Why you might want to disable Windows Security

Windows Security is the built-in antivirus and protection tool that runs on every Windows computer. Most of the time you should leave it on — it runs quietly in the background and catches real threats. But there are moments when you need to turn it off temporarily: you're installing software that Windows Security keeps blocking, you're troubleshooting a problem, or you're replacing it with different security software.

Disabling Windows Security is straightforward, but it does leave your computer unprotected while it's off. This section walks you through the actual steps, what each one does, and how to turn it back on when you're finished.

Key Takeaways

  • You can disable Windows Security temporarily through the Settings app, but the steps differ slightly depending on whether you're running Windows 10 or Windows 11.
  • Turning off real-time protection stops Windows Security from scanning files as you download and open them, but other protections like firewall may remain active.
  • Windows Security will usually re-enable itself automatically after a few hours or when you restart your computer, depending on your Windows version.
  • If you cannot access Settings or the toggle is greyed out, your computer may be managed by an organization, and you'll need to contact your IT department.
  • Disabling Windows Security leaves your computer vulnerable, so only turn it off when necessary and turn it back on as soon as you're done.

Disable Windows Security in Windows 11

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then press Enter. Click "Privacy & security" in the left sidebar, then scroll down and click "Windows Security".

In the Windows Security window, click "Virus & threat protection" on the left side. Under "Virus & threat protection settings", click "Manage settings". You'll see a toggle labeled "Real-time protection" — click it to turn it off. Windows will ask you to confirm; click "Yes" to proceed.

Real-time protection is now off. Your computer will no longer scan files automatically as you download and use them. Note that Windows 11 will usually turn real-time protection back on after a few hours, or when you restart your computer — this is by design, to keep your system protected by default.

Disable Windows Security in Windows 10

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then press Enter. Click "Update & Security" in the left sidebar, then click "Windows Security" at the bottom of the list.

Click "Open Windows Security". In the window that opens, click "Virus & threat protection" on the left side. Under "Virus & threat protection settings", click "Manage settings". You'll see a toggle labeled "Real-time protection" — click it to turn it off. Windows will ask you to confirm; click "Yes".

Real-time protection is now off. Like Windows 11, Windows 10 will usually re-enable this protection automatically after a period of time or when you restart, so you don't have to remember to turn it back on manually.

What happens when you disable real-time protection

When real-time protection is off, Windows Security stops scanning files as you download them and as programs run. This means Windows won't block or quarantine suspicious files automatically. If you're installing software that Windows Security kept flagging as a threat, it will now install without interruption.

Disabling real-time protection does not turn off your entire Windows Security system. Your firewall remains active, and other protections like account protection and app & browser control may still run, depending on your settings. Only the real-time scanning stops.

Your computer is more vulnerable while real-time protection is off. Malware or unwanted software can install more easily. This is why you should only disable it when you have a specific reason and turn it back on as soon as you're done.

Turn Windows Security back on

In Windows 11, go back to Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Manage settings, and click the "Real-time protection" toggle to turn it back on. In Windows 10, follow the same path through Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Manage settings, and click the toggle.

If you don't manually turn it back on, Windows will do it for you automatically. In Windows 11, real-time protection typically re-enables after a few hours. In Windows 10, it may re-enable after a restart or after a set period of time. You can check the status at any time by opening Windows Security and looking at the Virus & threat protection section — if you see a green checkmark, protection is on.

If the toggle is greyed out or locked

Sometimes the real-time protection toggle appears greyed out or disabled, meaning you cannot click it. This usually means your computer is managed by an organization — your workplace, school, or another institution has set policies that prevent you from changing Windows Security settings.

If you see a message saying "Some settings are managed by your organization" or similar, you'll need to contact your IT department or help desk to request that real-time protection be disabled. They can make the change remotely or provide you with the credentials needed to do it yourself.

If your computer is not managed by an organization and the toggle is still greyed out, restart your computer and try again. If it remains locked, Windows Security itself may be having a problem, and you may need to repair it through the Settings app or contact Microsoft support.

Replacing Windows Security with other software

If you're disabling Windows Security because you want to install a different antivirus program, you don't need to manually turn off Windows Security first. Most third-party antivirus software — Norton, McAfee, Bitdefender, Kaspersky, and others — will automatically disable Windows Security when they install, to avoid conflicts between two protection programs running at the same time.

After the new software finishes installing and you restart your computer, check that Windows Security is off and that your new antivirus is running. You can verify this by opening Windows Security and checking the status, or by opening your new antivirus program and confirming it's active. Never run two antivirus programs at the same time — they will conflict with each other and slow down your computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my computer get a virus if I disable Windows Security?

Not automatically, but your computer is more vulnerable. If you disable real-time protection and then visit unsafe websites or download files from untrusted sources, malware is more likely to install. Disable Windows Security only when necessary, and only for as long as you need to. Turn it back on immediately after you're done.

Can I disable just the firewall instead of real-time protection?

Yes. In Windows Security, go to Firewall & network protection, click on the network you're connected to (Private or Public), and toggle off "Windows Defender Firewall". However, this is less common than disabling real-time protection. Most software conflicts are with the scanning engine, not the firewall.

Why does Windows Security keep turning back on?

Windows is designed to re-enable protection automatically after a period of time, usually a few hours or after a restart. This is a safety feature to prevent your computer from staying unprotected indefinitely. If you need protection off for longer, you may need to disable it again after it re-enables.

What if I can't find the real-time protection toggle?

Make sure you're in the right place: Settings > Privacy & security (Windows 11) or Update & Security (Windows 10) > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Manage settings. If the toggle still isn't there, your version of Windows may be older or your computer may be managed by an organization. Try restarting your computer and checking again.

Do I need to disable Windows Security to install new software?

Usually no. Windows Security blocks software only if it detects a genuine threat. If a program is being blocked, check whether it's from a trusted source. If it is, you can usually add it to an exception list instead of disabling Windows Security entirely. In Windows Security, go to Virus & threat protection > Manage settings > Add exclusions, and select the file or folder.