How to Permanently Disable Windows Defender in Windows 10 & 11

How to Permanently Disable Windows Defender in Windows 10 & 11

Windows Defender, now known as Microsoft Defender Antivirus, is an integrated security solution in Windows 10 and 11 designed to protect users from malware and other threats. While it offers robust protection, certain scenarios may necessitate its deactivation. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to permanently disable Windows Defender in both Windows 10 and 11.

1. Introduction

Windows Defender serves as the default antivirus program in Windows operating systems, offering real-time protection against various security threats. Understanding its functionality is crucial for users considering alternative security measures or addressing specific system requirements.

2. Reasons to Disable Windows Defender

Several factors might lead users to disable Windows Defender:

• Compatibility Issues with Third-Party Software: Some applications may conflict with Windows Defender, necessitating its deactivation to ensure smooth operation.

• Performance Considerations: On systems with limited resources, users might seek to disable Windows Defender to enhance performance.

• Specific Use-Case Scenarios: Advanced users or developers may require disabling Windows Defender for testing purposes or to use specialized software that Windows Defender might flag.

3. Preliminary Considerations

Before proceeding, it’s essential to acknowledge the potential risks associated with disabling Windows Defender:

• Increased Vulnerability: Without active protection, the system becomes more susceptible to malware and other security threats.

• Alternative Security Measures: Ensure that a reliable third-party antivirus solution is installed and active to maintain system security.

4. Temporary vs. Permanent Disabling

Understanding the distinction between temporary and permanent disabling is vital:

• Temporary Disabling: Suitable for short-term requirements, allowing Windows Defender to resume protection after a system restart or a specified period.

• Permanent Disabling: Involves making system changes to ensure Windows Defender remains inactive until manually re-enabled.

5. Disabling Windows Defender Temporarily

For temporary deactivation:

• Using Windows Security Settings:

  1. Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security.
  2. Select Virus & threat protection.
  3. Click on Manage settings under Virus & threat protection settings.
  4. Toggle off Real-time protection.

• Utilizing PowerShell Commands:

  1. Open PowerShell as an administrator.
  2. Execute the command: Set-MpPreference -DisableRealtimeMonitoring $true.

Note: These methods temporarily disable Windows Defender, which may reactivate after a system restart.

6. Permanently Disabling Windows Defender in Windows 10

For a permanent solution in Windows 10:

• Using Group Policy Editor:

  1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
  3. Double-click Turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
  4. Select Enabled, then click Apply and OK.

• Modifying the Registry Editor:

  1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender.
  3. Right-click on the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it DisableAntiSpyware.
  4. Double-click DisableAntiSpyware, set its value to 1, and click OK.

7. Permanently Disabling Windows Defender in Windows 11

For Windows 11 users:

• Using Group Policy Editor:

  1. Open the Local Group Policy Editor as described above.
  2. Follow the same navigation path and steps to disable Windows Defender.

• Modifying the Registry Editor:

  1. Access the Registry Editor as previously outlined.
  2. Navigate to the same registry path and create