{"id":219,"date":"2023-04-11T04:42:00","date_gmt":"2023-04-11T04:42:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dataprot.net\/?p=219"},"modified":"2023-05-05T13:28:59","modified_gmt":"2023-05-05T13:28:59","slug":"how-to-disable-windows-defender","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dataprot.net\/guides\/how-to-disable-windows-defender\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Disable Windows Defender"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>If you are a Windows 10 user, it\u2019s more than likely that you had to wrestle with the often stubborn Microsoft Defender Antivirus at least once. That\u2019s why, here at DataProt, we usually opt for reliable third-party antivirus alternatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re like us and you\u2019re trying to get to the bottom of how to disable Windows Defender, our comprehensive guide is here to lend you a helping hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Users that haven\u2019t had issues with this Windows 10 built-in antivirus solution may wonder why someone would want to stop any kind of protection from viruses, malware, and spyware, even temporarily. Here\u2019s why.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reasons to Stop Microsoft Defender Antivirus<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Often, this antivirus will prevent software installation coming from a lesser-known developer if it deems it suspicious. Anyone using legitimate third-party apps might find this frustrating. Custom-made software you\u2019re using for work, for instance, doesn\u2019t pose a threat to your system, but the antivirus will keep sounding the alarm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You might have other reasons to disable Windows Defender temporarily or permanently, even though Windows Defender provides one of the best antivirus solutions for Microsoft\u2019s OS. For example, the program can be taxing on lower-end PCs\u2019 system resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your device is not at risk of malware exposure, it could be a good idea to turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus. However, we tend to be extra cautious and always have additional anti-malware software at hand. We strongly advise you to do the same to keep your computer protected at all times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You might not need Windows Defender because you are already using another developer\u2019s antivirus solution. It\u2019s not uncommon, as these programs will usually perform better than Microsoft\u2019s native one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How To Disable Windows Defender With Windows Security<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You might not want to keep Microsoft Defender turned off for good but only have it temporarily disabled. In most cases, you\u2019d want to do this when installing new applications or performing a specific task.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To disable the antivirus for a while, you need to access Windows Security. To do so, press the start button and choose \u201cSettings\u201d to open the Windows Settings window.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/trinity-core.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com\/dataprot\/assets\/6215fe31730c5.png\" alt=\"how-to-disable-windows-defender-step-1\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>From here, you need to open the Update &amp; Security section. Option to turn off Windows Defender real-time protection will be under the Windows Security tab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/trinity-core.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com\/dataprot\/assets\/6215fe5981680.png\" alt=\"how-to-disable-windows-defender-step-2\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Clicking on it will open the window shown below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/trinity-core.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com\/dataprot\/assets\/6215fe706d19f.png\" alt=\"Step-3-in-disabling-WD\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Settings for the antivirus will be under \u201cVirus &amp; threat protection.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/trinity-core.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com\/dataprot\/assets\/6215fe879378c.png\" alt=\"step-4-in-disabling-wd\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As you can see from the screenshot, Windows Defender displays different scan options and the status of the last one you ran. You can find the active-scanning option located under \u201cVirus &amp; threat protection settings.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/trinity-core.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com\/dataprot\/assets\/6215fea64c4b2.png\" alt=\"disabling-windows-defender-step-5\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>To turn off real-time protection, just toggle the slider until it\u2019s in the \u201coff\u201d position. Windows will warn you that your computer will be vulnerable while this option is turned off. Windows Defender will, by default, turn on this option after a short period or a system restart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Disable Windows Defender Through Group Policy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We suppose you\u2019re now wondering if there is a more permanent solution to turn off this active malware protection. If you are a Windows 10 Pro user, you can make use of Local Group Policy Editor to disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep in mind that there\u2019s one additional step to take before using the editor to make this change. Windows has \u201ctamper-protection\u201d measures implemented to prevent malicious attacks trying to disable the system\u2019s security features. It\u2019s a great feature that keeps your antivirus, real-time protection, and behavior monitoring running. However, it also makes it a bit harder for users to disable Windows Defender in Windows 10 settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To turn off tamper protection, you need to open \u201cVirus &amp; threat protection,\u201d as explained above. Another way to access these settings is to press the start button and just type \u201cWindows Security.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/trinity-core.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com\/dataprot\/assets\/6215fec665637.png\" alt=\"group-policy-step-1\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The main Windows Security tab will give you an overview of all the options sorted in various sections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/trinity-core.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com\/dataprot\/assets\/6215fee046e12.png\" alt=\"group-policy-step-2\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, you need to open the same window we accessed to disable real-time protection. Click on \u201cVirus and threat protection\u201d to access the settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/trinity-core.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com\/dataprot\/assets\/6215fefaf08bc.png\" alt=\"Group-Policy-Step-3\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When you turn off tamper protection, Windows will once again warn you that you are leaving your computer vulnerable to threats. Since we need to turn off Windows Defender without Windows 10 re-enabling it after every system restart, leave this option off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now we can access Local Group Policy Editor and change Windows Defender settings without tamper protection reversing them. Click the start button, type \u201cGroup Policy Editor,\u201d and click on the first result that pops up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/trinity-core.