Windows 10: How do I disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus

I know by now, that gpedit does not work. What I have found is that third party software antivirus can disable Microsoft Defender using its API.I need to disable it without the obligation to run third party software.Right now, the only to pieces of software that is malware on my PC are:- Microsoft Defender Antivirus- Windows UpdateThese two pieces of software is what I need to defend against. Let's see if MS is even able to help.

:)

 

How to disable/turn off Microsoft Defender

To disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus follow bellow steps:

Turn On or Off Windows Defender Antivirus in Windows 10

press: Windows key
type: gpedit.msc
right click on gpedit.msc and run as Administrator
Expand and click on following node:
Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Microsoft Defender Antivirus

On the right side double click on:
Turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus

Click on Enabled radio button and press OK
reboot system for changes to take effect

 

Windows Defender disables itself

Hi,

Thank you for contacting Microsoft Community.

I understand that you are facing the issue on Windows defender.

I will certainly help you with this.

I would like to inform you that if you have other antivirus on your computer, so Windows defender automatically

disable itself.

If you don’t have any other antivirus on computer then I would suggest you to check the services for Windows defender:

Steps:

• 
  Close all application and program and reboot the computer.
  
• 
  Press Windows key+R.
  
• 
  Type services.msc and press enter.
  
• 
  From the list, you will see two services for Windows defender.
  
• 
  Right click on both the services one at a time.
  
• 
  Click on properties.
  
• 
  Under general tab, select automatic from startup type.
  
• 
  Click on start and then click on apply and then ok.
  
• 
  Reboot the computer and check if it helps.
  

I hope this helps. Please post back with the status of the issue and we will be glad to assist you further.

 

Microsoft Defender VS Microsoft Defender Antivirus?

Today, I uninstalled the Microsoft Defender app on my device.

However, in Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Security providers, Microsoft Defender Antivirus is listed as my Antivirus.

When I click on "Open app" for Microsoft Defender Antivirus, it just redirects me to Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.

1. Is Microsoft Defender Antivirus different from the Microsoft Defender app?

2. Is my device still being protected?

For context, I do not have any third party antivirus programs installed on my device right now,

and I never signed into the Microsoft Defender app with my Microsoft account,

nor do I have a Microsoft 365 subscription.