There are times when antivirus security software is in a way of users’ tasks. It can either be an interference with another program, or simply that every bit of free computer resource is very important at a certain moment.
For that reason, it is possible to temporarily disable (turn off) some of live protection features provided by Norton protection software like Norton 360 or Norton Security.
Windows
To temporarily turn off Norton Protection, you need to log on to your computer with an Administrator user account. For Standard user accounts, some of the settings may appear disabled (grayed out). They can also be greyed out after Norton detects and repairs a threat on your computer which requires a restart. If the grey out problem persists, you may need to use Norton Removal and Reinstall tool.
Steps to disable Norton Protection in Windows (video available below)
- In the notification area on the taskbar, right-click the Norton icon, and then click the following:
- Disable Auto-Protect
- Disable Firewall
- In the Security Request window, in the Select the duration drop-down list, select the duration for which you want to turn off Norton Protection.
- Click OK.
Norton turns on the features automatically after the duration you specify in the Security Request window. To turn on Norton manually, in the notification area on the taskbar, right-click the Norton icon, and then click Enable Auto-Protect/Enable Firewall.
Turn off Norton Task Notifications on Windows
- Start Norton.If you see the My Norton window, next to Device Security, click Open.
- In the Norton main window, click Settings.
- In the Settings window, click Administrative Settings.
- In the Norton Task Notification row, move the On/Off switch to Off.
- Click Apply, and then click Close.
Video
Here is the video showing all the steps on a Windows based computer:
Mac
Steps to disable Norton Protection on a Mac based computer
- Start Norton.If you see the My Norton window, next to Device Security, click Open.
- In the Norton product main window, click Advanced or Settings.
- On the left pane, click Protect My Mac.
- In the Automatic Scans row, move the switch to off.
- On the left pane, click Firewall.
- In the Connection Blocking row, move the switch to off.
- In the Vulnerability Protection row, move the switch to off.
You can use the Fix Now option in the main window turn on protection.
FAQs
You can temporarily disable Norton through the settings by turning off Auto-Protect and Smart Firewall.
Can you temporarily disable Norton? ›
You can temporarily disable Norton through the settings by turning off Auto-Protect and Smart Firewall.
How do I disable Norton Web Protection? ›
Turn on or turn off Norton Safe Web from Extensions page
- Start Google Chrome.
- On the top-right corner, click Customize and control Google Chrome , and then click Settings.
- In the left pane, click Extensions.
- In the Extensions page, next to Norton Safe Web, move the slider to enable or disable the extension.
Why can't I disable auto-protect on Norton? After the computer restarts, the Auto-Protect feature in Settings (Settings >Antivirus > Auto-Protect) appears grayed out. To resolve this problem, restart your computer again. If the problem persists, run the Norton Remove and Reinstall tool.…
How do I turn Norton off and on? ›
Turn Norton Firewall on or off
- Open your Norton device security product. ...
- In the Norton product main window, click Settings.
- In the Settings window, click Firewall.
- On the General Settings tab, in the Smart Firewall row, move the On/Off switch to Off or On.
- Click Apply.
Antivirus software doesn't have to be forever. If you want to turn off your software, whether temporarily or permanently, you can do so either through the antivirus app itself or through your device or browser. With that said, we don't recommend keeping your antivirus software off for long.
Can you turn off Norton automatic renewal? ›
Stop your subscription from automatically renewing
Sign in to your account and then: Visit the My Subscriptions tab. Click Cancel Subscription Renewal or Manage Renewal located below the subscription you want to cancel the renewal for, and. Confirm your cancellation.
How do I remove Norton protection? ›
Uninstall Norton Security Online or Norton Security Suite
- From the start menu, click the Control Panel.
- Select Programs.
- Click on Program and Features.
- In the list of currently installed programs, select the Norton Security product, and then click Uninstall or Remove.
In the Norton product main window, click Settings. In the Settings window, click Administrative Settings. Under Silent Mode Settings, in the Silent Mode row, turn on Silent Mode, click Apply, then select the amount of time that you want to stop notifications and background tasks.
How do I stop Norton from blocking my Internet? ›
In the Norton product main window, click Settings. In the Settings window, click Firewall. In the Firewall settings window, click Advanced Program Control. In the Automatic Program Control row, move the On/Off switch to Off.
Turn off or turn on Data Protector
In the Norton product main window, click Settings > Antivirus. In the Antivirus window, click the Data Protector tab. In the Data Protector row, move the On/Off switch to On or Off.
How to disable antivirus security and defender pause protection? ›
Turn off Defender antivirus protection in Windows Security
- Select Start and type "Windows Security" to search for that app.
- Select the Windows Security app from the search results, go to Virus & threat protection, and under Virus & threat protection settings select Manage settings.
- Switch Real-time protection to Off.
Norton will disable some features of Windows Defender automatically. Mostly, you do not want two antivirus programs running simultaneously. Norton and WD will negotiate their rights and responsibilities.
Can I disable Norton temporarily? ›
In the Security Request window, in the Select the duration drop-down list, select the duration for which you want to turn off Norton Protection. Click OK. Note: Norton turns its security features back on automatically after the duration that you specified in the Security Request window has been reached.
How do I stop Norton from being annoying? ›
Here are some quick steps you can take to ease the irritation:
- Adjust Notification Settings: Reduce the number of notifications you receive.
- Schedule Scans: Set scans to run during off-hours to avoid interruptions.
- Customize Alerts: Modify what types of alerts you get and when.
Norton continuously scans your PC to protect against threats. From the Scans window, you can also run manual scans or performance tasks.
Can Norton VPN be turned on and off? ›
From the home screen, launch the Norton 360 app. Tap Privacy and tap VPN. You can configure the following options: Enable or disable VPN - Depending on the on-screen recommendation for your wireless network, you can slide the VPN switch to on or off.
How do I stop Norton from running in the background? ›
In the Norton product main window, click Settings. In the Settings window, click Administrative Settings. Under Silent Mode Settings, in the Silent Mode row, turn on Silent Mode, click Apply, then select the amount of time that you want to stop notifications and background tasks.
How do I permanently disable Norton 360? ›
Uninstall your Norton device security product on Windows
- Download the Norton Remove and Reinstall tool. ...
- To open the Downloads window in your browser, press the Ctrl + J key.
- Double-click the NRnR icon.
- Read the license agreement, and click Agree.
- Click Advanced Options.
- Click Remove Only.
- Click Remove.
LifeLock and/or Norton Membership Bundles: - If you purchased a bundle (i.e. a package of more than one subscription), you may cancel one or the entire package of subscriptions that make a bundle at any time.
