Workaround for slow web browser searches after latest Bitdefender update

imaref · 2025-02-23T02:20:21+00:00

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Since the latest Bitdefender update, I noticed that searching from any search engine was taking FOREVER for the results page to load (even on a fast internet connection). I thought maybe Bitdefender had something to do with it so I added the URLs of the search engines that I use to the exceptions list in Bitdefender under Protection/Online Threat Prevention. WOW--immediately solved the issue. If you're having the same problem, give it a try.

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Comments

Alexandru_BD

Hello @imaref,

I would recommend checking the steps from this article, because in most cases, this situation can be solved through the appropriate configuration of the firewall settings:

https://www.bitdefender.com/consumer/support/answer/3766/

Obviously, adding each URL as an exception for the OTP module is not the ideal way to fix this, since one may visit dozens of websites daily, and the process of adding all of them to the exclusions' list may be a cumbersome thing to do.. and I think that this doesn't really address the root cause, it's more of a workaround..

Let us know if applying the suggested firewall settings makes a difference.

Regards,

Alex

imaref

Thanks for the reply Alex, but my Bitdefender antivirus plus (screenshot attached) doesn't have the firewall option. The only time I was getting slow internet was on the search results pages of every single search engine

Alexandru_BD

True, Antivirus Plus doesn't include a firewall.. I was unaware that you are using this one.
Then perhaps a component of the OTP module could be causing the slowdown you are experiencing. Check if the browsing speed improves with Encrypted Web Scan turned OFF. This feature scans for the certificates of websites. Disabling it is not really a recommended action, but you can test to see if turning it off makes any difference.

imaref

Before I try that, which would be safer—turning off Encrypted Web Scan (which would be turned off for every single website I visit), or doing what I did and adding JUST the search engines to the exceptions list of Online Threat Prevention? The reason I'm leery is because occasionally Bitdefender does block websites with expired security certificates so I don't continue on to those websites.

Alexandru_BD

If adding the search engines there works for you, then I guess you can leave it as it is. But still, this is not the normal behavior in my opinion and you should not be experiencing this slowdown, especially since the variant you are using doesn't have the firewall. And yes, having Encrypted Web Scan enabled does give peace of mind..