How to turn off windows defender

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you needed to install a piece of software, only to be met with constant interruptions from Windows Defender? Perhaps you’re troubleshooting an app, or maybe you’re trying to enhance your gaming experience without the interference of antivirus scans. Whatever the reason, many users find themselves questioning how to turn off Windows Defender quickly and safely, ensuring that they still protect their system after they accomplish their task.

To turn off Windows Defender, navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection. Under ‘Virus & threat protection settings’, click ‘Manage settings’ and toggle off ‘Real-time protection’.

To elaborate, start by clicking on the Windows icon in the bottom left corner of your screen and selecting the ‘Settings’ gear. Next, go to ‘Privacy & Security’ and select ‘Windows Security’. Once in the Windows Security section, you’ll see ‘Virus & threat protection’. Click on that, and you’ll find an option for ‘Virus & threat protection settings’. Here, click on the ‘Manage settings’ link, which will take you to a new screen. Look for the toggle switch labeled ‘Real-time protection’ and switch it off. Keep in mind that this action disables real-time scanning, leaving your device more vulnerable, but it can be turned back on later with the same steps. Always be sure to reactivate Windows Defender after completing your tasks, as it plays a crucial role in safeguarding your computer from malware and other threats.