Windows 10: Fully disabled Defender but "Windows Defender Antivirus Service" runs

Discus and support Fully disabled Defender but "Windows Defender Antivirus Service" runs in AntiVirus, Firewalls and System Security to solve the problem; I used the steps from here and elsewhere, to FULLY disable Windows Defender. well over a year ago. Mark my surprise, when I find that the "Antimalware... Discussion in 'AntiVirus, Firewalls and System Security' started by Hannele2, Nov 17, 2019.

  1. Hannele2 Win User

    Fully disabled Defender but "Windows Defender Antivirus Service" runs


    I used the steps from here and elsewhere, to FULLY disable Windows Defender. well over a year ago. Mark my surprise, when I find that the "Antimalware Service executable" is eating up 25% of the processor power... I double checked everything from Group policy settings, to registry and toggle switch. Defender is still well and truly disabled... At least on paper!

    For a second I thought I was affected by a very clever virus or malicious code that impersonated Windows Defender. I downloaded and installed Kaspersky to do a thorough scan, and found to my astonishment that the "Antimalware Service executable" was STILL running. Normally other anti-virus solutions turn off Windows Defender.

    Then I realised that what's actually running is a Service. I can see it in the Service tab of Task Manager. It's probably legit and Microsoft has completely ignored my wishes and pushed on something that overrides all the settings regarding Defender.
    Trying to turn off the Service does not work.

    What's going on and how to I take back control and turn this off? (Win 10 latest build)

    :)
     
    Hannele2, Nov 17, 2019
    #1
  2. afornal Win User

    Defender AntiVirus

    There are 4 options under Defender. Two refer to AntiVirus; AntiVirus Network Inspection Service & AntiVirus Services. Under Startup Type these two are listed as manual and the Status column said Inspection Service is running. When I clicked on the Start
    button in Properties, I got an immediate message: "Win.. Def.. Anti.. Serv.. on local comp.. started and then stopped. Some services stop automatically if they are not in use by other services or programs."
     
    afornal, Nov 17, 2019
    #2
  3. davidhk Win User
    Windows Defender disabled and is unable to start


    OK. I am not sure if you can complete the steps below.......................
    In the search box, type services.msc > Enter
    Items in the Services box are listed alphabetically.
    Scroll down to Windows Defender Service...........................
    at Status heading, it should be.................................... Running
    at Startup type, it should be......................................... Automatic


    Fully disabled Defender but "Windows Defender Antivirus Service" runs [​IMG]




    If that is not what yours said, right click at Windows Defender Service > click Properties >
    can you change the Startup type to Automatic and Service status to Start ?
    If yes, do so and click OK when done.
     
    davidhk, Nov 17, 2019
    #3
  4. Fully disabled Defender but "Windows Defender Antivirus Service" runs

    How to disable windows defender for long time?

    Hi Andrew,

    If I understand you correctly you are willing to disable Windows Defender from your system. I would like to know few more things to understand the issue in a better way.

    • Why are you trying to disable Windows Defender? Are you planning to install any third party security software?
    • From where you have followed the steps to disable Windows defender using registry?
    • Are you logged in as Administrator?

    The steps which you have mentioned to disable Windows Defender using gpedit.msc is correct. If you are unable to disable it then you may do that by stopping the service responsible for Windows Defender. Here are steps which you may follow to perform the
    same task.

    • Press Windows key + R to open run box.
    • Type services.msc and hit enter.
    • There should be 2 services: Windows Defender Service
      and Windows Defender Network14.
    • Right click on each and press stop.


    If you will stop the service responsible for Windows Defender then it will not run till it is stopped. Do get back to us with all the information required and result of proposed suggestion. We will be happy to assist you further.

    Regards,
     
    Ramesh.Kumar, Nov 17, 2019
    #4
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Fully disabled Defender but "Windows Defender Antivirus Service" runs

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