Okay, so you're searching 'Windows Defender turning off.' We get it. Maybe it's clashing with another antivirus, slowing down your system, or just plain bugging you. While we strongly recommend keeping Windows Defender ON for baseline protection, we understand sometimes you need to disable it temporarily.
Here's the (short!) process:
1. **Search:** Type 'Windows Security' in the Windows search bar and open it.
2. **Virus & Threat Protection:** Click on 'Virus & threat protection'.
3. **Manage Settings:** Under 'Virus & threat protection settings', click 'Manage settings'.
4. **Real-time protection:** Toggle the 'Real-time protection' switch to 'Off'.
**Important Note:** Windows will likely re-enable Defender automatically after a period. If you need it permanently off (again, strongly discouraged!), you may need to adjust group policy settings (advanced!).
**Consider This:** Before turning off Defender, explore alternatives like adding exclusions. Disabling it leaves you vulnerable! Think twice, and stay safe!
