top of page
Writer's pictureTyrone Uzzell

How To Disable Norton Antivirus Protection Temporarily

Updated: Oct 11, 2023


how to turn off norton


Learn how to disable Norton, a potent antivirus safeguarding your computer from potential threats. However, there are instances where users might want to temporarily disable the software. This comprehensive guide will walk you through different methods of doing so, considering the variations across different devices and Norton products.

 

DISCLAIMER: This blog was not sponsored. Some of the information may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. This helps support the community and allows us to continue to make blogs like this. Thank you for the support!

 

Table of Contents



Stay Safe with Norton Subscription


Think of Norton's antivirus as more than just a virus-buster. It's your digital superhero, defending your devices from all sorts of online baddies—malware, ransomware, cyber-criminals, you name it. But here's the cool part: it's not just about fighting villains. Norton goes the extra mile by giving you a private VIP internet experience with a VPN, keeping an eye on the dark web for you, and even managing your passwords like a pro.


So, while you're cruising through the web, Norton's got your back, making sure your identity stays yours and your passwords stay secret. So, in a world where cyber-attacks are on the rise, Norton's antivirus isn't just a luxury—it's your digital bodyguard, standing guard over your computer and keeping your personal data safe and sound.

Norton Subscription Key Points:

  • Norton is a leading provider of antivirus, malware, ransomware, and hacking protection for PCs, Macs, smartphones and tablets.

  • Norton offers different plans and prices to suit different needs and budgets, from the basic Norton AntiVirus Plus to the comprehensive Norton 360 with LifeLock.

  • All Norton plans include a 100% Virus Protection Promise, cloud backup, password manager, VPN private internet connection, dark web monitoring, and parental control features. Some plans also include LifeLock identity theft protection and Privacy Monitor.

  • You can choose from different storage sizes for your cloud backup, ranging from 2GB to 500GB depending on your plan. You can also add additional services to your main subscription, such as Norton Secure VPN, Norton AntiTrack, or Norton Utilities Premium.

  • You can mix and match protection and features for your devices with the following Norton 360 plans:

    • Norton 360 Standard: covers 1 device (PC, mobile phone or tablet) with 10GB of cloud backup

    • Norton 360 for Gamers: covers 3 devices (PCs or phones) with 50GB of cloud backup and special features for gamers

    • Norton 360 Deluxe: covers 5 devices (PCs or phones) with 50GB of cloud backup

    • Norton 360 with LifeLock Select: covers 10 devices (PCs or phones) with 100GB of cloud backup and LifeLock identity theft protection

    • Norton 360 with LifeLock Advantage: covers 10 devices (PCs or phones) with 250GB of cloud backup and enhanced LifeLock identity theft protection


 
 

Understanding the Norton Icon


The Norton Icon is an essential component of the Norton Antivirus Software. It is typically situated in the system tray of your desktop and serves as your gateway to the main window of the antivirus program. The icon is identifiable by a yellow circle with a check mark inside it.


It's important to understand that the color and state of the Norton Icon indicate the condition of your Norton Protection. For instance, a green check mark means your system is secure, while a red cross indicates potential threats.


Accessing the Main Window


To access the main window of the Norton Antivirus Software, you need to double-click on the Norton Icon. This opens up the user interface of the antivirus program, providing you with a variety of settings and options to manage your Norton Protection.


Navigating to the Settings Window


After accessing the main window of the Norton Antivirus Software, the next step is to navigate to the settings window. Click on the "Settings" option, usually located at the top right corner of the main window. In the settings window, you can configure various aspects of your Norton Protection.



Disabling Norton Protection for Administrator User Accounts


For users with an Administrator User Account, the process of disabling Norton Protection is straightforward. Follow these steps:

  1. Right-click on the Norton Icon in the system tray.

  2. Select "Disable Auto-Protect."

  3. After that, select "Disable Firewall."

  4. A Security Request window will pop up. Here, select the duration for which you want to turn off Norton Protection.

  5. Click "OK."

After these steps, Norton will temporarily turn off the features. They will automatically turn back on after the duration you specified in the Security Request window.


Re-enabling Norton Protection


To manually re-enable Norton Protection, follow these steps:

  1. Right-click the Norton Icon in the system tray.

  2. Click on "Enable Auto-Protect."

  3. Following that, click on "Enable Firewall."

These steps will reactivate Norton Protection on your system.


Disabling Norton Protection for Mac Users


Mac users can follow a slightly different method to disable Norton Protection. Here are the steps:

  1. Click the Norton Icon to start Norton.

  2. In the Norton product main window, click on "Advanced" or "Settings."

  3. On the left pane, select "Protect My Mac."

  4. Move the switch to "off" in the "Automatic Scans" row.

  5. On the left pane, click "Firewall."

  6. Turn off the switches in the "Connection Blocking" and "Vulnerability Protection" rows.

After following these steps, Norton Protection on your Mac will be temporarily disabled. You can reactivate it using the "Fix Now" option in the main window.


Disabling Norton Protection in Command Prompt


For users comfortable with command prompt operations, Norton Protection can also be disabled using command line inputs. Here's how:

  1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.

  2. Type "cmd" into the Run dialog box and press Enter.

  3. Type "cd \\Program Files\\Norton" into the Command Prompt window and press Enter.

  4. Type "Norton disable" into the Command Prompt window and press Enter.

This process will temporarily disable Norton until the next computer restart.


Understanding the Silent Mode


Norton provides a silent mode feature that allows the antivirus program to run without frequent notifications. This feature is useful when you don't want to be interrupted by Norton notifications. However, the silent mode is temporary and will be automatically disabled after a day.



Dealing with Pop-Up Windows


One common complaint about Norton Antivirus Software is the frequent pop-up windows. These can often distract users and interrupt their workflow. Fortunately, Norton provides an option to turn off these notifications. Navigate to the settings window, click on "Administrative Settings," and set "Norton Task Notification" to "Off."


 
 

In Conclusion


Norton Antivirus is a robust and reliable antivirus program that offers different modes of protection to its users. Users can customize its settings according to their preferences. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to temporarily disable Norton Protection, catering to different user accounts and systems. Remember that disabling your antivirus should be temporary and done with caution. Always ensure to re-enable your protection to keep your system secure from potential threats.

FAQ You Need To Know


1. Why would I want to disable Norton Protection?

There are a few reasons why you might want to temporarily disable Norton Protection. For example, you may need to disable Norton Protection to install a new software program that Norton is blocking, or to troubleshoot a problem with your computer.


2. How long can I keep Norton Protection disabled?

You should only keep Norton Protection disabled for as long as necessary. Leaving Norton Protection disabled for an extended period of time can put your computer at risk of malware infection.


3. How can I make sure that Norton Protection is re-enabled automatically?

When you disable Norton Protection, you will be given the option to specify a duration for which you want to keep Norton Protection disabled. After the duration has elapsed, Norton Protection will automatically re-enable.


4. Can I disable Norton Protection if I have a standard user account?

Yes, you can disable Norton Protection even if you have a standard user account. However, you will need to enter the password for an administrator user account to do so.


5. How can I troubleshoot problems with disabling Norton Protection?

If you are having problems disabling Norton Protection, you can try restarting your computer or contacting Norton support for assistance.


Other Information That You May Need:


6 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page