Last updated: July 19, 2026 | Estimated reading time: 13 minutes

How to Disable 360 Total Security in Windows 10 in 2026

360 Total Security is a free antivirus and security suite developed by Qihoo 360, a Chinese internet security company. While it offers comprehensive protection against malware, viruses, and other online threats, many users find themselves wanting to disable or uninstall it for various reasons. Some users experience performance issues, system slowdowns, or compatibility conflicts with other software. Others may want to switch to a different antivirus solution or use Windows Defender exclusively. Whatever your reason for wanting to disable 360 Total Security, this guide will walk you through the process step by step. We will cover temporary disabling, permanent disabling through the application settings, and complete uninstallation from Windows 10.

Before proceeding, it is important to understand why you want to disable 360 Total Security. If you are experiencing specific issues, there may be configuration options within the application that can resolve the problem without fully disabling or uninstalling it. However, if you have decided that 360 Total Security is not the right solution for you, this guide will help you remove it safely and completely.

Table of Contents

• Why Users Want to Disable 360 Total Security
• Method 1: Temporarily Disable 360 Total Security
• Method 2: Disable Specific Protection Features
• Method 3: Disable 360 Total Security from Startup
• Method 4: Uninstall via Control Panel
• Method 5: Uninstall via Windows Settings
• Method 6: Use 360 Total Security Uninstall Tool
• Method 7: Manual Cleanup After Uninstallation
• Setting Up Windows Defender After Removal
• 360 Total Security vs Windows Defender
• Frequently Asked Questions

Why Users Want to Disable 360 Total Security

There are several common reasons why users choose to disable or uninstall 360 Total Security:

• System performance: 360 Total Security can consume significant system resources, causing slowdowns on older or lower-spec computers. Real-time scanning, background updates, and scheduled scans can all impact performance.
• Compatibility issues: Some users report conflicts between 360 Total Security and other software, including other antivirus programs, VPN clients, and certain Windows features.
• Pop-up notifications: 360 Total Security is known for frequent pop-up notifications and promotional messages that some users find intrusive.
• Privacy concerns: As a Chinese-developed software, some users have privacy concerns about data collection and transmission practices.
• Preference for alternatives: Many users prefer Windows Defender, which is built into Windows 10 and provides solid protection without additional software installation.
• Unwanted installation: Some users find 360 Total Security was installed without their explicit consent, often bundled with other free software downloads.

For more information on managing unwanted software and system performance, see our guide on can’t uninstall Avast, which covers similar uninstallation challenges with other antivirus programs.

Method 1: Temporarily Disable 360 Total Security

If you want to temporarily disable 360 Total Security without uninstalling it, you can do so through the application’s settings. This is useful when you need to install software that is being blocked, troubleshoot a specific issue, or run a one-time operation that requires the antivirus to be off.

Disable Real-Time Protection

1. Open 360 Total Security by double-clicking its icon in the system tray or finding it in the Start menu
2. Click on the “Protection” tab or settings icon (gear icon)
3. Look for “Real-time protection” or “Real-time scanning”
4. Toggle the switch to turn off real-time protection
5. You may be asked to confirm the action or enter a password
6. Choose a duration for the temporary disable (e.g., 15 minutes, 1 hour, until restart)

360 Total Security typically allows you to disable protection for a limited time period rather than indefinitely. This is a safety feature designed to prevent users from forgetting to re-enable protection. After the specified time period, the protection will automatically turn back on.

Disable Firewall

1. Open 360 Total Security
2. Navigate to “Firewall” or “Network protection”
3. Toggle the switch to turn off the firewall
4. Confirm the action if prompted

Disable All Protection

Some versions of 360 Total Security offer a “Gaming Mode” or “Do Not Disturb Mode” that temporarily suspends all protection and notifications. This can be activated from the main interface or system tray icon.

Method 2: Disable Specific Protection Features

Instead of disabling all protection, you can selectively disable specific features that may be causing issues while keeping the core antivirus protection active. This approach provides a better balance between security and usability.

