How to Disable Windows Defender on Windows 11

How to Disable Windows Defender on Windows 11 - Printable Version

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How to Disable Windows Defender on Windows 11 - Sneakyone - 09-04-2024

How to Disable Windows Defender on Windows 11

Windows Defender, also known as Microsoft Defender Antivirus, is the built-in security solution in Windows 11. While it provides essential protection against malware and viruses, some users may want to disable it temporarily or permanently for various reasons, such as installing third-party antivirus software. This guide will show you how to disable Windows Defender on Windows 11 using different methods.

Important Consideration

Disabling Windows Defender leaves your system vulnerable to malware, viruses, and other threats unless you have another antivirus installed. It is recommended to install a reliable third-party security solution before turning off Windows Defender.

Method 1: Disable Windows Defender Temporarily via Settings

If you need to disable Windows Defender temporarily, you can do so through the Windows Security settings.

Step 1: Open Windows Security
1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
2. In the left-hand menu, click on Privacy & security, then select Windows Security.
3. Click Open Windows Security.

Step 2: Disable Real-time Protection
1. In the Windows Security window, click on Virus & threat protection.
2. Under the Virus & threat protection settings section, click Manage settings.
3. Toggle the switch under Real-time protection to Off.

Real-time protection is now disabled, but Windows Defender will automatically re-enable itself after a while or after restarting your computer.

Method 2: Disable Windows Defender Permanently via Group Policy Editor (Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, Education)

For users of Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions, you can permanently disable Windows Defender using the Group Policy Editor.

Step 1: Open Group Policy Editor
1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type gpedit.msc and press Enter.

Step 2: Navigate to Windows Defender Settings
1. In the Group Policy Editor, navigate to the following path:

Code:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus

Step 3: Disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus
1. Double-click on Turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
2. Select Enabled, then click Apply and OK.

Windows Defender is now permanently disabled. To re-enable it, return to the same setting and set it to Not Configured.

Method 3: Disable Windows Defender via Registry Editor (For All Windows 11 Editions)

You can also disable Windows Defender using the Registry Editor, which works on all editions of Windows 11. Be cautious when editing the registry, as incorrect changes can cause system issues.

Step 1: Open Registry Editor
1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type regedit and press Enter. If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes.

Step 2: Navigate to the Windows Defender Key
1. In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path:

Code:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender

Step 3: Create a New DWORD Value
1. Right-click on the Windows Defender folder in the left pane, then select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
2. Name the new value DisableAntiSpyware.
3. Double-click on the DisableAntiSpyware entry and set its value to 1.

Step 4: Restart Your Computer
Restart your PC to apply the changes. Windows Defender will now be disabled. To re-enable it, delete the DisableAntiSpyware entry or set its value back to 0.

Method 4: Disable Windows Defender via Command Prompt

For users who prefer using the Command Prompt, you can disable Windows Defender using a series of commands.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator
1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, and select Run as administrator.

Step 2: Disable Windows Defender
1. In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter:

Code:
sc stop WinDefend

2. To prevent it from starting again automatically, type:

Code:
sc config WinDefend start=disabled

This will disable Windows Defender until you manually re-enable it.

How to Re-enable Windows Defender

If you want to re-enable Windows Defender after disabling it, follow these steps:

1. If you disabled it via the Settings, simply toggle Real-time protection back to On in the Virus & threat protection settings.
2. If you used the Group Policy Editor or Registry Editor, reverse the steps by setting the policy to Not Configured or changing the registry key back to 0.
3. If you disabled it via Command Prompt, use the following command to re-enable it:

Code:
sc config WinDefend start=auto

Then, start the service with:

Code:
sc start WinDefend

Why Disable Windows Defender?

While Windows Defender provides excellent real-time protection for most users, there are scenarios where you might want to disable it:
- Third-party antivirus: If you're installing another antivirus program, disabling Windows Defender may avoid conflicts between two active security programs.
- System performance: In rare cases, Windows Defender may cause performance issues, especially on older systems or in specific situations.
- Development or testing: Developers or IT professionals might need to disable it temporarily while testing specific software that triggers false positives.

Conclusion

Disabling Windows Defender on Windows 11 is possible through multiple methods, such as using the Settings app, Group Policy Editor, Registry Editor, or Command Prompt. Whether you need to disable it temporarily or permanently, this guide provides you with all the options. Just remember that disabling Windows Defender leaves your system vulnerable to threats, so make sure you have an alternative antivirus solution in place or re-enable it when needed.