How to Turn off Antivirus Protection: Software & Device 2024
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Key Takeaways: How to Turn Off Antivirus
- Most antivirus software can be disabled in just a few steps
- Turning off antivirus protection can leave your device vulnerable to threats, so it is wise to turn it back on as soon as possible
- There are a number of different ways to disable antivirus, and we cover many of them here
Sometimes it is necessary to disable antivirus protection in order to install software or troubleshoot issues. If you want to turn off your antivirus permanently or temporarily, you can do it through the antivirus app, your device or your browser. In this guide, we will walk you through several ways to turn off antivirus protection.
There are a lot of antivirus options to choose from. Check out our article on the best antivirus software for help on choosing the best option for you.
How to Turn Off Antivirus Protection: Quick Steps
Turning off antivirus protection generally only requires a few steps. In our example, we will use Windows Security. We talk about other providers below.
- Open Windows Security
Search for Windows Security and open the app.
- Navigate to “Settings”
Find the gear icon in the lower-right corner of the Windows Security app and click on it.
- Turn Off Windows Security
Either switch “real-time…
