🔧 Complete tutorial to disable Windows Defender and add an exception folder (e.g.: C:\AWRoot)
This tutorial will guide you step by step to disable Windows Defender (Microsoft Defender Antivirus) temporarily, then to add an exception folder to prevent the software from blocking certain files, as in the case of installing Diagbox 9.200.
(I.e. IMPORTANT
Disable Windows Defender makes your computer vulnerable. It is strongly recommended to do this only to install reliable software like Diagbox and then re-enable it afterwards.
If you just add a folder in exception, this is usually enough.
✅ Part 1: Temporarily disable Windows Defender (real-time protection)
Steps :
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Open Windows Security Settings
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Press
Windows + Ito open the Windows settings. -
Go to "Confidentiality and security" > "Windows Security".
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Click on "Open Windows Security".
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Access protection against viruses and threats
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In the left panel, click on "Protection against viruses and threats".
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Manage settings
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Click on "Manage Settings" under Virus and threat protection settings.
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Disable real-time protection
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Disable the option "Real-time protection" (you may need to confirm with an administrator password).
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📝 This action is temporary. Windows Defender will automatically re-enable this protection after a restart or after a few minutes. To avoid crashes during an installation, proceed quickly with the installation or add a exception right now.
✅ Part 2: Add an exception folder in Windows Defender (eg: C:\AWRoot)
Steps :
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Back to Windows Security
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As before, go to:
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Windows settings (
Windows + I) -
Confidentialité et sécurité > Windows security
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Click on "Protection against viruses and threats"
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Access exclusions settings
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Click on "Manage Settings" under “Virus and threat protection settings”.
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Go down to "Exclusions"And click "Add or remove exclusions".
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Add exclusion
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Click on the button "+ Add an exclusion".
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Accounts Manager "Case".
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In the window that opens, navigate to the relevant folder:
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Example:
C:\AWRoot
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Click on "Select a folder".
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✅ The folder is now excluded from Defender scanning. Files within it will no longer be blocked or quarantined.
🔄 Reactivate protection after installation
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Return to:
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Settings > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Manage settings
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Reactivate it real time protection.
💡 Extra tip
For sensitive software installations like Diagbox, also disable SmartScreen can avoid blockages:
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Dance Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security > App & Browser Control, temporarily disable SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge and unrecognized applications.
📌 Conclusion
Now you know how to:
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Temporarily disable Windows Defender protection.
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Add folder as
C:\AWRooten exception to avoid blockages. -
Re-enable protection after installation.
🔒 Remember to always re-enable Windows Security after your actions to ensure the security of your system.
