Avast Internet Security is Blocking Printing

[REDACTED]

I'm an avid user of Avast Internet Security, with most of their components to make my computer an internet warrior combating every threat that comes its way. As a result my Avast has now reached the point of blocking my ability to print from my ASUS X555L (Taiwan) notebook to my Canon Maxify MB5170 (also Taiwan model).

At first I thought there was a problem with the communication, but physically nothing had changed in the connection. The non-Avast computer can print perfectly fine! So Avast is again having me waste my precious time in finding a solution to a problem caused by its awesome almighty protection shields.

I would be more than happy to be able to print, but apparently it will endanger the health of my notebook.

My findings are as follows:

1) Switching off Real Site alone does nothing
2) Switching off Ransomware Shield alone does nothing
3) Switching off Web Shield alone does nothing
4) Switching off Real Site, followed by Ransomware followed by Web Shield activates printing!

Private mode or Public mode doesn't make a difference in Firewall.
Turning on Internet Connection Sharing didn't do anything.
Enabling and disabling automatic port scan detection didn't make a difference.

I didn't touch HTTPS scanning, as I can't imagine it would have any affect.

The only time printing actually does work is when I turn off all 7 shields, or only the above three in unison.

Why do I need to turn off Real Site, Ransomware AND Web Shield to activate printing?
One would think it would be Firewall related, but switching off Firewall doesn't make a difference...

Many thanks for any suggestions 

[Asyn]

- Which version of AIS..?
- OS..? (32/64 Bit..? - which SP/Build..?)
- Other security related software installed..?
- Which AV(s) did you use before Avast..?

[REDACTED]

Hi Asyn! Thank you for your quick reply, and support.

As for your questions:

1)

Program Version: 17.8.2318 (build 17.8.3705.249)
Virus definitions version: 171126-0

2)

Windows 10 Home, Version 1703, OS Build 15063.726
Processors Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-4210U CPU @ 1.70Ghz 2.40GHz
64-bit operating system, x64-based processor

3)

Windows Defender Security Center (which is aware that I'm using another antivirus provider). Periodic scanning is off. It says Network not connected. Last health scan Nov 27.

4)

None on this notebook. Always Avast.

Update: Today I took the notebook to my office and successfully printed on the printer there over wifi without any effort whatsoever.  Without manipulating Avast settings.
All the network profiles are set to "public", not "private".

[Asyn]

Strange, no idea why it would work at the office but not at home.
Best you contact support: https://support.avast.com/contact

[REDACTED]

And I just found out that today switching off all the shields in Avast doesn't make a difference.
Turning off Real Site, Ransomware and Web Shield now also doesn't make any difference.
It won't print at all anymore. I'm confused. I will remove the printer and reinstall it.

[Asyn]

OK, thanks for the feedback.

[REDACTED]

Thanks also for your help. Much appreciated. FYI, my Samsung S6 can also print with Avast Free installed on it. So can our other computer which has no Avast. I haven't tried our oldest computer, which shares the same Avast as computer no 2.

[bob3160]

I'd suggest totally removing the Printer, Software and Drivers.
Download the latest software and drivers, reboot and do a new install.