Permanently Disable Windows Defender in Windows 11
Windows Defender is a built-in antivirus program that comes with Windows 11, designed to protect your system from viruses, malware, and other online threats. While it is a helpful tool for many users, there are some situations where you may want to disable it, such as if you are using a third-party antivirus program or in a business setting with specific security requirements. In this article, we will show you how to disable Windows Defender in Windows 11 and turn it off permanently.
There are a few methods you can use to disable Windows Defender in Windows 11. It is important to note that disabling Windows Defender will leave your system more vulnerable to cyber threats, so it is recommended that you only do so if you have an alternative security measure in place.
Method 1: Using the Group Policy Editor
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “gpedit.msc” and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
3. In the Group Policy Editor, navigate to “Computer Configuration” > “Administrative Templates” > “Windows Components” > “Windows Defender Antivirus.”
4. Double-click on the “Turn off Windows Defender Antivirus” policy on the right-hand side.
5. Select the “Enabled” option and click “OK” to apply the changes.
Method 2: Using the Registry Editor
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “regedit” and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender
4. If you do not have a “Windows Defender” key, create one by right-clicking on “Microsoft” and selecting “New” > “Key.” Name the new key “Windows Defender.”
5. Right-click on the “Windows Defender” key and select “New” > “DWORD (32-bit) Value.” Name the new value “DisableAntiSpyware.”
6. Double-click on the “DisableAntiSpyware” value and set the value data to “1” to disable Windows Defender.
Method 3: Using Windows Security Settings
1. Open the Windows Security app by clicking on the shield icon in the taskbar or by searching for “Windows Security” in the Start menu.
2. Click on “Virus & threat protection” in the left-hand menu.
3. Click on “Manage settings” under the “Virus & threat protection settings” section.
4. Toggle off the “Real-time protection” option to temporarily disable Windows Defender.
It is important to note that using the above methods to disable Windows Defender will leave your system vulnerable to cyber threats. If you choose to disable Windows Defender, it is crucial that you have alternative security measures in place to protect your system.
In conclusion, Windows Defender is an essential part of Windows 11’s security features, but there are situations where you may need to disable it. We have outlined several methods for disabling Windows Defender, but we strongly recommend that you only do so if you have an alternative security solution in place. It is crucial to prioritize your system’s security and be aware of the potential risks of disabling Windows Defender.