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How to temporarily turn off your antivirus (Bitdefender, McAfee, Norton, Avast)

Pause Bitdefender, McAfee, Norton, or Avast to download and run a blocked .exe file.

Updated over 3 weeks ago

If your antivirus is blocking a downloaded .exe file, you can temporarily pause the antivirus to let the file run. This is only recommended for files downloaded from us. If you download a .exe file from somewhere else, please make sure it is safe first.

Scroll down to the antivirus you use and follow the steps. Remember to turn protection back on when you are finished.

Bitdefender

  1. Click the Windows symbol (bottom-left corner of your screen).

  2. Type “Bitdefender” and open the program.

  3. In the left menu, click Protection.

  4. In the Antivirus panel, click Open.

  5. Go to the Advanced tab and switch Bitdefender Shield Off.

  6. When asked, choose how long to pause (e.g., Until system restart), then confirm.

Reminder: Turn Bitdefender back on when you are finished.

Watch the video guide (optional)

Note: In this video, you only need to turn off the Bitdefender Shield (steps shown until 1:05). The rest of the actions shown are not necessary.

McAfee

  1. Click the Windows symbol (bottom-left corner).

  2. Type “McAfee” and open the program.

  3. Click the menu icon (☰ three horizontal lines, top-left).

  4. Select Antivirus or My Protection.

  5. Click Real-Time Scanning.

  6. Click the switch to Turn off, then choose a time (for example, 10 minutes or 1 hour) and confirm.

Reminder: Turn McAfee back on when you are finished.

Watch the video guide (optional)

Norton

  1. Click the Windows symbol (bottom-left corner).

  2. Type “Norton” and open the program.

  3. Go to Settings → Antivirus.

  4. Switch Auto-Protect Off (and Smart Firewall if needed).

  5. Choose how long to pause and confirm (OK).

Reminder: Re-enable Auto-Protect when you are finished.

Watch the video guide (optional)

Avast

  1. Click the Windows symbol (bottom-left corner).

  2. Type “Avast” and open the program.

  3. Go to ☰ Menu → Settings → Protection → Core Shields.

  4. Click the switch(es) to turn off the shields, select the time, then confirm (OK, Stop).

Reminder: Turn Avast back on when you are finished.

Watch the video guide (optional)

If your antivirus is not listed

If you use another antivirus program, check its help pages for how to temporarily pause or disable protection, or contact their support for guidance.

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