How to Disable Microsoft Security Essentials

Disabling Microsoft Security Essentials should be a short term measure as it leaves your computer unprotected from virtual threats.  Once the action has been performed that necessitated disabling the software, MS Security Essentials should be re-enabled immediately before venturing back onto the Internet.

MS Security Essentials is freeware developed by Microsoft to run on computers with its popular Windows operating system.  The software works behind the scenes to prevent Trojans, spyware, viruses and other undesirable code from infecting your otherwise peaceful and unsuspecting computer.  Virus protection is one thing, but sometimes, in an effort to free up as many system resources as possible, the end user may find themselves in a position where they want to disable the software.  By following a few simple steps, MS Security Essentials can easily be disabled.  Be certain that the program is enabled again after the additional resources are no longer needed, or before the next trip out to the Internet.

1. Click on the “start” icon in the lower left hand of your computer screen.  This typically has a windows icon on the button.


2. Open “Microsoft security essentials” from the list of selections.  Allow the dialogue box for the program to come up.


3. Click on the “settings” tab.


4. Review the list of options on the left hand side of the box, and select “real time protection”.


5. Uncheck the box next to “Turn on Real Time Protection (Recommended)”.


6. Click “save”.


7. Perform the actions needed that necessitated disabling MS Security Essentials.


8. Click on the “start” icon in the lower left hand of your computer screen. 


9. Open “Microsoft security essentials” from the list of selections. 


10. Click on the “settings” tab.


11. Review the list of options on the left hand side of the box, and select “real time protection”.


12. Re-check the box next to “Turn on Real Time Protection (Recommended)”.


13. Click “save”.