Ninja Trader and AV Software

av_exclude.txt

Yes, NinjaTrader can conflict with antivirus software, as documented in multiple user reports on the NinjaTrader Support Forum. Antivirus programs may flag NinjaTrader files (e.g., **NinjaTrader.exe** or **NtDirect.dll**) as potential threats, often resulting in false positives. These conflicts can cause issues like installation failures, slow or partial loading, application crashes, or blocked functionality. Common antivirus programs involved include Total Defense, Avast, Kaspersky, Malwarebytes, Norton, and Acronis Protection.

### Common Issues and Causes
1. **False Positives**: Antivirus software may misidentify NinjaTrader’s executable files or scripts as malicious, leading to quarantining or blocking. For example, Kaspersky flagged **NinjaTrader.exe** as containing "PDM:Exploit:Win32:Generic," and Malwarebytes flagged it as ransomware, both confirmed as false positives.[](https://forum.ninjatrader.com/forum/ninjatrader-8/platform-technical-support-aa/98819-anti-malware-software-ransomware-warning-crashed-nt8)[](https://forum.ninjatrader.com/forum/ninjatrader-8/platform-technical-support-aa/1080568-recent-nt8-installs-trigger-kaspersky-anti-virus)
2. **File Access Denial**: Antivirus programs may restrict access to critical NinjaTrader files, such as **NtDirect.dll**, causing errors like "Access to the path is denied" during installation or runtime.[](https://forum.ninjatrader.com/forum/historical-beta-archive/version-8-beta/81147-nt8-conflict-with-anti-virus-software)
3. **Real-Time Scanning**: Real-time scanning of NinjaTrader folders (e.g., **C:\Users\<username>\Documents\NinjaTrader 8** or **C:\Program Files (x86)\NinjaTrader 8**) can slow down or interrupt platform operations, especially during market data processing or order execution.[](https://forum.ninjatrader.com/forum/ninjatrader-8/platform-technical-support-aa/1137103-conflict-with-acronis)
4. **Crashes or Slow Performance**: Conflicts with antivirus software like Acronis Protection have been reported to cause NinjaTrader to load slowly or crash, particularly when protection is active during startup.[](https://forum.ninjatrader.com/forum/ninjatrader-8/platform-technical-support-aa/1137103-conflict-with-acronis)
5. **Malware Concerns**: In rare cases, users reported ransomware-like alerts (e.g., "LockyEnc.A.gen!Camelot" in NinjaTrader 7’s tick data folder), though these were likely false positives or external infections, not NinjaTrader itself.[](https://forum.ninjatrader.com/forum/ninjatrader-7/platform-technical-support/90949-malicious-software-found-by-anti-virus-software)

