How to Disable Symantec Endpoint Protection

You may disable Endpoint Protection temporarily or permanently. Neither of these options will turn off the software automatic updates or custom scans you might have in place. Realize that disabling Endpoint Protection will turn off the scanning of viruses in new files and folders added to your system, including new e-mails, or new files from the Web. Old files in your system will continue to be scanned for viruses as always.

Disable Endpoint Protection

Launch Symantec Endpoint Protection, click the "Status" tab and click the "Options" button, located on the right.

Select "Change Settings..." from the drop-down menu options, and click the "File System Auto-Protect" tab.

Click on the "Advanced" button and clear the check box that corresponds to the "When Auto-Protect is Disabled, Enable After" option. Click "OK" to confirm. Uncheck the checkbox for the "Enable File System Auto-Protect" option and click "OK" again.

Disable Endpoint Protection temporarily by right-clicking on the Symantec's Gold Shield icon, located on the Windows system tray area. Click once on the "Disable Symantec Endpoint Protection" option, from the drop-down menu. The check mark should be cleared.