The answer to this question differs depending on the particular antivirus program you are using. However, almost all antivirus protection programs can be disabled temporarily by following the steps below- Disable through Windows Locate the antivirus program icon in the Windows notification area, preferably at the bottom of your screen Now, right-click on it select Disable, Stop or Shut down ( depends on the Windows version you are using) In some cases, you may need to open the anti-virus program and then disable it by navigating through the program's menus. Disable Microsoft Security Essentials Click the Microsoft Security Essentials icon present in the Windows Notification area Click on Open. Click on the Settings tab Click on Real-time protection. Uncheck the box adjacent to the label ‘Turn on real-time protection (recommended)’. Click to save your changes.