How to Turn Off Antivirus in Windows 11

Disabling your antivirus on Windows 11 can sometimes be necessary for troubleshooting or installing certain software. Follow the steps below to temporarily turn off your antivirus.

Steps to Disable Windows Defender

1. Open Settings: Click on the Start menu and select the Settings gear icon.
2. Navigate to Update & Security: In the Settings menu, click on Update & Security.
3. Access Windows Security: On the left sidebar, select Windows Security and then click on Open Windows Security.
4. Manage Antivirus Settings: In the Windows Security window, click on Virus & threat protection. Then, under Virus & threat protection settings, click on Manage settings.
5. Turn Off Real-time Protection: Toggle the switch under Real-time protection to Off. Confirm any prompts that appear.

Re-enable Windows Defender

To ensure your computer remains protected, it’s important to re-enable Windows Defender once you’ve completed your task:

1. Follow the above steps to navigate back to the Virus & threat protection settings.
2. Toggle the switch under Real-time protection back to On.

Additional Considerations

Disabling antivirus protection can leave your system vulnerable to threats. Always ensure that any applications you install are from trusted sources. If you use third-party antivirus software, refer to the vendor’s support documentation for instructions on temporarily disabling their protection.

Conclusion

Temporarily turning off antivirus on Windows 11 is straightforward. Just remember to reactivate it to keep your computer safe from malware and other threats. For more details and troubleshooting, consult the official Microsoft support website.