How to Disable Windows Defender on Windows 11 Permanently?

Windows Defender is a built-in antivirus program in Windows 11 that provides real-time protection against various threats. While it is an essential security feature, there may be scenarios where you need to disable Windows Defender temporarily or permanently. In this tutorial, we will walk you through the steps to disable Windows Defender on Windows 11 permanently.

Step 1: Open the Start menu by clicking on the Windows icon in the lower-left corner of the screen.

Step 2: Type "Windows Security" in the search bar, and click on the "Windows Security" app from the search results.

Step 3: In the Windows Security app, click on the "Virus & threat protection" tab located on the left side of the window.

Step 4: Under the "Virus & threat protection settings," click on the "Manage settings" link.

Step 5: Scroll down to the "Real-time protection" section and toggle off the switch next to "Real-time protection."

Step 6: Windows Security will ask for confirmation, click on the "Yes" button to turn off real-time protection.

Step 7: To disable Windows Defender permanently, you need to modify the Windows Registry. Press the Win + R keys on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box, then type "regedit" and hit Enter.

Step 8: In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindows Defender

Step 9: If you don’t see a "Windows Defender" key, right-click on the "Windows" key, go to "New," and select "Key." Name the key as "Windows Defender."

Step 10: Right-click on an empty space in the right pane of the Registry Editor, go to "New," select "DWORD (32-bit) Value," and name it as "DisableAntiSpyware."

Step 11: Double-click on the "DisableAntiSpyware" value and set the value data to "1."

Step 12: Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

By following these steps, you can disable Windows Defender on Windows 11 permanently. However, it’s important to note that disabling Windows Defender increases the risk of malware infections, so exercise caution and ensure that you have an alternative security solution in place before disabling Windows Defender.

Video Tutorial: Can Windows Defender be permanently disable?

Does disabling Windows Defender disable firewall?

Disabling Windows Defender does not disable the Windows Firewall. Here are the steps to disable Windows Defender without affecting the Windows Firewall:

1. Open the Windows Security app: Click on the "Start" button, search for "Windows Security," and open the app.

2. Navigate to Windows Defender settings: In the Windows Security app, select "Virus & threat protection" from the left sidebar.

3. Access Windows Defender settings: Click on "Manage settings" under the "Virus & threat protection settings" section.

4. Disable real-time protection: In the Windows Defender settings, toggle off the "Real-time protection" switch. This disables Windows Defender antivirus.

5. Confirm disabling real-time protection: A pop-up window will appear asking you to confirm disabling real-time protection. Click on "Yes."

6. Verify Windows Firewall status: To ensure the Windows Firewall is still active, go back to the Windows Security app.

7. Windows Firewall status: In the Windows Security app, select "Firewall & network protection" from the left sidebar.

8. Check Firewall status: Confirm that the "Domain network," "Private network," and "Public network" options all display "On."

By following these steps, you can disable Windows Defender’s real-time protection while keeping the Windows Firewall active to protect your system from unauthorized network access. It’s important to note that Windows Defender provides an extra layer of security against different types of malware, so disabling it should only be done if your system has an alternative antivirus solution installed.

How to turn off automatic scan for Windows Defender Windows 11?

To turn off automatic scanning for Windows Defender in Windows 11, you can follow these steps:

1. Open the Windows Security app: Press the Windows key on your keyboard, type "Windows Security," and then select the app from the search results.
2. In the Windows Security app, click on the "Virus & threat protection" tab on the left-hand side of the window.
3. Under the "Virus & threat protection settings" section, click on the "Manage settings" link.
4. Scroll down to the "Automatic sample submission" section and toggle the switch to turn it off. This will disable automatic scanning and submission of files to Microsoft.
5. Additionally, you can also toggle off the options for "Cloud-delivered protection" and "Automatic file sample submission" if you want to completely turn off Windows Defender’s cloud-based scanning and automatic sample submission features.

Please note that disabling automatic scanning for Windows Defender means that you won’t have real-time protection against threats, so you should only consider this if you have an alternative antivirus solution or if you’re confident in your ability to manually scan files regularly. It’s generally recommended to keep automatic scanning enabled for enhanced system security.

How do I stop real-time protection from turning back on automatically?

To stop real-time protection from turning back on automatically, follow these steps:

1. Open the settings on your device. This can usually be done by clicking on the gear icon in the app drawer or by swiping down from the top of the screen and tapping on the settings icon.

