How to Use Bitdefender in an Offline Environment

Hello,
I’m considering using Bitdefender.
My goal is to perform malware scans on a completely offline laptop before transferring data from a PC connected to an external network to an internally isolated network.
To achieve this, I plan to install and operate Bitdefender Antivirus Plus on a laptop that is not connected to any network whatsoever.

Currently, I’m using the 30-day free trial.
Since Bitdefender provides offline update files, updating the software is not a problem.

However, there is one issue: Bitdefender works fine in an environment that was previously connected to the internet but is now offline.
But when the system has been offline from the very beginning (i.e., it has never been connected to the internet), Bitdefender shows a warning asking to connect to the internet for activation.

In my case, I can allow internet access just once on the first day, but not after that.
If this limitation can be resolved, I’m willing to purchase Bitdefender Antivirus Plus.

Does the paid version allow usage without this issue?
If there is a way to use Bitdefender completely offline, I would greatly appreciate it if you could share the method.

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Accepted answers

Gjoksi

Hello.

Yes, you need to go online to activate the license. The way it works is that you activate your license / subscription in Bitdefender Central, and the software installed on the device must be linked with that license in order to work. Because the product draws its validity and configuration according to the subscription / license that is running there.

But you can go offline afterwards. The antivirus will still work and the UI will display that you are protected, given that all security modules are active. However, you won't benefit from cloud scanning (the Quick Scan module) nor updates.

Also, to use the Vulnerability Scan module, Bitdefender requires an active internet
connection.

Maybe @Alexandru_BD, who works for Bitdefender, can give you more insights on this matter.

Regards.

Alexandru_BD

Hi,

Like @Gjoksi said, Bitdefender must communicate over the internet to be authenticated by its subscription server. Once activated, it can be used offline as well. However, as stated above, running Bitdefender on a PC without internet connection will offer less protection, because it doesn't have access to cloud scanning. Furthermore, if you are looking to install product updates, you must update Bitdefender using an internet connection through the Update feature of the product. It is possible however, to update Bitdefender’s threat definitions offline and here's how to do it:

https://www.bitdefender.com/consumer/support/answer/10690/

Now I have a question: if your goal is to transfer data from a PC connected to an external network to a PC connected to an isolated internal network, why not install Bitdefender on the PC connected to the external network, to make sure it's clean and then have the guarantee that anything you move to the PC without internet is clean? This way you skip the "middle" PC, the one that's offline and you don't have to filter the files anymore because you are sure they come from a clean device. I'm just saying, because it sounds like you are choosing a more complicated route, when this can be simplified by installing Bitdefender on the device that is the source of the data and files you wish to move. But maybe I'm missing something here, for example if you don't have access to that external device yourself and cannot install and configure Bitdefender there, then it would start to make sense to me.

I hope this helps.

Regards

All comments

Gjoksi

Hello.

Also, to use the Vulnerability Scan module, Bitdefender requires an active internet
connection.

Maybe @Alexandru_BD, who works for Bitdefender, can give you more insights on this matter.

Regards.

Alexandru_BD

Hi,

https://www.bitdefender.com/consumer/support/answer/10690/

I hope this helps.

Regards

nakamurajames

Once the subscription is authenticated by the license server, will it remain active even after rebooting the computer or restarting the program?

As long as I can scan files to determine whether they are malicious or not, I don’t need any other features.

This is a response to @Alexandru_BD’s question.
You're absolutely right — installing Bitdefender on the PC connected to the external network would be more convenient and secure.
However, we're currently in a very special and restricted environment.
That’s why we had no choice but to take this approach.

Thank you for your help.

Alexandru_BD

Yes, the subscription will remain active even after rebooting or restarting. The way it works is that you receive an activation code which must be redeemed in your Central account so that the subscription becomes active. From there, you can install protection on your devices and once installed, you will notice that in the Bitdefender UI, so in the antivirus program, you will be connected to that same email address linked to your Central account. This way, the installed product can run, displaying its validity and features accordingly.

So yes, some people may use Bitdefender offline and that's fine. I remember a rather unusual usage scenario, a long time ago I met a customer (pilot) who was using Antivirus Plus on an airplane, on an offline device, but he didn't mention what he was using it for. I thought it was interesting at the time. 🙂