March 23, 2025, midnight

How to Disable Antivirus for Your Game

Gamers often encounter issues where antivirus software interferes with their gaming experience. This guide will help you disable your antivirus temporarily to ensure smooth gameplay.

Steps to Disable Antivirus

1. Open the Antivirus Software

First, locate and open your antivirus program. This could be Windows Defender, Norton, McAfee, Avast, or any other software you might be using.

2. Access the Settings

Navigate to the settings or preferences section within the antivirus software. This section typically contains all the options for customising the behaviour of the antivirus.

3. Turn Off Real-Time Protection

Look for an option labeled "Real-Time Protection". Toggle this option off. This will disable the active scanning component of the antivirus, preventing it from interfering with your game.

4. Disable Firewall (if necessary)

Some games require an active internet connection and might be blocked by the firewall. Navigate to the firewall settings and disable it temporarily if needed.

5. Add Game to Exceptions List

For a more permanent solution, you can add your game or its folder to the exceptions list. This allows the game to run without being scanned by the antivirus software.

Important Considerations

Disabling your antivirus can expose your computer to security risks. Make sure to enable it once you are done gaming. Adding the game to the exception list is generally a better alternative if you play the game frequently.

Re-enable Antivirus After Gaming

Once you are finished playing, remember to turn the real-time protection and firewall back on to keep your system secure.