How to disable or remove Windows Defender (2024)

FAQs

How to disable or remove Windows Defender? ›

Microsoft Defender can be disabled in Settings, but will turn back on automatically when you restart your computer. If you want to turn off Defender permanently, you'll need to install a different antivirus program. You can also use the built-in Group Policy Editor to permanently turn off Defender.

Microsoft Defender can be disabled in Settings, but will turn back on automatically when you restart your computer. If you want to turn off Defender permanently, you'll need to install a different antivirus program. You can also use the built-in Group Policy Editor to permanently turn off Defender.

Go to the Control Panel and search for “Programs and Features.” After locating it, spot Microsoft Defender in the list of installed programs. Then, click on Microsoft Defender and pick the option to uninstall. Do any extra prompts that may appear, making sure a flawless removal process.

The following PowerShell script will remove all virus definitions from Windows Defender: "c:\program files\windows defender\mpcmdrun.exe" -RemoveDefinitions -All Set-MpPreference -DisablelOAVProtection $true.

Disabling Windows Defender Manually

If you have PowerShell, run the following command: Uninstall-WindowsFeature -Name Windows-Defender.

But don't disable Defender unless you have another antivirus program ready to be installed. That's because without active anti-virus protection, you're exposed to a massive security risk. It's also not advisable to run multiple antivirus programs at the same time.

Open the Registry Editor and go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender. Right-click on the right window and select New > DWORD > 32-bit Value. Name the new DWORD DisableRealtimeMonitoring. Set the Value data to 1 to disable and delete the DWORD you created to enable.

If you see the shield your Windows Defender is running and active. Step 1: select “Update and Security” Step 2: Select “Windows Security” Page 3 Step 3: Look for “Virus & thread protection” If “Virus & threat protection” is not enabled, please do so if you wish.

You cannot uninstall it as it it part of the Windows 10 operating system. If you disable it as you have found out it will just turn itself back on. Was this reply helpful? You can disable it, in fact, third party Antivirus utilities disable it automatically since having two Antivirus utilities can conflict.

How to clear Windows Defender? ›

Type C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Scans\History\Service in the address bar and press Enter. Or you can navigate to this location layer by layer. Step 3. Select all files and right-click to choose Delete.

On windows go to control panel and open windows defender and firewall by double clicking on it. Click on Turn windows defender firewall on or off sub-menu. You can then check the boxes to turn off the defender services.

Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection. Under Virus & threat protection settings, select Manage settings, and then under Exclusions, select Add or remove exclusions.

After you have deactivated the virus and threat protection of Windows Defender, you will also need to disable the Firewall. To do this, select the “Firewall & network protection” menu item on the left side of the security center.

Navigate to “Computer Configuration” > “Administrative Templates” > “Windows Components” > “Windows Update.” Double-click on “Configure Automatic Updates” to open the settings. Select the “Disabled” option to turn off automatic updates. Click on “Apply” and then “o*k” to save the changes.

Type C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Scans\History\Service in the address bar and press Enter. Or you can navigate to this location layer by layer. Step 3. Select all files and right-click to choose Delete.