Knowledge base

Troubleshooting and guides

DBeaver troubleshooting guides for Community download and install issues: connections, Windows SmartScreen, Java 25, upgrades, Defender checks, and antivirus false positives. Jump the index, then return to download DBeaver 26.1.5 or the FAQ when you need a short answer.

On this page

  1. First query checklist
  2. Cannot connect
  3. SmartScreen blocks launch
  4. Antivirus alerts
  5. Java and jre folder
  6. Upgrade keeps settings
  7. Defender exclusion check
  8. Reading foreign keys
  9. Best practices

First query checklist

A short path from install to a successful SELECT.

  1. Install Community 26.1.5 with the installer for your OS (prefer exe/DMG/deb over overwriting a ZIP tree).
  2. Create a connection in Database Navigator and test credentials.
  3. Open SQL Editor, write a limited SELECT, run the selection with Ctrl+Enter.
  4. Confirm rows in the result grid and note the status bar fetch timing.
SELECT c."FirstName", c."LastName" FROM "Customer" c LIMIT 20;

Cannot connect to the database

Warning
Connection fails or hangs before the navigator shows schemas.
Cause
Wrong host/port, driver mismatch, firewall, missing SSH tunnel parameters, or incomplete custom auth on imported CSV/XML connections.
Fix
  1. Re-open connection settings and confirm driver, host, port, database, and user.
  2. Use Test connection before saving.
  3. If you use SSH, set required database parameters before testing the tunnel (Firebird-related tunnel testing was fixed when parameters were missing).
  4. On Linux browser-based auth, ensure a supported browse action exists for the desktop.
Verify
Navigator expands schemas and a trivial query returns rows.

Windows SmartScreen blocks launch

Warning
Windows reports an unrecognized app and refuses to start dbeaver.exe.
Cause
Reputation delay on new builds, or historically an unsigned executable inside a ZIP package.
Fix
  1. Prefer the Windows installer build over ZIP when possible.
  2. In SmartScreen, open More info, then Run anyway only if you trust the package source and version.
  3. Confirm the version string matches 26.1.5 after launch.
Verify
Application window opens and Help shows Community 26.1.5.

Antivirus false positives

Warning
AV or browser advisors quarantine the installer or dbeaver.exe.
Cause
Heuristic engines sometimes flag Java desktop apps or freshly published binaries. Community history includes single-engine VirusTotal hits that cleared on rescan.
Fix
  1. Re-download and compare checksums when published.
  2. Submit the file to your AV vendor or wait for signature updates.
  3. Do not disable AV globally; scope an exception only to the verified install path if policy allows.
Verify
Clean scan on the same digest, then successful launch.

More on trust and provenance

Java requirements and the jre folder

Cause
DBeaver needs Java 25 or higher. Older system JDKs fail to start the workbench.
Fix
  1. Use the official package that bundles OpenJDK 25 (standard since 23.0).
  2. To force a local JDK, delete the jre directory inside the install folder and point the environment at Java 25+.
Verify
About dialog loads without JVM version errors.

Upgrading without losing connections

  1. Run the new Windows installer, or install the new deb/rpm/DMG package.
  2. If you use ZIP, extract to a new directory. Do not unzip over the previous tree.
  3. Start DBeaver and confirm connections still appear.

Settings remain in the user DBeaverData folder. Removing the old application directory does not remove that data.

Microsoft Defender exclusion check on startup

Warning
Startup shows a Defender exclusion check error on Eclipse-based builds.
Fix
  1. Open Window → Preferences → General → Startup and Shutdown.
  2. Enable skip for Microsoft Defender exclusion check when your policy allows.
  3. Alternatively create .eclipse/.settings/org.eclipse.ui.prefs with:
eclipse.preferences.version=1 windows.defender.startup.check.skip=true
Verify
Restart completes without the exclusion error dialog.

Reading foreign keys on an ER diagram

When a relationship line is selected, the status area can show the constraint name such as fk_payment_customer. Use diagrams to confirm cardinality before writing joins.

ER Diagram · relationship detail
DBeaver dark ER diagram with foreign key relationship lines between tables

Best practices

  • Keep result fetch limits modest on large tables to avoid UI slowdowns noted by Softonic-style heavy-grid feedback.
  • Store production credentials in OS secret stores or connection auth flows; avoid sharing screenshots that include secrets.
  • Use saved data-transfer tasks for repeatable imports so mappings survive updates.
  • After each Community minor, skim the release notes for driver-specific fixes that affect your engines.

Download 26.1.5 FAQ

Continue

Related DBeaver pages

Download Community 26.1.5

Windows, macOS, and Linux packages with changelog and integrity notes.

Explore DBeaver features

SQL Editor, Data Editor, ER diagrams, transfer, and AI Chat.

Fix install problems

Java, SmartScreen, antivirus, upgrades, and connection checks.

Also read the DBeaver FAQ and trust and security pages. Last reviewed: .

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