Windows 10: How to disable/turn off Microsoft Defender

Hello users, would like to know if it's possible to totally disable Microsoft Defender (formerly Windows Defender). I don't want any engine scanning my files in the background as soon as I try to read some file and deleting them without further notice.

W10 1909.

:)

 

Disable notification of Windows Defender after turning it off

Hello Nick,

Thank you for keeping us updated.

I suggest you to follow the below steps and check if it helps you.

Using Group Policy Editor: Disable the Windows Defender.

Note: This option for using group policy is only available in the Windows 10 Pro editions.

• Press Windows + R keys, type gpedit.msc and hit
  Enter.
• Locate the folder below. Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Defender.
• Click on Windows Defender, right side in the list select
  Turn Off Windows Defender.
• Click on Enable and Save it.

Note: If you enable this policy settings. Widows Defender will not run and computers will not be scanned for malware or other potentially unwanted software.

Please post to us with the results to help you better.

 

Windows Defender of Windows 10 stoped working and is not turning on

Hello NasirMahmood1,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community forum.

Have you installed any third party anti-virus software?

Step 1: Turn Windows Defender Service On.

Initially, we need to check with the status of
Windows Defender Service which might be stopping the defender to turn on.

• Press Windows key + R and type
  services.msc and press Enter key.
  
• Search for Windows Defender Service and check if it has been started.
  
• Right click on Windows Defender Service and click on
  Restart.
  

Step 2: Turn On Windows Defender Antivirus using Group Policy.

As you are on Windows 10 Pro build, I would suggest
gpedit.msc settings from the following link and set it to Disabled or not configured to
turn on real time protection setting. Follow the steps mentioned under
Disable real-time protection from the article-
Enable and configure antivirus always-on protection and monitoring.

Hope it helps.

Regards,

Mala S

Microsoft Community – Moderator

 

Permanently Disable Windows Defender?

Since this is a TP. The option to turn off/disable Windows Defender is grayed out. However, you can turn off by:

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/5...dows-10-a.html

1. Open Admin Command Prompt and type: gpedit.msc
2. Manoeuver to: Computer Configuration->Administrative Templates->Windows Components->Windows Defender
3. Double click on "Turn Off Windows Defender" and select "Enabled" then click "Apply"

WARNING: After turn off "Windows Defender", you might not be able to turn it back on. I suggest before trying this, make a backup image so you can restore to the way it was.