Windows 10: I cannot turn off anti-virus to download a file

I am trying to download a reputable file and no matter what I do it is blocked by anti-virus. I had Norton installed as my laptop came with it preinstalled with a free trial. I was able to download the same file before the trial expired and now I cannot.

:)

 

Anti Virus Problems

You should not be using more than one anti-vrus program on your computer. Read the
IMPORTANT NOTE about not using more than one anti-virus program in this

topic.

The inability to turn on Windows Defender 8/10 is typically the result of having a third-party anti-virus installed or failure to remove it properly (completely). Since Windows 8/10 Defender includes anti-virus protection, it is
disabled during the installation of another anti-virus program. If a trial anti-virus (i.e. McAfee, Norton, etc) came
preinstalled on your computer or you installed one, Windows Defender will be turned off (disabled). Windows Defender recognizes the install and automatically disables itself when other anti-virus products are used
to avoid conflicts. Windows Defender will remain disabled until that anti-virus software has been completely uninstalled. In some cases, you may need to download and run the anti-virus vendor's clean up tool to remove any remaining
remnants.

• Replacing your Anti-virus - List of Antivirus Uninstallers and Removal Tools
• Microsoft Wiki: List of anti-malware product removal tools by Stephen Boots,
  MVP

After removal of the third party anti-virus, Windows 8/10 Defender needs to be
activated if you choose to use it. When uninstalling the third-party anti-virus Defender should automatically turn itself on but sometimes you may receive a message indicating
your system has no protection...click here to turn on Windows Defender. If not, and Defender remains disabled, you will need to manually turn it on.

• How to turn Windows Defender On or Off in Windows 10
• How to turn Windows Defender On or Off in Windows 8

 

Windows Essentials versus Anti Virus packages

> Windows Essentials versus Anti Virus packages

• Windows Essentials has nothing whatsoever to do with Anti-Virus/Security.

• Microsoft Security Essentials is an Anti-Virus program for Windows 7.
• Antimalware FAQs

Suggestion to read:
Security for Windows 10

HTH,

Julia

 

Microsoft Exclusion List for Anti-virus

Apparantly, Microsoft posted a list of files that can be "Excluded" from any Anti-Virus that you use to help with scanning performance.

You can read about here:

Virus scanning recommendations for Enterprise computers that are running Windows or Windows Server (KB822158) - Microsoft Support