Windows Defender has become a capable antivirus and antimalware app for Windows 10, giving most end users the protection they need without finding a replacement antivirus. That said, sometimes you need to disable it briefly, for example, to download a file that Defender blocks. Disabling Defender temporarily is easy to do. Here's how.

At the bottom right of your screen, click on the Windows Defender Security icon. Optionally, you can click on the Windows key + S and type in defender until you see Windows Defender Security Center.



Click on Virus & Threat Protection. As a side note, it should have a green checkmark next to it if everything is on and working correctly. Click on Virus & threat protection settings.



Finally, look for the blue toggle that says Real-time protection and toggle (click) it off.



You will then see a message that reads Real-time protection is off, leaving your device vulnerable. The Windows Defender Security icon at the bottom left will also have a red X over it to remind you that protection is turned off.



Be sure to turn it back on by following the same steps and click on Real-time protection again to enable Windows Defender.

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