# How to Disable Windows Defender on Windows 11 Temporarily

Canonical: https://snipgeek.com/blog/disable-windows-defender-windows-11
Locale: en
Description: A complete and safe guide to temporarily disabling Windows Defender on Windows 11 versions 22H2, 23H2, and 24H2.
Date: 2026-02-20
Updated: 
Category: Windows
Tags: windows, windows-11, tutorial, security
JSON: https://snipgeek.com/api/posts/disable-windows-defender-windows-11?locale=en

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Microsoft Defender is a robust built-in antivirus solution in Windows 11. However, there are times when you need to disable it temporarily—for example, when installing legitimate software or games that are often mistakenly detected as threats (false positives), or for troubleshooting purposes.

This guide will show you the correct and safe way to turn off real-time protection in Windows 11, applicable to all major update versions including 22H2, 23H2, and 24H2.

## Important: Understand the Risks!

Disabling the antivirus, even temporarily, will make your PC more vulnerable to malware, viruses, and other threats. Only do this if you are absolutely sure about the files or applications you are about to run. Once finished, immediately re-enable the protection.

## When Might You Need to Disable Defender?

While not recommended for daily use, some reasonable scenarios for temporarily disabling the antivirus are:

- **Specific Game/Software Installation:** Some installers or game modification files (for legitimate use, of course) are often modified and can trigger antivirus detection.
- **Using System Tools:** Applications for printer resetters or system activation sometimes require low-level access that is blocked by Defender.
- **Troubleshooting Conflicts:** To check if the antivirus is causing an application to run slowly or encounter errors like `0xc000007b`.

## Guide to Disabling Real-time Protection

Keep in mind, Windows will automatically re-enable this protection after a while or after a restart to maintain your system's security.

### Step 1: Open Windows Security

The easiest way is through the Start menu.

1. Click the **Start** menu.
2. Type "Windows Security".
3. Click the application that appears in the search results.

![Windows 11 Start menu search for Windows Security app](/images/_posts/windows11/antivirus-disable/ms-defender-0.webp)
*Opening the Windows Security app from the Start menu.*

### Step 2: Go to "Virus & threat protection" Settings

Inside the Windows Security dashboard, select the main menu on the left side or the shield icon.

1. Click **Virus & threat protection**.

![Virus and threat protection menu in Windows Security dashboard](/images/_posts/windows11/antivirus-disable/ms-defender-1.webp)
*Windows Security dashboard with the 'Virus & threat protection' menu highlighted.*

### Step 3: Manage Settings

Under the "Virus & threat protection settings" heading, you will find a link to manage settings.

1. Click **Manage settings**.

![Manage settings link in Windows 11 Virus protection settings](/images/_posts/windows11/antivirus-disable/ms-defender-2.webp)
*The 'Manage settings' link under the 'Virus & threat protection settings' section.*

### Step 4: Turn Off "Real-time protection"

This is the main switch for active protection.

1. Find the switch under **Real-time protection**.
2. Click the switch to change it from **On** to **Off**.
3. A User Account Control (UAC) window will appear asking for confirmation. Click **Yes**.

![Real-time protection toggle switch in Windows 11 set to off](/images/_posts/windows11/antivirus-disable/ms-defender-4.webp)
*The 'Real-time protection' switch in the Off position.*

At this point, your real-time antivirus protection has been temporarily disabled. The Windows Security icon in the taskbar may display a yellow exclamation mark as a reminder.

## Don't Forget to Turn It Back On!

After you are finished with the task that required the antivirus to be off, it is very important to re-enable it. Simply repeat the steps above and click the **Real-time protection** switch back to the **On** position.

By following this guide, you can manage your system's security more flexibly without sacrificing long-term protection.