Disable Specific Scanning Features

1. Open 360 Total Security and go to Settings
2. Navigate to “Scan settings” or “Protection settings”
3. Look for options like:
   • Browser protection – blocks malicious websites
   • Download protection – scans downloaded files
   • USB protection – scans USB drives when connected
   • Email protection – scans email attachments
4. Disable the specific features you do not want

Disabling specific features while keeping real-time antivirus protection active is the recommended approach for most users. It allows you to resolve specific issues without completely removing your security protection.

Method 3: Disable 360 Total Security from Startup

If you want to prevent 360 Total Security from running when your computer starts, you can disable it from the startup programs list. This does not uninstall the application but prevents it from automatically launching with Windows.

Using Task Manager

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
2. Click on the “Startup” tab
3. Find “360 Total Security” or related entries in the list
4. Right-click on it and select “Disable”
5. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect

Using Windows Settings

1. Open Settings (Windows + I)
2. Go to Apps > Startup
3. Find 360 Total Security in the list
4. Toggle the switch to turn off its startup behavior

Disabling 360 Total Security from startup means it will not run automatically when you turn on your computer. However, you can still open it manually if needed. Note that disabling startup does not provide the same level of protection as having the antivirus active at all times.

Method 4: Uninstall via Control Panel

The most common way to uninstall 360 Total Security is through the Windows Control Panel. This method uses the standard Windows uninstallation process.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog
2. Type appwiz.cpl and press Enter to open the Programs and Features window
3. Scroll through the list of installed programs
4. Find “360 Total Security” or “360 Security”
5. Right-click on it and select “Uninstall”
6. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation
7. Restart your computer when prompted

During the uninstallation process, 360 Total Security may ask you for a reason for uninstalling or offer to fix issues instead. You can skip these prompts and proceed with the uninstallation. The process may take a few minutes as the uninstaller removes all the program files and registry entries.

Method 5: Uninstall via Windows Settings

Windows 10 also provides an alternative way to uninstall applications through the Settings app:

1. Open Settings (Windows + I)
2. Go to Apps > Apps & features
3. Search for “360 Total Security” in the search box
4. Click on the application and select “Uninstall”
5. Confirm the uninstallation and follow any additional prompts
6. Restart your computer when the process is complete

This method achieves the same result as the Control Panel method but uses the more modern Windows Settings interface. Some users find this approach more straightforward.

Method 6: Use 360 Total Security Uninstall Tool

If the standard uninstallation methods do not work or leave behind residual files, you can use 360 Total Security’s official uninstall tool. This tool is designed to completely remove the application, including any leftover files and registry entries that the standard uninstaller may miss.

1. Download the 360 Total Security Uninstall Tool from the official Qihoo 360 website
2. Run the downloaded file
3. The tool will scan your system for 360 Total Security components
4. Click “Uninstall” or “Remove” to begin the removal process
5. Follow any additional prompts
6. Restart your computer when the process is complete

Method 7: Manual Cleanup After Uninstallation

After uninstalling 360 Total Security, some residual files and registry entries may remain on your system. While these leftovers are usually harmless, they consume disk space and may cause minor issues. Here is how to clean them up:

Delete Remaining Files

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Program Files\ and C:\Program Files (x86)\
2. Look for any 360 Total Security or Qihoo folders
3. Delete these folders if they exist
4. Check C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local\ and C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming\ for any 360-related folders

Clean Up Registry Entries

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter
2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\
3. Look for 360 or Qihoo entries and delete them
4. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\ and repeat
5. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer

Remove from Startup

Check that 360 Total Security has been removed from the startup programs list:

1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc)
2. Go to the “Startup” tab
3. Remove any 360 Total Security entries

Setting Up Windows Defender After Removal

After uninstalling 360 Total Security, Windows Defender (now called Microsoft Defender Antivirus) should automatically activate to provide protection. However, you should verify that it is properly configured:

1. Open Windows Security from the Start menu
2. Click on “Virus & threat protection”
3. Verify that “Real-time protection” is turned on
4. Click on “Virus & threat protection settings”
5. Ensure the following are enabled:
   • Real-time protection
   • Cloud-delivered protection
   • Automatic sample submission
   • Tamper protection

Windows Defender provides solid protection for most users and integrates seamlessly with Windows 10. It receives regular updates through Windows Update and does not require additional software installation or configuration. For users who want basic, reliable antivirus protection without the overhead of third-party software, Windows Defender is an excellent choice.

