Troubleshooting Antivirus False Positives with Your Publications
You’ve just put the finishing touches on your project, compiled it with our HTML compiler, HTML Executable, and are ready to share it with the world. But when you or your users run the application for the first time, an antivirus program displays a warning.
This can be alarming, but we want to assure you: this is almost always a “false positive,” and your application is safe. This article explains why this happens and what you can do about it.
What is a False Positive and Why Does It Happen?
Think of your antivirus as a vigilant security guard. When it encounters a new, unfamiliar application that isn’t yet on its list of widely-known programs, it acts with an abundance of caution. This is a standard security procedure.
HTML Executable’s entire purpose is to create brand-new, custom executable files for you. Because these files are freshly compiled and unique to your project, they don’t have an established reputation yet. Some antivirus programs, using what are called “heuristic” rules, may flag a safe file as suspicious simply because it’s new.
Occasionally, this can result in a false positive: a perfectly safe file being mistakenly identified as a potential threat.
✔️ Our Commitment to Security and Trust
We want to state this clearly: HTML Executable has been a trusted tool for developers and creators for over 20 years. Our software does not generate or bundle any malware, viruses, or unwanted software into your publications. The safety check performed by antivirus software is a standard process for any new application, not an indication of a real threat in files created by HTMLEXE.
How to Prevent and Resolve False Positives
Fortunately, there are several professional, industry-standard methods to build trust with security software and ensure a smooth experience for your end-users.
1. Digitally Sign Your Executable (Highly Recommended)
This is the single most effective way to reduce false positives. A digital code signature is like a tamper-proof seal on your software. It cryptographically proves that you are the author of the application and that the file has not been altered since you signed it.
Unsigned executables are far more likely to be treated with suspicion. By signing your files, you establish their authenticity and dramatically increase their reputation with antivirus programs.
- HTML Executable has built-in support for code signing. You can learn more in our help topic: Code Signing Executables.
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- In the past, obtaining a code signing certificate could be complex. Today, services like Microsoft’s Azure Trusted Signing make it accessible and affordable for all developers. We also have prepared a step-by-step guide to help you: How to Sign Your Files with Azure Trusted Signing
2. Add Your Folders to an Antivirus Exclusion List
Another effective method is to tell your antivirus software to “trust” specific folders on your computer. This prevents it from interfering during the compilation process, which can improve speed and prevent files from being quarantined by mistake.
We recommend adding two locations to your antivirus exclusion or “allowlist”:
- The HTML Executable application folder itself.
- The output folder where your publications are created.
3. Submit the File to Antivirus Vendors
If a file—especially one that is already digitally signed—is still being flagged, you can submit it directly to the antivirus vendor as a false positive. All major security companies have simple online forms for this purpose.
Submitting the file helps them analyze it, confirm it’s safe, and update their detection rules. This not only resolves the issue for your file but also helps improve the accuracy of the antivirus for everyone. Simply visit your antivirus vendor’s website and look for their “false positive submission” or “sample submission” page.
Conclusion
While encountering a security warning can be unexpected, it is a solvable issue rooted in how modern security software operates. By taking proactive steps like digitally signing your applications, you can ensure a professional and trusted experience for your users.
HTML Executable lets you secure your HTML, PDF, DOCX, audio, video, website content against copy and even digitally sign for high confidence. Give it a try today.