Windows Defender Exclusions for Wave Executor

When to Add an Exclusion

Add a Defender exclusion only when all three of these are true:

• You downloaded the file from a source you trust
• You verified the SHA-256 hash and it matches
• Defender is blocking the file from installing or running

If any of these is not true, do not add an exclusion. Investigate first.

Step 1: Verify the SHA-256 Hash

Before touching Defender, confirm the file is what we published. Open PowerShell and run:

Get-FileHash "$env:USERPROFILE\Downloads\wave-executor-NEW-1.5.5.exe" -Algorithm SHA256

Compare the output to the hash on the download page. If it does not match, do not proceed. Delete the file and re-download. See the full verification guide.

Step 2: Restore From Quarantine

If Defender already removed the file, restore it first:

1. Open Windows Security (search for it in the Start menu)
2. Click Virus & threat protection
3. Under Current threats, click Protection history
4. Find the Wave Executor entry
5. Click the dropdown arrow on that entry
6. Click Restore

After restoring, re-run the SHA-256 verification from Step 1.

Step 3: Add a Folder Exclusion

We recommend excluding the installation folder, not the individual file. The installer creates several files at runtime, and excluding the whole folder prevents repeated quarantine events.

1. Open Windows Security
2. Click Virus & threat protection
3. Scroll to Virus & threat protection settings
4. Click Manage settings
5. Scroll to Exclusions
6. Click Add or remove exclusions
7. Click Add an exclusion → Folder
8. Select the Wave Executor install folder (default C:\Program Files\Wave Executor\)
9. Click Yes on the UAC prompt

Step 4: Also Exclude the Installer Location (Optional)

If Defender keeps quarantining the installer in your Downloads folder, you can also exclude that specific file. Use Add an exclusion → File and select the installer. Do not exclude the entire Downloads folder.

Step 5: Install or Launch Wave Executor

Now run the installer as administrator. Defender should no longer interfere. If it still does, check that the exclusion was applied to the right path and restart Windows Defender via Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Protection updates → Check for updates.

What Not to Do

• Do not disable Windows Defender entirely. This removes protection for your whole system.
• Do not disable real-time protection. Same reason.
• Do not add broad exclusions like C:\ or *.exe. Always exclude the specific folder or file.
• Do not add exclusions for files you have not verified. This is how malware spreads.
• Do not turn off SmartScreen or Smart App Control unless you understand the trade-off. Exclusions are less invasive.

Removing an Exclusion Later

To undo the exclusion:

1. Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Manage settings
2. Scroll to Exclusions
3. Click Add or remove exclusions
4. Click the three-dot menu next to the Wave entry
5. Select Remove

Third-Party Antivirus

BitDefender, Kaspersky, ESET, Norton, and Avast each handle exclusions differently. Look for a section labeled Exclusions, Allowlist, or Trusted Applications in the settings. Add the Wave install folder there.

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