For tips on managing system resources and performance, see our guide on how to fix very high power usage, which covers optimizing your system after removing resource-intensive software.

360 Total Security vs Windows Defender

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to uninstall 360 Total Security?

Yes, it is safe to uninstall 360 Total Security as long as you have an alternative security solution in place. Windows Defender, which is built into Windows 10, will automatically activate when 360 Total Security is removed, providing continuous protection against malware and viruses.

Why won’t 360 Total Security uninstall from my computer?

If the standard uninstallation methods do not work, try using the official 360 Total Security Uninstall Tool, which can remove the application even when the standard uninstaller fails. You can also try booting into Safe Mode and running the uninstaller from there, as this prevents the application from running during the removal process.

Will uninstalling 360 Total Security affect my computer’s performance?

Uninstalling 360 Total Security will likely improve your computer’s performance, especially if you have a lower-spec machine. The application consumes significant system resources for real-time scanning, background updates, and scheduled tasks. After removal, you should notice faster boot times, more responsive applications, and lower CPU and memory usage.

Can I reinstall 360 Total Security after uninstalling it?

Yes, you can reinstall 360 Total Security at any time by downloading the latest version from the official Qihoo 360 website. However, consider whether the issues that led you to uninstall it have been resolved before reinstalling.

Does Windows Defender provide enough protection?

For most users, Windows Defender provides adequate protection against common threats. It consistently scores well in independent antivirus tests and receives regular updates. However, if you engage in high-risk activities (frequent downloading, visiting unknown websites, etc.), you may want to consider a third-party antivirus with additional features like phishing protection and safe browsing tools.

How do I know if 360 Total Security is completely removed?

After uninstalling, check for remaining files in Program Files and AppData folders, and verify that no 360-related entries appear in the Task Manager Startup tab. You can also open Windows Security to confirm that Windows Defender is active and providing protection. If no 360 Total Security processes are running and no files remain, the application has been completely removed.

Can I disable 360 Total Security without uninstalling it?

Yes, you can disable 360 Total Security’s protection features through the application’s settings without uninstalling it. This is useful if you want to keep the application installed but temporarily or permanently stop it from running. However, disabling protection leaves your computer vulnerable, so only do this if you have an alternative security solution active.

Will 360 Total Security slow down my computer?

360 Total Security can impact system performance, particularly on older or lower-spec computers. The real-time scanning engine, background updates, and scheduled scans all consume CPU and memory resources. Users with modern hardware may not notice significant slowdowns, but those with older machines often report noticeable performance improvements after removing the application.

Is 360 Total Security a legitimate antivirus program?

Yes, 360 Total Security is a legitimate antivirus product from Qihoo 360, a major Chinese cybersecurity company. However, it has faced criticism for aggressive marketing tactics, bundled installations, and privacy concerns related to data collection. Some security researchers have also raised questions about its data handling practices. These concerns are among the reasons why some users choose to uninstall it.

How do I stop 360 Total Security pop-ups?

To reduce pop-ups from 360 Total Security, open the application and navigate to Settings > Notifications or General Settings. Look for options to disable promotional messages, scan reminders, and update notifications. You can also disable the application from starting automatically with Windows to prevent background pop-ups. However, the most effective way to stop all pop-ups is to uninstall the application entirely. For tips on managing unwanted notifications, see our guide on how to stop Microsoft spam notifications.

For more Windows 10 tips, security guides, and system optimization advice, explore our other articles.

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