Bitdefender is one of the best antivirus products on the market. For a reasonable price, users get comprehensive online threat prevention and defense, ransomware removal, and a VPN.
But there comes a time when your antivirus system is too protective. For example, if you are trying to install legitimate software and Bitdefender prevents you from doing so, it may be necessary to disable it for a while.
The Bitdefender Total Security interface has several modules that you can control, including turning off the online threat shield. Why you choose to disable Bitdefender is up to you, but here are all the steps to do it.
How to temporarily disable Bitdefender
If your Bitdefender interferes with an application you want to install or use, you will need to temporarily disable it. Fortunately, the Bitdefender Total Security app allows you to do this effortlessly. Is that how it works:
- Launch the Bitdefender Total Security application from your desktop.
- On the left side of the main interface, choose the “Protection” section.
- Click “Open” in the “Antivirus” section.
- In the “Advanced” tab, select “Bitdefender Shield”.
- A pop-up window will appear. You will be asked to select how long you want to keep protection disabled. Select the duration and click “OK.”
After the selected time has passed, Bitdefender will automatically activate the protection shield.
To disable additional features, you can go back to the “Protection” section and disable the toggle buttons to:
- Firewall
- Antispam
- Ransomware Remediation
- Vulnerability
You can also open the “Advanced Threat Defense” section and disable all features. When you want Bitdefender to protect your computer again, be sure to turn the toggle buttons back on.
How to disable Bitdefender permanently
Bitdefender offers an option to disable the application permanently if necessary. Naturally, this is not recommended, but if you are trying to try a different antivirus, you may need to disable Bitdefender for much longer.
The process is the same as disabling Bitdefender temporarily, but you will need to choose a different option from the drop-down menu. This is precisely how it works:
- Open the Bitdefender Total Security application on your computer.
- Select the “Protection” section on the left side of the interface.
- In the “Antivirus” section, click “Open.”
- Switch to the “Advanced” tab and click on “Bitdefender Shield”.
- A new window will appear. From the drop-down menu, select “Permanently.”
- Select “OK.”
To turn Bitdefender back on, go to the “Protection” window again and in the “Antivirus” section, toggle the Bitdefender Shield toggle button.
How to disable Bitdefender VPN
When you buy Bitdefender Total Security, a VPN is part of the package. However, the service offers only 200 MB per day and if you want unlimited access, Bitdefender offers a separate subscription.
Therefore, it makes sense that users do not keep the VPN on all the time and often need to disable it. Once again, the Bitdefender Total Security interface offers a simple solution:
- In the left panel, select “Privacy.”
- Select the “VPN” module and click “Open VPN”.
- If the VPN is currently connected, click to disconnect it.
That’s all you have to do. The next time you need to use a VPN, follow the same steps and connect.
How to disable Bitdefender endpoint security tools
Your antivirus system’s endpoint security tools are designed to integrate additional features and protections against threats caused by human error and sophisticated malicious attacks.
However, sometimes it is necessary to remove Bitdefender Endpoint Security Tools or BEST. If your current installation is corrupted or your endpoints are having problems due to previous installations, you will need to uninstall BEST.
You also need to use the uninstall tool to remove the security agent from your computer. This is what that process looks like:
- Discharge this tool on your computer.
- Launch the command prompt on your computer.
- Go to the folder where you saved the uninstall package.
- Run this command:
BEST_uninstallTool.exe /bdparams /password= your_plain_text_password
Remember that you will need administrative rights on your computer to perform this task.
How to disable Bitdefender Safepay
Staying safe online when using banking tools and making purchases is essential, but it’s not always easy. If you have a Bitdefender license, you can use the Safepay browser to complete these activities without worry.
It is a sealed environment designed to keep your information safe and away from hackers. However, the Safepay feature can be a bit cumbersome and not everyone wants to use designated browsers every time they want to check their online bank account.
The problem is that when the Safepay feature is activated, every time you want to make a transaction, Bitdefender will ask you to use Safepay. The good news is that you can disable this feature and use Safepay only when you want. Here’s how to make that happen:
- Open the Bitdefender Total Security interface.
- Go to the “Privacy” section on the left side.
- Under “Safepay”, select “Settings”.
- Switch back to the “Settings” tab.
- You will see three toggle switches. Make sure to disable “Safepay Notifications” and “Open Bitdefender Safepay automatically”.
By disabling these features, websites will not send you notifications to open certain pages with Safepay, and even sites marked as favorites will not automatically launch in this browser.
How to disable Bitdefender auto-renewal
Bitdefender offers several subscription plans to its users, all with an annual fee. You can get Bitdefender for a single device or use it on five devices.
When you purchase the antivirus, Bitdefender offers an automatic renewal option to ensure that users don’t forget to extend their licenses. However, not everyone is sure about choosing to renew Bitdefender subscription, so they prefer to disable the auto-renewal feature.
Bitdefender has an online platform that makes it easy to manage subscriptions. It’s called Bitdefender Central and here’s how to use it.
If you purchased Bitdefender with the same email you use to log in to Central, do the following:
- Go to your Bitdefender Central account.
- Select the “My Subscriptions” section on the left side of the window.
- Click “My Payments” at the top of the page.
- Select “View details” next to the subscription you want to change.
- A new page will open showing your purchase history. Select “Manage your subscription renewal options.”
- Click “Stop automatic renewal.”
You will receive an automatic email informing you that the change was successful.
If you purchased Bitdefender with a different email than the one you use to log in to Central, follow these steps:
- Go to the Bitdefender 2 checkout accountan authorized provider of Bitdefender products.
- Select the “My Products” tab.
- Click “Stop automatic subscription renewal” on each active subscription.
- A pop-up window will appear asking you to confirm your selection. Click the “Stop automatic renewal” option.
- Choose or enter a reason to cancel automatic renewal.
- Select “Stop automatic renewal” again.
Note: Even if you forget to turn off auto-renewal right away, Bitdefender will send you a reminder that your subscription will expire seven days before you’re charged again.
Manage your Bitdefender successfully
It’s hard to imagine having an online experience without an efficient antivirus system. Bitdefender does a great job of protecting your data, blocking spam, and keeping those phishing attacks at bay.
But when it is overprotective, you have to deactivate it. Bitdefender has an easy-to-use interface, pided into modules and sections and simple management. You can use the built-in Safepay browser, but not always.
The same applies to its VPN feature; Also, while auto-renewal can be helpful, you don’t need to be charged for another subscription until it works for you.
