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Disable Defender
from Windows
Security
Software Apps > Windows 10
Disable Defender MOST READ
from Group Policy

Disable Defender
How to permanently disable Microsoft
with another app
Defender Antivirus on Windows 10
How-to By Mauro Huculak last updated September 12, 2022
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Disable Defender Antivirus (Image credit: Future)

On Windows 10, Microsoft Defender Antivirus is the anti-malware solution that

protects your computer and les from unwanted viruses, ransomware, spyware,
and other malware and hackers. While it is considered one of the best computer
antivirus software options, you may still nd situations where you may want to
disable it permanently.

For example, if you don't like the security app for personal reasons, if you have
to change system settings con icting with the antivirus, or if you have to set up a
computer that won't connect to the network and security is not a concern. Or if
you are a network administrator and must comply with the organization's
policies on some speci c computers.

Although Windows 10 does not include an option to uninstall Microsoft

Defender Antivirus, it is possible to permanently disable the app using Group
Policy or install a third-party solution. Or you can also disable the antivirus
temporarily using the Windows Security app.

This guide will walk you through the di erent methods to permanently disable
Microsoft Defender Antivirus (or temporarily) on Windows 10.

HOW TO DISABLE MICROSOFT DEFENDER ANTIVIRUS USING

WINDOWS SECURITY

If the antivirus con icts with another application or installation, you don't have
to disable the Microsoft Defender Antivirus permanently. You only need to turn
o the feature temporarily.

To temporarily disable the real-time antivirus protection on Windows 10, use

these steps:

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

(Image credit: Future)

5. Turn o the Real-time protection toggle switch to disable Microsoft Defender

Antivirus temporarily.

(Image credit: Future)

Once you complete the steps, the antivirus will temporarily disable its protection
to install apps or make speci c system changes without unwanted con icts.

After restarting the computer, the antivirus will enable again automatically. Or
you can use the same instructions outlined above, but in step 5, make sure to
turn on the Real-time protection toggle switch.

This is not a permanent solution, but it's the best option to disable the
protection to make system changes or install programs that are causing
con icts.

HOW TO DISABLE MICROSOFT DEFENDER ANTIVIRUS USING

GROUP POLICY

If you want to disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus permanently, you can use
the Group Policy Editor. The only caveat is that you must also disable the
"Tamper Protection" feature before the policy can apply.

On Windows 10, Tamper protection is a feature that protects Windows Security

against unwanted changes from outside the app. Since the Local Group Policy
Editor modi es the security settings from outside the app, the antivirus will
restore any changes you have made during the next restart.

Disable Tamper Protection

To disable Tamper Protection, use these steps:

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

(Image credit: Future)

5. Turn o the Tamper Protection toggle switch.

(Image credit: Future)

After you complete the steps, continue 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:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for gpedit.msc and click the top result to open the Local Group Policy
Editor.
3. Browse the following path: Computer Con guration > Administrative
Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus
4. Double-click the "Turn o Microsoft Defender Antivirus" policy.

(Image credit: Future)

5. Select the Enabled option to disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus

permanently.

(Image credit: Future)

6. Click the Apply button.

7. Click the OK button.
8. Restart your computer.

Once you complete the steps, the Windows antivirus will be disabled
permanently, but the "shield" icon will remain in the Taskbar because the icon is
part of the Windows Security app, not the antivirus program.

You can always undo the changes using the same instructions, but in step 5,
select the Not Con gured option. In addition to enabling the antivirus, it is also a
good idea to turn on the "Tamper Protection" feature again using the same steps
outlined above, but in step 5, make sure 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 another security software will disable
Microsoft Defender Antivirus automatically.

To disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus using third-party protection, use these

steps:

1. Open the antivirus download page.

Quick note: We will be installing Bitdefender, but the instructions will be

similar to any other software. Of course, it is always recommended to check the
software documentation for more speci c details.

2. Click the Download button to save the installer on the device.

(Image credit: Future)

3. Double-click the le to launch the installation.

4. Check the option to agree to the licensing terms (if applicable).
5. Click the Install button.

(Image credit: Future)

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

Check current security provider

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

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Windows Security and click the top result to open the app.
3. Click on Settings at the bottom of the page.
4. Under the "Security providers" section, click the Manage providers option.

(Image credit: Future)

5. Under the "Antivirus" section, Microsoft Defender Antivirus should appear

permanently disabled.

(Image credit: Future)

Although multiple methods exist to disable the default antivirus on Windows 10,
we do not recommend using a computer without anti-malware protection.
However, some situations might still be 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 resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about
Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know

Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know

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Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is technical writer for WindowsCentral.com. His primary

focus is to write comprehensive how-tos to help users get the most out of
Windows 10 and its many related technologies. He has an IT background
with professional certi cations from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA, and he's
a recognized member of the Microsoft MVP community.

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