How To Permanently Disable Windows Defender in Windows 10/11 (2023 Guide)
1Learn How To Permanently Disable Windows Defender in Windows 10/11 (2023 Guide).
In this tutorial, you will learn how to permanently disable Windows Defender in Windows 10/11. Please note that disabling Windows Defender leaves your computer more vulnerable to malware and other security threats. Proceed with caution and consider using alternative security solutions if you choose to disable Windows Defender. Follow the steps below to disable Windows Defender:
Method 1: Using Group Policy Editor (for Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise)
Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
Type "gpedit.msc" (without quotes) and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
In the Group Policy Editor window, navigate to the following path:
Computer Configuration - Administrative Templates - Windows Components - Windows Defender Antivirus
On the right pane, double-click on the "Turn off Windows Defender Antivirus" policy.
Select the "Enabled" option, then click on "Apply" and "OK" to save the changes.
Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Windows Defender should now be disabled on your system.
Method 2: Using Registry Editor
Caution: Modifying the Windows Registry can have unintended consequences and may cause system instability if not done correctly. It is recommended to create a backup of your registry before proceeding.
Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
Type "regedit" (without quotes) 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 the "Microsoft" key, select "New" and then "Key." Name the new key as "Windows Defender" (without quotes).
Inside the "Windows Defender" key, right-click on the right pane and select "New" and then "DWORD (32-bit) Value."
Name the new value as "DisableAntiSpyware" (without quotes).
Double-click on "DisableAntiSpyware" and set its value data to "1" to disable Windows Defender.
Click on "OK" to save the changes.
Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Windows Defender should now be disabled on your system.
Method 3: Using Windows Security App (for Windows 10/11 Home)
Open the Start menu and click on the "Settings" gear icon.
In the Settings window, select "Update & Security."
Click on "Windows Security" in the left sidebar.
In the Windows Security app, click on "Virus & threat protection."
Under "Virus & threat protection settings," click on "Manage settings."
Toggle off the "Real-time protection" switch.
Windows Defender will be temporarily disabled until the next time you restart your computer.
Please note that Windows Defender may automatically enable itself after a certain period or when you install system updates. It is recommended to have an alternative antivirus solution installed or to re-enable Windows Defender after performing specific tasks that require disabling it.
Remember that disabling Windows Defender can leave your computer more susceptible to security threats. Ensure you have alternative security measures in place if you choose to disable Windows Defender.