---
title: "Windows Defender False Positive on Launcher | open.mp"
description: "Some users have reported that Windows Defender is flagging the open.mp Launcher as a Trojan/virus. This is a false positive, the launcher is completely safe to use."
canonical: https://omp.itsneufox.com/blog/launcher-false-positive
language: en
---

# Windows Defender False Positive on Launcher

February 12, 2025 · 2 min read

iAmir

itsneufox

Some users have reported that **Windows Defender is flagging the open.mp Launcher as a Trojan/virus**. This is a **false positive**, the launcher is completely safe to use.

The launcher is **fully open source** and you can review or build it yourself: [https://github.com/openmultiplayer/launcher](https://github.com/openmultiplayer/launcher)

We're **already working on fixing this** so future builds won't be flagged.

## What to do for now

Until Microsoft updates their detection signatures, add the launcher folder as an exclusion in Windows Defender:

1.  Open **Windows Security** (search for it in Start)
2.  Go to **Virus & threat protection**
3.  Under **Virus & threat protection settings**, click **Manage settings**
4.  Scroll down to **Exclusions** and click **Add or remove exclusions**
5.  Click **Add an exclusion** → **Folder**
6.  Select your **open.mp launcher installation folder** and confirm
7.  Close and re-open the launcher

### Notes

-   Exclude the **entire launcher folder**, not individual files because file hashes change between updates.
-   If Defender still warns you after adding the exclusion, fully close the launcher, double-check the exclusion path, and try again.

## Why does this happen?

False positives are common with game-related software. Antivirus heuristics can flag legitimate programs that interact with game processes. We're working with Microsoft to get the launcher properly whitelisted.

Still have questions? Reach out on our [Discord](https://discord.gg/samp).