### Solutions to Mitigate Conflicts
To prevent or resolve antivirus conflicts with NinjaTrader, follow these steps:
1. **Add Exceptions to Antivirus**:
   - Exclude the following NinjaTrader directories and files from real-time scanning or blocking:
     - **C:\Program Files (x86)\NinjaTrader 8\bin64\NinjaTrader.exe**
     - **C:\Users\<username>\Documents\NinjaTrader 8**
     - **C:\Users\<username>\Documents\NinjaTrader 8 Backup**
   - For specific instructions, refer to your antivirus software’s help guide (e.g., Avast’s exclusion settings).[](https://forum.ninjatrader.com/forum/ninjatrader-8/platform-technical-support-aa/1140791-issue-when-opening-ninjatrader-8)
   - Example: For Malwarebytes, add **NinjaTrader.exe** to the exclusion list after confirming it’s a false positive.[](https://forum.ninjatrader.com/forum/ninjatrader-8/platform-technical-support-aa/98819-anti-malware-software-ransomware-warning-crashed-nt8)
2. **Disable Antivirus During Installation**:
   - Temporarily disable your antivirus software while installing or updating NinjaTrader to avoid interference with file access. Re-enable it after installation and ensure exceptions are set.[](https://forum.ninjatrader.com/forum/ninjatrader-8/platform-technical-support-aa/1140791-issue-when-opening-ninjatrader-8)
3. **Update Antivirus Software**:
   - Ensure your antivirus is up to date, as older versions may incorrectly flag newer NinjaTrader releases. For instance, updating Kaspersky resolved false positives for NinjaTrader 8.0.20.0.[](https://forum.ninjatrader.com/forum/ninjatrader-8/platform-technical-support-aa/1080568-recent-nt8-installs-trigger-kaspersky-anti-virus)
4. **Run a Full System Scan**:
   - If you suspect malware, perform a full system scan (including a rootkit scan) with your antivirus to rule out actual infections before adding exceptions. Avoid adding exceptions if there’s a risk of a real infection.[](https://forum.ninjatrader.com/forum/ninjatrader-8/platform-technical-support-aa/1080568-recent-nt8-installs-trigger-kaspersky-anti-virus)
5. **Repair or Reinstall NinjaTrader**:
   - If NinjaTrader fails to open or crashes, repair the installation via **Control Panel > Programs and Features > NinjaTrader 8 > Repair**. If the issue persists, uninstall, delete the **C:\Program Files (x86)\NinjaTrader 8** folder, reboot, and reinstall from the official NinjaTrader website.[](https://forum.ninjatrader.com/forum/ninjatrader-8/platform-technical-support-aa/1197594-ninja-trader-not-opening)
6. **Dedicated Trading PC**:
   - Use a dedicated trading computer without email or web browsing to minimize malware risks. Configure antivirus to scan NinjaTrader folders on a schedule rather than in real time.[](https://forum.ninjatrader.com/forum/ninjatrader-8/platform-technical-support-aa/98819-anti-malware-software-ransomware-warning-crashed-nt8)
7. **Check for External Software Conflicts**:
   - Conflicts with backup software like Acronis or cloud services like OneDrive can mimic antivirus issues. Ensure these programs also exclude NinjaTrader folders.[](https://forum.ninjatrader.com/forum/ninjatrader-8/platform-technical-support-aa/1197594-ninja-trader-not-opening)[](https://forum.ninjatrader.com/forum/ninjatrader-8/platform-technical-support-aa/1137103-conflict-with-acronis)

### Additional Notes
- **NinjaTrader’s Recommendation**: NinjaTrader officially advises adding exceptions for its directories in all antivirus, firewall, or backup software to ensure smooth operation.[](https://forum.ninjatrader.com/forum/historical-beta-archive/version-8-beta/81147-nt8-conflict-with-anti-virus-software)
- **Random Anomalous Behavior**: Some users reported issues like charts losing templates or strategies terminating unexpectedly, potentially due to antivirus interference. Adding exceptions often resolves these.[](https://forum.ninjatrader.com/forum/ninjatrader-8/platform-technical-support-aa/1075281-antivirus-nt8%25C2%25A0)
- **Antivirus Compatibility**: NinjaTrader does not endorse specific antivirus programs, but users have reported success with AVG, Avast (with exceptions), and updated versions of Kaspersky. Norton and McAfee may require more careful configuration.[](https://forum.ninjatrader.com/forum/ninjatrader-7/platform-technical-support/1245-anti-virus-programs)[](https://forum.ninjatrader.com/forum/ninjatrader-7/platform-technical-support/689-norton-antivirus-prob)
- **Custom Indicators and Add-Ons**: Third-party add-ons or NinjaScript strategies may trigger antivirus alerts if they behave unexpectedly. Verify the source of add-ons and add them to exceptions if trusted.[](https://ninjatrader.com/support/helpguides/nt8/using_3rd_party_add-ons.htm)

### If Issues Persist
If conflicts continue after applying these solutions, contact NinjaTrader Support via their website (support.ninjatrader.com) or check the NinjaTrader Support Forum for community insights. Provide details about your antivirus software and any error messages for tailored assistance. You can also run a system check to ensure no external malware is affecting NinjaTrader’s performance.

