If you install another antivirus program for Windows 10, Windows Defender will turn off its own real-time protection and get out of your way. However, if you don’t have another antivirus program installed and you want to temporary turn off Windows Defender’s real-time background scanning, you can.

Warning: Only disable this if you know what you’re doing. If you aren’t running another antimalware program, you could become infected by malware while real-time background scanning is disabled. Windows Defender won’t find it.

First, open the Start menu and type “Windows Security.” Press “Enter” or click the “Windows Security” shortcut to launch it.

In Windows Security, click “Virus & Threat Protection” in the sidebar. Then select “Manage Settings.”

In “Virus & Threat Protection Settings,” locate the “Real-Time protection” option and click the switch that says “On” to toggle it to the “Off” position.

Real-time protection has now been turned off. Windows Security will also display a scary-looking message above the switch, saying that your device is now vulnerable. Windows will automatically turn real-time protection back on after a short period of time.

Close the Windows Security window, and the settings should be saved. If and when you’d like to reenable Real-time protection, just revisit “Virus & Threat Protection Settings” page and flip the switch back to “On.” Stay safe!