Unable to run many games unless Avast Premier is disabled

[Yinepuhotep]

The subject says it all. I have Avast Premier on Windows 10 Professional. I have a library of games that worked just fine under Avast Premier previous to version 19.x. Unfortunately, since the 19.x update, Avast Premier (I currently have version 19.1.2360 (build 19.1.4142.454) running on my system) will not allow me to run any of my Origin games (I'm still going through my entire game library to see which ones might be affected, and the Origin games are the only ones I've fully tested) unless I disable Avast entirely.

• Creating an exception to the game folders, or to the individual files in those folders, does not work.
• Neither does adding the executables to the "Allow" list.
• The only way I can run the games is by completely disabling Avast first, and then launching the programs AFTER disabling Avast.

This is clearly not acceptable behavior on the part of Avast.

[bob3160]

Any error messages

[rocksteady]

If you are using Avast Firewall in Premier, suggest you check Firewall setting is Private (not Public).

[Yinepuhotep]

Any error messages

No error messages. The usual result is the game window appears for about half a second (long enough to make the screen black) and then it vanishes again when the executable stops running.

[Yinepuhotep]

If you are using Avast Firewall in Premier, suggest you check Firewall setting is Private (not Public).

Surprisingly, this works.
What I don't understand is that I have the games set as permitted in the firewall, so why should it block them on public, but not on private, even though they're set as permitted?

[bob3160]

If you are using Avast Firewall in Premier, suggest you check Firewall setting is Private (not Public).

Surprisingly, this works.
What I don't understand is that I have the games set as permitted in the firewall, so why should it block them on public, but not on private, even though they're set as permitted?

Most Likely because permitting the program only permits a part of the program not all items required.
Setting it to Private allows all of the program many parts to connect.

[Pondus]

https://support.avast.com/en-us/article/Antivirus-Firewall-Application-Rules


NOTE:The Network profiles control the settings which determine how strictly Firewall protects your PC.

Private: a lower level of security suitable for when your PC is connected to a trusted network such as your home or work network. This profile enables better connectivity, and permits all communication within the network.

Public: a higher level of security suitable for when your PC is connected to a public network such as in a cafe or airport. Because public networks present greater security risks, no incoming communication is permitted when this profile is set.

[Yinepuhotep]

Well, that would explain it. It also explains why every game I own that requires a "phone home" connection to run is affected by it, regardless of publisher. Not MMOs, oddly enough, but every single-player game that requires an internet connection to run.

[mchain]

Default paid Avast firewall setting is always Public.