Cannot edit antivirus software settings remotely

Symptoms

Mouse clicks and key strokes do not work in the antivirus software window opened on the remote computer during a remote session in the Full Control mode.

Cause

Many popular antivirus software packages use a self-protection system. This system prevents the antivirus software settings to be manipulated remotely. Note that different antivirus programs may call this feature differently.

Solution

You can turn off self-protection by directly accessing the antivirus software settings on the remote computer.

For example, in Kaspersky Internet Security the feature is called "Self-Defense" and is available under Settings➝Advanced settings. If you use a different antivirus software package, refer to its documentation for a feature called "self-protection", "self-defense”, etc.