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com\/dataprot\/assets\/6215ff15e8409.png\" alt=\"group-policy-step-4\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As you\u2019ll notice right away, there are plenty of options in the editor, but the ones we need are under:&nbsp;\u201cComputer Configuration\\Administrative Templates\\Windows Components\\Microsoft Defender Antivirus.\u201d Once you get to the last folder, locate and double-click on \u201cTurn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/trinity-core.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com\/dataprot\/assets\/6215ff2ef2351.png\" alt=\"local-group-policy-editor\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>To turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus, select the enable option. Apply the selection and confirm by clicking on the OK button.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/trinity-core.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com\/dataprot\/assets\/6215ff46a0c65.png\" alt=\"group-policy-step-5\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you change these settings and turn Windows Defender off, the operating system will require you to restart the computer. Note that you will still see the Windows Security app icon in your system tray after the system boots back up. Don\u2019t worry; the real-time protection is still disabled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember that having antivirus protection is important, especially considering that the average Windows user can <a href=\"https:\/\/dataprot.net\/statistics\/malware-statistics\/\">get exposed to very malicious types of malware<\/a>. You would be wise to reenable tamper protection and revert the group policy settings to \u201cNot Configured\u201d or install some other malware protection software. If you want to further ensure your internet safety and privacy, finding a good VPN service would be another step in the right direction and one wholeheartedly recommended by our DataProt team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How To Turn Off Windows Defender by Installing Third-Party Antivirus<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As already mentioned, most Windows users prefer anti-malware applications not native to this OS, whether it\u2019s for better security or advanced features. Of course, using a third-party antivirus for your Windows computer means you won\u2019t need to have Windows Defender active in the background. You also don\u2019t have to bother disabling it yourself &#8211; Microsoft Defender Antivirus will halt its protection until you uninstall the other software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To illustrate, we will show you how to install Kaspersky Total Security, one of the best antivirus solutions for Windows 10, according to numerous customer ratings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/trinity-core.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com\/dataprot\/assets\/6215ff6a3b643.png\" alt=\"Turning-Off-Windows-Defender-with-3-party-Apps\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep in mind that you don\u2019t have to uninstall Windows Defender when installing this anti-malware program. Just visit Kaspersky\u2019s official website, choose the plan that suits your needs, or check out the free trial first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/trinity-core.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com\/dataprot\/assets\/6215ff8802c54.png\" alt=\"Kaspersky-Total-Security-Acitivation\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After downloading the installation file, double-click on it to start the installation. Choose the installation language and press \u201cContinue.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also install Kaspersky Password Manager and participate in Kaspersky Security Network, but these features are optional. After you make your choices, click on the Install button.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/trinity-core.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com\/dataprot\/assets\/6215ffa8062dd.png\" alt=\"installing-kaspersky\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The wizard will begin to download the anti-malware software. After it finishes, you won\u2019t have to turn off Windows Defender in Windows 10 settings since the system will automatically give priority to the software you installed. If you would like to confirm that, you can always check Windows Defender\u2019s status under Windows Security settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/trinity-core.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com\/dataprot\/assets\/6215ffbda6663.png\" alt=\"Disabling-WD-with-Kaspersky\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As you can see from the screenshot above, Kaspersky Total Security will be active, while Microsoft Defender Antivirus will be turned off without you having to poke around its settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Windows Registry Option Removed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In previous versions of Windows 10 and before the Microsoft Defender version 4.18.2007.8, there was a possibility to add a registry key to the previously mentioned editor to turn off the antivirus. However, <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.microsoft.com\/en-us\/windows-hardware\/customize\/desktop\/unattend\/security-malware-windows-defender-disableantispyware\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Microsoft removed the option<\/a> to have Windows Defender turned off in such a manner from its more recent OS updates, as the tamper-protection implementation and third-party antivirus detection features made it redundant.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p> [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":220,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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Stevanovic","author_link":"https:\/\/dataprot.net\/author\/ivan-stevanovic\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"[&hellip;]","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dataprot.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/219"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dataprot.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dataprot.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dataprot.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/22"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dataprot.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=219"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/dataprot.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/219\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":221,"href":"https:\/\/dataprot.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/219\/revisions\/221"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dataprot.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/220"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dataprot.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=219"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dataprot.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=219"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dataprot.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=219"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}