Windows Defender is a built-in antivirus program that comes pre-installed on Windows 10 and Windows 11 operating systems. While it provides essential protection against malware and other security threats, there may be instances where you need to disable it permanently. This article will guide you through the steps to disable Windows Defender in both Windows 10 and Windows 11, ensuring that you have complete control over your antivirus settings.
Part 1: Disabling Windows Defender in Windows 10
Windows 10 offers different methods to disable Windows Defender, depending on your requirements and system configuration. Here are several ways to permanently disable Windows Defender on Windows 10:
- Using the Windows Security App:
- Open the Start menu and type “Windows Security.”
- Click on the “Windows Security” app from the search results.
- In the Windows Security app, click on “Virus & threat protection.”
- Click on “Manage settings.”
- Toggle off the “Real-time protection” switch.
- Using Group Policy Editor:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “gpedit.msc” and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
- In the Group Policy Editor window, navigate to “Computer Configuration” > “Administrative Templates” > “Windows Components” > “Windows Defender Antivirus.”
- Double-click on “Turn off Windows Defender Antivirus” in the right pane.
- Select the “Enabled” radio button.
- Click on “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
- Using Registry Editor:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “regedit” and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
- In the Registry Editor window, navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender
- If the “Windows Defender” key does not exist, right-click on “Microsoft” and select “New” > “Key” to create the key.
- Right-click on the “Windows Defender” key and select “New” > “DWORD (32-bit) Value.”
- Name the new value “DisableAntiSpyware” and set its value to “1”.
- Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
- Using Windows PowerShell:
- Open Windows PowerShell as an administrator.
- Type the following command and press Enter:
Set-MpPreference -DisableRealtimeMonitoring $true - Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Part 2: Disabling Windows Defender in Windows 11
Windows 11 introduces a slightly different approach to disabling Windows Defender compared to Windows 10. Here’s how you can permanently disable Windows Defender in Windows 11:
- Using the Windows Security App:
- Click on the Start button and select “Settings.”
- In the Settings window, click on “Privacy & security.”
- Click on “Windows Security.”
- In the Windows Security app, click on “Virus & threat protection.”
- Click on “Manage settings.”
- Toggle off the “Real-time protection” switch.
- Using Group Policy Editor:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “gpedit.msc” and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
- In the Group Policy Editor window, navigate to “Computer Configuration” > “Administrative Templates” > “Windows Components” > “Windows Security” > “Virus and threat protection.”
- Double-click on “Turn off Windows Defender Antivirus” in the right pane.
- Select the “Enabled” radio button.
- Click on “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
- Using Registry Editor:
- Press the Windowskey + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “regedit” and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
- In the Registry Editor window, navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender
- If the “Windows Defender” key does not exist, right-click on “Microsoft” and select “New” > “Key” to create the key.
- Right-click on the “Windows Defender” key and select “New” > “DWORD (32-bit) Value.”
- Name the new value “DisableAntiSpyware” and set its value to “1”.
- Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
- Using Windows PowerShell:
- Open Windows PowerShell as an administrator.
- Type the following command and press Enter:
Set-MpPreference -DisableRealtimeMonitoring $true - Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Conclusion
Disabling Windows Defender can be useful in certain scenarios where you prefer to use a different antivirus solution or if you have specific system requirements. However, it’s important to note that disabling Windows Defender leaves your system more vulnerable to malware and other security threats. If you choose to disable Windows Defender, make sure to have an alternative antivirus program installed and regularly updated to ensure the ongoing protection of your system.
In this article, we have provided step-by-step instructions to permanently disable Windows Defender in both Windows 10 and Windows 11. Whether you prefer using the Windows Security app, Group Policy Editor, Registry Editor, or Windows PowerShell, you can follow the appropriate method based on your operating system and personal preferences. Remember to exercise caution when making changes to your system settings and always create a backup before proceeding.