How To Turn Off Windows Defender Windows 10

Disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus on Windows 10 Source: Windows Central

On Windows 10, Microsoft Defender Antivirus is the anti-malware solution built into the system to protect your reckoner and files from unwanted viruses, ransomware, spyware, and other forms of malware and hackers. While information technology is considered one of the best antivirus software options for computers, yous may even so find situations where you may want to disable information technology permanently.

For instance, if you lot don't like the security solution for personal reasons, if you have to change system settings alien with the antivirus, or if you take to prepare a device that won't connect to the network, and security is not a business concern. Or if you are a network ambassador, and y'all take to comply with the organization's policies on some specific computers.

Although Windows 10 does not include an option to uninstall Microsoft Defender Antivirus, it is possible to permanently disable the solution using Group Policy or install a tertiary-party solution. Or you lot can also disable the antivirus temporarily using the Windows Security app.

In this Windows x guide, we volition walk you through the unlike methods to disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus permanently (or temporarily) on your computer.

How to disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus using Windows Security
How to disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus using Grouping Policy
How to disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus using tertiary-party solution

How to disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus using Windows Security

If the antivirus is conflicting with another application or installation, you don't take to permanently disable the Microsoft Defender Antivirus. You lot simply need to plough off the characteristic temporarily.

To temporarily disable the real-time antivirus protection on Windows 10, utilize these steps:

Open Commencement.
Search for Windows Security and click the top result to open the app.
Click on Virus & threat protection.
Under the "Virus & threat protection settings" section, click the Manage settings option.

Source: Windows Key
Turn off the Real-time protection toggle switch to disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus temporarily.

Source: Windows Primal

Once you complete the steps, the antivirus will temporarily disable its protection to install apps or make specific system changes without unwanted conflicts.

Afterwards restarting the computer, the antivirus volition enable again automatically. Or you can use the same instructions outlined to a higher place, just on step 5, brand sure to turn on the Real-time protection toggle switch.

This is not a permanent solution, but it's the all-time option to disable the protection to make system changes or install programs.

How to disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus using Grouping Policy

If you want to disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus permanently, you tin use the Group Policy Editor. The only caveat is that you also demand to disable the "Tamper Protection" characteristic earlier the policy tin apply.

On Windows 10, Tamper protection is a feature that protects Windows Security against unwanted changes from exterior the app. Since the Local Group Policy Editor modifies the security settings from exterior the app, the antivirus will restore any changes you have made during the side by side restart.

Disable Tamper Protection

To disable Tamper Protection, apply these steps:

Open Commencement.
Search for Windows Security and click the top result to open the app.
Click on Virus & threat protection.
Under the "Virus & threat protection settings" section, click the Manage settings option.

Source: Windows Fundamental
Plow off the Tamper Protection toggle switch.

Source: Windows Primal

Later on you complete the steps, proceed with the instructions to disable default Windows 10 antivirus using Group Policy.

Disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus

To disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus permanently on Windows 10, use these steps:

Open Beginning.
Search for gpedit.msc and click the meridian result to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
Browse the following path:

Reckoner Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus
Double-click the Turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus policy.

Source: Windows Primal
Select the Enabled choice to disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus permanently.

Source: Windows Central
Click the Apply button.
Click the OK button.
Restart your estimator.

Once you lot consummate the steps, the Windows antivirus volition disable permanently, simply the "shield" icon will remain in the Taskbar considering the icon is role of the Windows Security app, not from the antivirus program.

You lot tin always undo the changes using the same instructions, just on step five, make certain to select the Not Configured selection. In addition to enabling the antivirus, it is too a expert thought to turn on the "Tamper Protection" feature once again using the same steps outlined above, just on step five, make certain to enable the toggle switch.

How to disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus using third-party solution

If you plan to disable the antivirus to install another anti-malware software, this process isn't necessary since installing some other security software volition disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus automatically.

To disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus using 3rd-party protection, use these steps:

Open the antivirus download page.

Quick note: Nosotros will be installing Bitdefender, but the instructions will be like to whatever other software. Of form, it is always recommended to check the software documentation for more specific details.
Click the Download push button to save the installer on the computer.

Source: Windows Central
Double-click the file to launch the installation.
Check the option to hold to the licensing terms (if applicable).
Click the Install push.

Source: Windows Central

After you lot complete the steps, Windows 10 will detect the installation and automatically disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus on the computer.

Check current security provider

To cheque the default antivirus has been disabled, use these steps:

Open Start.
Search for Windows Security and click the tiptop result to open the app.
Click on Settings at the bottom of the page.
Under the "Security providers" section, click the Manage providers choice.

Source: Windows Central
Nether the "Antivirus" department, Microsoft Defender Antivirus should announced permanently disabled.

Source: Windows Central

Although in that location are multiple methods to disable the default antivirus on Windows 10, we practise not recommend using a computer without anti-malware protection. Nevertheless, in that location might still exist some situations where disabling the security feature could make sense.

If you are in the market for an alternative to Microsoft Defender Antivirus, you should consider these options:

Bitdefender
Norton AntiVirus Plus

More Windows resources

For more than helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions well-nigh Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
Windows 11 assistance, tips, and tricks
Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

Exist Productive

The best cheap Windows laptop deals in March 2022

Y'all don't take to empty out your wallet to get a great auto capable of running Windows and helping you get stuff done every day. You don't even accept to pay that much for great features similar touchscreens, Bluetooth, and detached graphics.