Temporarily pause Bitdefender, McAfee, Norton, or Avast to allow a blocked .exe file to download and run.
If your antivirus prevents a downloaded .exe file from running, you can temporarily disable the antivirus so the file can start. This should only be done for files downloaded from us. For .exe files from other sources, always verify that they are safe first.
Scroll down to find the antivirus software you are using and follow the instructions. Don’t forget to re-enable protection once you’re done.
Bitdefender
1. Click the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
2. Search for “Bitdefender” and open the application.
3. From the left-hand menu, select Protection.
4. In the Antivirus section, click Open.
5. Go to the Advanced tab and turn Bitdefender Shield off.
6. When prompted, choose how long to pause protection (for example, Until system restart), then confirm.
Important: Remember to turn Bitdefender protection back on after you finish.
Watch the video guide (optional)
video, you only need to disable the Bitdefender Shield (steps shown up to 1:05). The remaining steps are not required.
McAfee
Click the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
Search for “McAfee” and open the application.
Click the menu icon ( three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner.
Select Antivirus or My Protection.
Click Real-Time Scanning.
Toggle the switch to Turn off, choose a duration (for example, 10 minutes or 1 hour), and confirm.
Reminder: Remember to turn McAfee back on when you are finished.
Watch the video guide (optional)
Norton
Click the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
Search for “Norton” and open the application.
Go to Settings → Antivirus.
Turn Auto-Protect off (and Smart Firewall if required).
Select how long to pause protection and confirm by clicking OK.
Reminder: Remember to turn Auto-Protect back on when you are finished.
Watch the video guide (optional)
Avast
Click the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
Search for “Avast” and open the application.
Go to Menu → Settings → Protection → Core Shields.
Turn off the shield(s), choose the duration, and confirm (OK or Stop).
Reminder: Remember to turn Avast back on when you are finished.
Watch the video guide (optional)