in the wild, so it is possible, although very unlikely, that a virus will get past its filters. This happens mainly because new malware is released continuously and there is a time gap between the moment a virus is created and the moment we add detection for it. Other situations concern PUA/PUP software installed with other bundled programs. In such cases, when you agree to a license agreement to load the bundled pack, security solutions don’t mark the program as malware because it’s installed with the user’s consent.
Submit a File or a Website for malware analysis
(fields marked with * are mandatory)