Please note that turning off Windows Defender without an alternative security software running will leave your PC open to possible security threats. As such, we advise that you install another security software or Antivirus programme if you are turning off Windows Defender.
How to disable Windows Defender using the Security Center app
Difficulty Level: Easy. Every PC user can do this comfortably. Keep in mind that disabling Windows Defender will open your computer to security threats.. If you are not a techie person, this is the easiest way to turn off Windows Defender. It is straightforward and direct. The following process only disables Windows Defender Antivirus temporarily. The next time you restart your PC, Windows Defender will re-enable automatically. To proceed and disable Windows Defender temporarily, follow these steps: That is it. Windows Defender is disabled temporarily. Note that it will be active once again the next time you restart your PC.
How to disable Windows Defender using the Registry Editor
Difficulty Level: Fairly Difficult. This disables the software permanently but requires you having a knowledge of command line. Using the Registry Editor can harm or even brick your computer. You proceed with the steps below at your own risk. Preferably, make a backup of your PC at this point. Here is how to disable disable Windows Defender permanently using the Registry Editor: Windows Defender Antivirus is now disabled.
How to re-enable Windows Defender using the Registry Editor
If you ever want to re-enable the service at any time, follow these steps:
Go back to the Windows Defender folder in Registry Editor by following steps 1 to 4 above.Click on the “Windows Defender” folder.Open the “DisableAntiSpyware” value by double-clicking it.Change the “Value data” from 1 to 0.Click OK, then restart your computer.
How to turn off Windows Defender using Local Group Policy
Difficulty Level: Fairly Difficult. This requires you having a knowledge of command line. Using the Registry Editor can harm or even brick your computer. You proceed with the steps below at your own risk. Preferably, make a backup of your PC at this point. The following steps detail how to disable Windows Defender permanently for Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education users using the Local Group Policy Editor: You have disabled Windows Defender Antivirus permanently.
How to re-enable Windows Defender using the Registry Editor
If you ever want to re-enable Defender at any time, follow these steps:
Go back to the Windows Defender folder in Registry Editor by following steps 1 to 4 above.At step 5, select the Not Configured option.Click OK.Restart your computer.
That is it.
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