How to permanently disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus on Windows 10
Yes, you can disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus on Windows 10, and here’s how.
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On Windows 10, Microsoft Defender Antivirus is the anti-malware solution that protects your computer and files from unwanted viruses, ransomware, spyware, and other malware and hackers. While it is considered one of thebest computer antivirus softwareoptions, you may still find 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 conflicting 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 specific computers.
AlthoughWindows 10does 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 different methods to permanently disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus (or temporarily) on Windows 10.
How to disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus using Windows Security
If the antivirus conflicts with another application or installation, you don’t have to disable the Microsoft Defender Antivirus permanently. You only need to turn off the feature temporarily.
To temporarily disable the real-time antivirus protection on Windows 10, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the antivirus will temporarily disable its protection to install apps or make specific system changes without unwanted conflicts.
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After restarting the computer, the antivirus will enable again automatically. Or you can use the same instructions outlined above, but instep 5, make sure to turn on theReal-time protectiontoggle 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 conflicts.
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 protectionis a feature that protects Windows Security against unwanted changes from outside the app. Since the Local Group Policy Editor modifies 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:
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:
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 instep 5, select theNot Configuredoption. 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 instep 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:
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:
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:
More resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
