Two Methods to Turn Off Windows Defender in Windows 11 - Updated 2023

Two Ways To Disable Windows Defender In Windows 11 | Updated 2023

Windows Defender is a built-in antivirus program that comes pre-installed with Windows 11. While it provides good protection against malware and other security threats, there may be situations where you need to temporarily disable it. This could be due to conflicts with other security software or when performing specific tasks that require Windows Defender to be turned off.

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There are two methods you can use to turn off Windows Defender in Windows 11. The first method involves using the Windows Security app, while the second method involves using Group Policy Editor. Both methods are relatively simple and can be completed in a few steps.

Method 1: Using the Windows Security app

Open the Windows Security app by clicking on the Start button and typing “Windows Security”.
Click on “Virus & threat protection” in the left menu.
Under the “Virus & threat protection settings” section, click on “Manage settings”.
Toggle off the “Real-time protection” switch.
You will be prompted with a warning message stating that your device may be vulnerable to malicious software. Click on “Yes” to confirm.

Note: Disabling real-time protection will turn off Windows Defender temporarily. It will automatically turn back on after a certain period of time or after a system restart. If you want to permanently disable Windows Defender, you can follow the second method below.

Method 2: Using Group Policy Editor

Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type “gpedit.msc” and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
In the left pane, navigate to “Computer Configuration” -> “Administrative Templates” -> “Windows Components” -> “Windows Defender Antivirus”.
In the right pane, double-click on the “Turn off Windows Defender Antivirus” policy.

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5. Select the “Enabled” option and click on “Apply” and then “OK”.

Note: Using Group Policy Editor requires administrative privileges. Make sure you are logged in as an administrator before attempting this method.

By following these methods, you can easily turn off Windows Defender in Windows 11. However, it is important to note that disabling Windows Defender can leave your device more vulnerable to security threats. It is recommended to only turn off Windows Defender temporarily and to have alternative security measures in place.

Two Methods to Turn Off Windows Defender in Windows 11 - Updated 2023

If you’re using Windows 11 and want to turn off Windows Defender, there are two methods you can follow. Windows Defender is a built-in antivirus and antimalware program that comes pre-installed on Windows operating systems. While it provides essential security features, some users may prefer to disable it for various reasons.

Method 1: Using the Windows Security app

Click on the Start button and select Settings.
In the Settings window, click on Privacy & Security.
Scroll down and click on Windows Security.
In the Windows Security app, click on Virus & Threat Protection.
Under Virus & Threat Protection Settings, click on Manage settings.
Toggle off the Real-time protection option to disable Windows Defender.

Method 2: Using the Local Group Policy Editor

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Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type gpedit.msc and press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
In the left pane of the Local Group Policy Editor, navigate to Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Windows Defender Antivirus.
Double-click on the Turn off Windows Defender Antivirus policy setting.
Select Enabled to turn off Windows Defender.
Click on Apply and then OK.

It’s important to note that disabling Windows Defender will leave your system more vulnerable to malware and other security threats. It is recommended to have an alternative antivirus solution installed if you choose to turn off Windows Defender.

Note: These instructions are up to date as of 2023 and may change with future Windows updates.

Method 1: Using the Windows Security Settings

In Windows 11, you can turn off Windows Defender using the Windows Security Settings. Here’s how:

Click on the Start button located at the bottom-left corner of the screen.
From the Start menu, click on the Settings icon, which is represented by a gear-shaped icon.
In the Settings window, click on the “Privacy & Security” option.
On the left-hand side of the Privacy & Security settings, click on the “Windows Security” option. This will open the Windows Security app.
In the Windows Security app, click on the “Virus & threat protection” option.
Under the Virus & threat protection settings, click on the “Manage settings” link.
In the “Real-time protection” section, toggle the switch to turn off real-time protection. This will disable Windows Defender.
If prompted, confirm your choice by clicking on the “Yes” button in the User Account Control window.
Windows Defender will now be turned off.

Note: Turning off Windows Defender will leave your computer vulnerable to malware and other security threats. Make sure to use an alternative antivirus program or take other necessary security measures to protect your computer.

Method 2: Disabling Windows Defender through the Registry Editor

In addition to using the Group Policy Editor, you can also disable Windows Defender through the Registry Editor. Here’s how:

Press Win + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender. If the “Windows Defender” key does not exist, you may need to create it.
On the right side of the Registry Editor, right-click on an empty space and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Name the new value DisableAntiSpyware.
Double-click on the DisableAntiSpyware value and set its Value data to 1.
Click OK to save the changes.

After following these steps, Windows Defender should be disabled on your Windows 11 system. However, it’s important to note that disabling Windows Defender can leave your computer more vulnerable to security threats, so proceed with caution.

FAQ:

Is it possible to disable Windows Defender in Windows 11?

Yes, it is possible to disable Windows Defender in Windows 11 using different methods.

Why would someone want to disable Windows Defender?

Some users may want to disable Windows Defender in order to install and use third-party antivirus software.

What are the two methods to turn off Windows Defender in Windows 11?

The two methods to turn off Windows Defender in Windows 11 are: using the Windows Security app and using the Group Policy Editor.

How can I disable Windows Defender using the Windows Security app?

To disable Windows Defender using the Windows Security app, you can open the app, go to the “Virus & Threat Protection” section, click on “Manage settings,” and toggle off the “Real-time protection” option.

Which method is recommended for turning off Windows Defender in Windows 11?

The recommended method for turning off Windows Defender in Windows 11 is using the Group Policy Editor, as it provides a more permanent solution and prevents Windows Defender from automatically turning back on.