Security software often blocks Roblox by mistake, preventing it from launching or connecting. This guide covers Windows Defender, Norton, McAfee, Avast, and other common security programs.
Antivirus programs and firewalls protect your computer by monitoring software behavior. Roblox needs to make network connections and occasionally updates itself - behaviors that can look suspicious to security software. This leads to false positives where Roblox gets blocked.
Symptoms of firewall/antivirus blocking include: Roblox not launching, connection errors (like Error 279), installation failures, being stuck on "Connecting," or sudden disconnections during gameplay.
Is Roblox Safe? Yes, Roblox from roblox.com is safe to whitelist. Only download Roblox from the official website to ensure you're getting the legitimate software.
If Roblox is blocked by your firewall, you'll see connection errors when trying to join games, or the game may fail to launch entirely. Windows Firewall typically shows a notification asking if you want to allow Roblox, but if you accidentally clicked "Block," you'll need to manually add an exception.
When antivirus software is blocking Roblox, the game fails to launch, gets stuck on "Connecting," or shows error messages like Error 279. Popular antivirus programs like Norton, McAfee, Avast, and Kaspersky often flag Roblox updates as suspicious behavior and quarantine game files automatically.
Windows Defender and third-party antivirus can both block Roblox simultaneously, so you may need to whitelist Roblox in multiple places. Always check both Windows Security settings and your third-party antivirus control panel to ensure Roblox is allowed through all security layers.
Allow Roblox through Windows Firewall to enable network connections.
1. Open Windows Security from Start menu
2. Click Firewall & network protection
3. Click "Allow an app through firewall"
4. Click "Change settings" (requires admin)
5. Click "Allow another app" > "Browse"
6. Navigate to: %localappdata%\Roblox\Versions\
7. Select RobloxPlayerBeta.exe
8. Check both Private and Public networks
Add Roblox folder to exclusions so Defender doesn't scan or block it.
1. Open Windows Security
2. Click Virus & threat protection
3. Scroll down and click "Manage settings" under Virus & threat protection settings
4. Scroll to "Exclusions" and click "Add or remove exclusions"
5. Click "Add an exclusion" > "Folder"
6. Add: %localappdata%\Roblox
Add Roblox to Norton's exclusions list to prevent blocking.
1. Open Norton
2. Go to Settings (gear icon)
3. Click Antivirus
4. Click Scans and Risks tab
5. Under "Exclusions", click Configure
6. Add folder: %localappdata%\Roblox
7. Also add to Firewall exceptions in Norton settings
Exclude Roblox from McAfee's real-time scanning and firewall.
1. Open McAfee
2. Click My Protection
3. Click Real-Time Scanning
4. Click Excluded Files
5. Add folder: %localappdata%\Roblox
For Firewall:
1. Go to Firewall settings
2. Add Roblox to allowed programs
Add Roblox to Avast/AVG exceptions (both use similar interfaces).
1. Open Avast (or AVG)
2. Go to Menu > Settings
3. Click General > Exceptions
4. Click Add Exception
5. Browse to: %localappdata%\Roblox
6. Click "Add Exception" to confirm
Add Roblox to Kaspersky's trusted applications and exclusions.
1. Open Kaspersky
2. Click Settings (gear icon)
3. Go to Additional > Threats and Exclusions
4. Click "Manage exclusions"
5. Add folder: %localappdata%\Roblox
6. Also add to Trusted Applications if available
Add Roblox to Bitdefender's antivirus and firewall exceptions.
1. Open Bitdefender
2. Go to Protection
3. Click Settings under Antivirus
4. Go to Exclusions tab
5. Add folder: %localappdata%\Roblox
For Firewall: Go to Protection > Firewall > Application Access and allow Roblox
Roblox uses these ports for connections:
VPNs can interfere with Roblox connections. Try disconnecting your VPN and connecting directly to see if that resolves the issue.
Check our homepage for more troubleshooting guides and the automated repair script.
View All Fixes