Did you want to disable the Windows Defender (in-built app of Windows) on your System? If yes, then you can do the same following three different methods described in this post. Windows Security plays a prime and vital role in protecting your PC from a suspicious attack similar to that of Kaspersky & Norton.
There are few advanced features in these programs that it lacks, like web-monitoring, blocking new software installation, etc. Windows Defender also occupies more space as compared to the apps mentioned above. These are the reasons why some users disable Windows Defender on their System. The three different ways are using local Settings, Registry Editor, & Local Group Policy Editor.
1. Via System Settings
2. By using Local Group Policy
3. By using Registry Tweak
4. How to Enable Windows Defender in Windows 10
How to Disable or Enable Windows Defender in Windows 10
Here, I will explain stepwise methods to Disable Windows Defender temporarily or permanently.
1. Disable or Enable Windows Defender Via System Settings
You can disable Windows Defender by using the local Settings app. It is an easy process without any complexity. To do so, you need to follow these simple steps.
Step-1: Go to Cortana, then type Windows Defender Security Center; when found, tap on the same.
Step-2: On the next window, again select the Virus & Threat Protection category.
Step-3: Afterward, select Manage settings under Virus & Threat Protection settings section.
Step-4: Disable the following toggle switches now.
Real-time Protection
Cloud-Delivered protection
Automatic Sample Submission
Step-5: Succeeding after, you’ll receive a new pop-up asking to permit the access, press Yes.
It’ll temporarily disable Windows Security on your Windows 10 PC. Although this is the easiest way, it also has its downsides. When you next log-in, the Windows Defender gets enabled by default. It implies that once you Restart your system, then the Settings switch back to its normal condition.
2. Disable or Enable Windows Defender by using Local Group Policy
You can even perform the same task by using Group Policy. All you’ve to do is to follow these easy steps.
1. Make a right-tap on the Windows icon and select the Run option from the Power menu.
2. Type gpedit.msc in the void box and click the OK button to open the Group Policy Editor window.
3. Now, navigate to the following path-
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Defender Antivirus
4. There forth, double-tap on Turn off Windows Defender Antivirus services (see snapshot below also).
5. Mark a Disable checkbox here to enable Windows Defender.
6. After that, hit Apply & OK button to confirm the changes.
If you wish to enable Windows Defender, follow the above simple procedure and check the Enable Radio button.
Note: The Group Policy Editor merely works in Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise versions; hence, Windows 10 Home users can’t avail of this feature.
3. Disable or Enable Windows Defender by using Registry Tweak
Since Windows Defender is Microsoft’s in-built app, it does not offer the features to Uninstall it. Though, you can disable this tool temporarily or permanently by using registry tweaks. Here’s how to proceed-
1. At first, press Win and R altogether to launch the Run dialog.
2. In the void box, type regedit and press the OK button; it’ll launch the Registry Editor window.
3. If the UAC prompt pop-ups, click Yes to permit the access.
4. Now copy & paste the following path in the address bar, then press Enter to access the path-
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender.
5. After that, switch to the right pane and do the right tap on the blank area.
6. Click the new option & select DWORD(32-bit) using the context menu.
7. Here, put the key name DisableAntiSpyware then press Enter.
8. Afterward, open the recently created file and change its value to 1 from 0.
9. Lastly, tap OK to save the changes, then Restart your system.
It’ll disable the Windows Defender on your desktop or Task Manager.
Note: Bear in mind, wrongdoings in the Registry might be risky for your system. It probably corrupts your entire OS or personal files. It’s recommended to create a System Restore point to protect and save the unwanted loss of data or files.
How to Enable Windows Defender in Windows 10
If you need to enable this app again, you’ve to go through the below simple procedure-
1. Open Registry Editor & navigate to the following address.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender
2. Move to its corresponding right pane and right-tap on the recently created DWORD entry.
3. Now select Delete from the context menu.
4. When finished, close the Registry Editor & Reboot your system.
The Windows Defender icon & its settings will re-appear the next time you log-in to your System.
Final Words
Windows Defender is an excellent tool to protect your system from any malware attack. Although, sometimes, it may prevent new apps from installing. And if that’s the case, you can temporarily disable this app. If you wish to install some other anti-malware program, you should permanently disable this app using either the 2nd or 3rd method. When you invoke some other security program on the system, Windows Defender will automatically disable Real-Time protection.