Though it wont to be optional with earlier versions like Windows XP and Windows seven, the anti-malware and therefore the anti-virus protection suite Windows Defender currently comes pre-installed with the most recent, Windows 10. It’s fairly good to keep your pc safe from numerous security threats, although it does not waiting to different free and paid alternatives out there.
Windows Defender is additionally good enough to disable itself once you install a compatible third-party anti-virus, however Microsoft does not create it simple to show it off for good on your own. Disabling Windows Defender will open your pc to threats, however if you want to do thus for a few reason, here’s however you’ll be able to approach it on Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7, and Windows XP. during this guide, we are going to describe the way to close up Windows Defender.
Windows Defender is made into Windows ten as a system utility, that is why it’s slightly additional advanced to disable it. On Windows 7 and Windows XP, Windows Defender is basically sort of a pre-installed app, that is why it’s slightly easier to show it off.
Table of Contents
How to turn off Windows Defender in Windows 10 permanently
This method works for those Who running Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education.
- While holding down the Windows key, press the R key. Then go to the start menu and search for Run and open it.
- Type in gpedit.msc and then click OK.
- Head to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Defender Antivirus.
- On the right-hand side, double-click on the Turn off Windows Defender Antivirus.
- Choose Enabled and then click OK.
- Restart your PC computer.
How to turn off Windows Defender permanently via Registry
This method works for those running Windows 10 Home. Do note that editing Registry can be risky, so proceed at your own risk. Take a full backup if you wish.
- While holding down the Windows key, press the R key. Then , go to the start menu and search for Run and open it.
- Type in regedit and then click OK. If User Account Control asks for permission, click Yes.
- Head to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender. You can also copy and paste that address into the Registry’s address bar.
- On the right-hand side, right-click in the empty area, choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Then Type in DisableAntiSpyware and press the Enter key.
- Double-click the DisableAntiSpyware key. Type 1 in Value data and hit OK.
- Restart your PC computer.
How to (temporarily) turn off Windows Defender via Security Centre
If you only need to temporarily disable Windows Defender in Windows 10, this is the easiest method of them all.
- Hit the Windows key and search for Windows Defender Security Centre. And then Open it.
- Choose the Virus & threat protection on the left-hand side.
- Click on the Virus & threat protection settings on the right-hand side.
- Under the Real-time protection, turn off the toggle marked On.
Windows Defender will turn back on when your computer restarts.
How to turn off Windows Defender in Windows 8.1
Disabling Windows Defender in Windows 8.1 is quite easy. Follow these steps.
- While holding down the Windows key, press the C key. Click the Search button and type in Windows Defender.And then Open it.
- Choose the Tools from the top-bar. Then choose Options.
- On the left-hand side, click on the Administrator.
- On the right-hand side, uncheck the box named Use this program. Then Click OK.
- If User Account Control asks for permission, click Yes.
How to turn off Windows Defender in Windows 7
Turning off Windows Defender on Windows 7 is quite similar to Windows 8.1. By Follow these steps.
- Hit the Windows key and search for Windows Defender. And then Open it.
- Choose Tools from the top-bar. Then choose Options.
- On the left-hand side, click on the Administrator.
- On the right-hand side, uncheck the box named Use this program. Then Click OK.
- If User Account Control asks for permission, click Yes.
How to turn off Windows Defender in Windows XP
On Windows XP, if Windows Defender is installed, you can turn it off easily.
- Find the Windows Defender icon in the status bar and double-click it. If it is installed, you can also find it under C:\Program Files\Windows Defender.
- Choose the Tools from the top-bar. Then choose Options.
- On the left-hand side, click on Administrator.
- On the right-hand side, unchecked the box named Use this program.
- Finally Click OK.