By setting proper exceptions and keeping your antivirus updated, you can minimize conflicts and ensure NinjaTrader operates reliably.[](https://forum.ninjatrader.com/forum/historical-beta-archive/version-8-beta/81147-nt8-conflict-with-anti-virus-software)[](https://forum.ninjatrader.com/forum/ninjatrader-8/platform-technical-support-aa/1140791-issue-when-opening-ninjatrader-8)[](https://forum.ninjatrader.com/forum/ninjatrader-8/platform-technical-support-aa/98819-anti-malware-software-ransomware-warning-crashed-nt8)


To prevent Microsoft Defender Antivirus from conflicting with NinjaTrader, you need to add exclusions for NinjaTrader’s key directories and executable files. This ensures Defender doesn’t flag or block NinjaTrader files during installation, updates, or runtime. Here’s how to do it:

### Steps to Add NinjaTrader Exclusions in Microsoft Defender

1. **Open Windows Security**:
   - Click the **Start** menu and type **Windows Security** in the search bar, then select the app.
   - Alternatively, go to **Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Open Windows Security**.

2. **Navigate to Virus & Threat Protection**:
   - In the Windows Security app, click **Virus & threat protection** from the left menu.
   - Scroll to **Virus & threat protection settings** and click **Manage settings**.

3. **Add Exclusions**:
   - Scroll down to the **Exclusions** section and click **Add or remove exclusions**.
   - You may need to confirm with administrator privileges (click **Yes** if prompted by User Account Control).

4. **Add NinjaTrader Folders and Files**:
   - Click **Add an exclusion** and select **Folder** or **File** as needed.
   - Add the following NinjaTrader directories and files:
     - **Folder**: `C:\Program Files (x86)\NinjaTrader 8`
     - **Folder**: `C:\Users\<YourUsername>\Documents\NinjaTrader 8`
     - **Folder**: `C:\Users\<YourUsername>\Documents\NinjaTrader 8 Backup`
     - **File**: `C:\Program Files (x86)\NinjaTrader 8\bin64\NinjaTrader.exe`
   - To add each:
     - Select **Folder** or **File**, navigate to the path, and click **Select Folder** or **Open**.
     - Replace `<YourUsername>` with your actual Windows user name.
   - Repeat for each folder and file.

5. **Verify Exclusions**:
   - After adding, the exclusions will appear in the list under **Exclusions**.
   - Ensure all paths are correct to prevent Defender from scanning these locations.

6. **Optional: Disable Real-Time Protection Temporarily (for Installation)**:
   - If you’re installing or updating NinjaTrader and encounter issues, temporarily disable real-time protection:
     - In **Virus & threat protection settings**, toggle **Real-time protection** to **Off**.
     - Install or update NinjaTrader, then turn **Real-time protection** back **On**.
   - Note: Only do this if exclusions alone don’t resolve the issue, and ensure your system is secure (e.g., no untrusted downloads).

7. **Test NinjaTrader**:
   - Launch NinjaTrader to confirm it runs without Defender interruptions (e.g., no crashes, slow loading, or blocked files).
   - If installing, try the installation again after adding exclusions.

### Additional Tips
- **Check for False Positives**: If Defender previously flagged NinjaTrader files (e.g., **NinjaTrader.exe** or **NtDirect.dll**), check the **Virus & threat protection > Actions** section for quarantined items. Select **Restore** if NinjaTrader files were incorrectly flagged.
- **Keep Defender Updated**: Ensure Windows and Defender are up to date to avoid outdated definitions causing false positives. Go to **Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates**.
- **Monitor Performance**: If NinjaTrader still runs slowly, ensure no other security software (e.g., third-party antivirus or firewall) is interfering. Defender should be the only active antivirus.
- **Reinstall if Needed**: If NinjaTrader was partially installed due to Defender blocking files, uninstall it, delete the `C:\Program Files (x86)\NinjaTrader 8` folder, add exclusions, and reinstall from the official NinjaTrader website.

### If Issues Persist
- Check the NinjaTrader Support Forum for reports of Defender-specific conflicts.
- Contact NinjaTrader Support (support.ninjatrader.com) with details of any error messages or Defender alerts.
- Run a full system scan with Defender to rule out actual malware before assuming a false positive.

By adding these exclusions, Microsoft Defender should allow NinjaTrader to operate without conflicts, ensuring smooth installation and trading functionality.