This article explains how to disable Windows Defender, temporarily or "permanently", on Windows 10. While you can only disable this feature from Settings until your computer restarts, you can prevent Windows Defender from reactivating without your consent thanks to the Editor. register. Be aware that without this program your computer is more vulnerable to security threats; furthermore, by modifying the Registry Editor outside the parameters described in the article, you can cause damage or even render your computer unusable.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Disable Windows Defender
Step 1. Open Start
Click on the Windows button in the lower left corner of the screen. The Start menu will appear.
Step 2. Open Settings
Click the settings gear icon on the left side of the Start menu. The Settings window will open.
Step 3. Click on
Update & Security, in the last line of the Settings menu.
Step 4. Click on Windows Security
You will find this tab in the upper left part of the window.
Step 5. Click Virus & threat protection
It is the first entry under the "Security Zones" heading at the top of the page. Press it and the Windows Defender window will open.
Step 6. Click Virus & threat protection settings
You will see this option in the center of the page.
Step 7. Disable Windows Defender Real-time Scan
Click on the blue "Activated" button
under the heading "Real-time protection", then click Yup when you are asked for confirmation.
- You can disable Windows Defender cloud protection by clicking on the blue "Enabled" button under the heading "Cloud-provided protection", then clicking Yup when you are asked for confirmation.
- Windows Defender will reactivate when you restart your computer.
Method 2 of 2: Disable Windows Defender
Step 1. Open Start
Click on the Windows logo in the lower left corner of the screen. The Start menu will appear.
Step 2. Open Registry Editor
This program allows you to make changes to the basic functionality of your computer. To open it, follow these steps:
- Write regedit.
- Click on the blue icon regedit at the top of the Start menu.
- Click Yup when asked.
Step 3. Open the Windows Defender path
You can do this by expanding the following folders in the left pane of the Registry Editor:
- Expand the "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE" folder by double clicking on it (skip this step if the folder is already open).
- Expand the "SOFTWARE" folder.
- Scroll down and expand the "Policies" folder.
- Expand the "Microsoft" folder.
- Click once on the "Windows Defender" folder.
Step 4. Right click on the "Windows Defender" folder
You should see a drop-down menu appear.
- If your mouse does not have a right button, click on the right side of the mouse, or use two fingers.
- If your computer has a trackpad instead of a mouse, press it with two fingers, or in the lower right corner.
Step 5. Select New
It is one of the first items on the drop-down menu. Click it and a menu will open.
Step 6. Click on DWORD (32-bit) Value
You will see this option in the newly appeared menu. Click it and you will see a blue and white file appear in the "Windows Defender" window on the right side of the page.
Step 7. Type "DisableAntiSpyware" as the file name
When you see the DWORD file appear, type DisableAntiSpyware, then press Enter.
Step 8. Open the "DisableAntiSpyware" DWORD file
You can do this with a double click. A window will open.
Step 9. Replace the "Value data" number with 1
This activates the DWORD value.
Step 10. Click OK at the bottom of the window
Step 11. Restart your computer
Click on Start
then on Power
and finally on Restart in the menu that appears. After the restart, Windows Defender will be disabled.
Step 12. Re-enable Windows Defender when you need it
If you decide you want to use Windows Defender again in the future, follow these steps:
- Open the Windows Defender folder in Registry Editor again.
- Click once on the "Windows Defender" folder.
- Open the "DisableAntiSpyware" value with a double click of the mouse.
- Change the number in the "Value data" field from 1 to 0.
- Click on OK, then restart your computer.
- Delete the "DisableAntiSpyware" value if you don't want to reuse it in the future.
