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How to disable anti-virus in Windows 10?

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A good anti-virus forms the security backbone of any PC. Not only does it protect your PC from any malware or viruses you might run into but it also keeps a check on things like your online security and privacy.

There a lot of reasons why you’d want an antivirus on your PC and there a few reasons why you’d want to disable it at times.

In this article, we’re going to talk about how to disable antivirus in Windows 10. Check out separate guides for the default Microsoft Defender and any other third-party anti-virus you might have installed.

Also read: What is code-signed Malware and ways to protect your device

Disabling Microsoft Defender in Windows 10

Microsoft Defender is the default, built-in antivirus in Windows 10 that does a remarkable job of keeping your PC safe; and not to mention, it comes for free with Windows.

While disabling Microsoft Defender isn’t advised, if you absolutely need to, here’s what you need to do.

Step 1: Click on the Show hidden icons (arrow) button in the taskbar. Then right-click on the Windows Security icon and click View Security Dashboard.

How to disable anti-virus in Windows 10? | Candid.Technology

Step 2: Then click on Virus and Threat Protection, located to the left of the window.

How to disable anti-virus in Windows 10? | Candid.Technology

Step 3: Under Virus and threat protection settings, click on Manage settings.

How to disable anti-virus in Windows 10? | Candid.Technology

Step 4: Here you can toggle Real-time protection and Cloud-delivered protection on or off.

How to disable anti-virus in Windows 10? | Candid.Technology

Note that Microsoft Defender will automatically turn itself off when it detects another active anti-virus is installed on your PC.

Also read: How to enable Remote Desktop in Windows 10?

Disabling Kaspersky on Windows 10

Note that different antiviruses will have different procedures; however, in case you aren’t using Kaspersky, this will still give you a general idea of how to proceed.

Step 1: Fire up Kaspersky and click on the Settings icon at the bottom-left.

How to disable anti-virus in Windows 10? | Candid.Technology

Step 2: Under the General tab you’ll see the Protection setting. You can toggle your anti-virus on or off from here. 

How to disable anti-virus in Windows 10? | Candid.Technology

You can resume protection at any time by simply going to the Kaspersky icon on the taskbar, right-clicking it and selecting Resume Protection. 

How to disable anti-virus in Windows 10? | Candid.Technology

Also read: How to check GPU temperature in Windows 10?

Yadullah Abidi

Yadullah Abidi

Yadullah is a Computer Science graduate who writes/edits/shoots/codes all things cybersecurity, gaming, and tech hardware. When he's not, he streams himself racing virtual cars. He's been writing and reporting on tech and cybersecurity with websites like Candid.Technology and MakeUseOf since 2018. You can contact him here: yadullahabidi@pm.me.

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