2. Look for the "Security" or "Protection" option in the settings menu. It can vary depending on the device or operating system you’re using.

3. Within the security settings, you should find an option related to real-time protection or antivirus settings. Tap on it to access the real-time protection settings.

4. In the real-time protection settings, you may see a toggle switch to enable or disable this feature. Turn it off to disable real-time protection.

5. However, some antivirus software may automatically turn on real-time protection after a certain period of time or upon restarting the device. To prevent this, you might need to access the settings of your antivirus software directly.

6. Open the antivirus app on your device and navigate to the settings or preferences section.

7. Look for options related to real-time protection or automatic scanning and disable them.

8. After making these changes, your real-time protection should remain turned off until you manually enable it again. Keep in mind that leaving your device unprotected for an extended period of time may increase the risk of malware or other security threats.

Note: The steps provided here are general guidelines and may vary depending on the specific device or antivirus software you are using. It’s important to consult the documentation or support resources provided by your device manufacturer or antivirus software developer for accurate instructions tailored to your device.

Why does Windows 11 real-time protection keep turning on?

Windows 11 offers a built-in real-time protection feature called Windows Security, which is designed to keep your system safe from malware and other security threats in real-time. If the real-time protection keeps turning on by itself, there could be a few reasons behind this behavior. Here are some steps to investigate and resolve the issue:

1. Check for pending Windows updates: Ensure that you have installed the latest updates for Windows 11, including any updates for Windows Security. Outdated components or missing updates can sometimes cause unexpected behavior.

2. Verify third-party security software: If you have any third-party antivirus or security software installed, it may conflict with Windows Security and cause the real-time protection to enable automatically. Disable or uninstall any such software temporarily to see if it resolves the issue.

3. Malware infection: In some cases, your system may be infected with malware that is interfering with the real-time protection settings. Run a full system scan using Windows Security or another reputable antivirus software to detect and remove any potential threats.

4. Reset Windows Security settings: If the above steps don’t help, resetting Windows Security to its default settings can be useful. Open Windows Security, go to "Virus & threat protection," then click on "Manage settings." Scroll down and select "Restore settings to their default values." Confirm the action and see if the real-time protection behavior changes.

5. Create a new user profile: Sometimes, user-specific settings or configurations can cause unexpected behavior. Create a new user profile on your Windows 11 system and check if the real-time protection behaves as expected. If it does, you can consider migrating your files and settings to the new profile or continue using it.

6. Contact Microsoft support: If the issue persists after trying the above steps, it’s advisable to contact Microsoft support for further assistance. They can provide specific guidance based on your system’s configuration and help troubleshoot the problem.

Remember, these steps are general recommendations and may not cover every potential cause for the real-time protection turning on automatically in Windows 11. It’s always a good idea to consult official documentation or seek professional support if you encounter persistent issues with Windows Security.

How do I permanently disable defender in Windows 11?

To permanently disable Windows Defender in Windows 11, you can follow these steps:

1. Launch the Start menu by clicking on the Windows icon in the taskbar or pressing the Windows key on your keyboard.
2. Type "Windows Security" and open the Windows Security app from the search results.
3. Within Windows Security, click on "Virus & threat protection" in the left sidebar.
4. Under the Virus & threat protection settings, click on "Manage settings."
5. Scroll down and locate the "Real-time protection" option and click on the toggle switch to turn it off. This will temporarily disable Windows Defender.
6. To permanently disable Windows Defender, you’ll need to modify the Group Policy settings. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
7. In the Run dialog box, type "gpedit.msc" and hit Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
8. Navigate to the following path: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Defender Antivirus.
9. Double-click on the "Turn off Windows Defender Antivirus" policy in the right pane.
10. Select the "Enabled" option and click on "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.
11. Close the Group Policy Editor and restart your computer.

By following these steps, you can permanently disable Windows Defender in Windows 11. However, it’s important to note that disabling your antivirus solution can leave your system vulnerable to risks and malware attacks. It’s recommended to have an alternative antivirus program installed to protect your computer from potential threats.
{"@context":"https://schema.org”,"@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"Does disabling Windows Defender disable firewall?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Disabling Windows Defender does not disable the Windows Firewall. Here are the steps to disable Windows Defender without affecting the Windows Firewall:nn1. Open the Windows Security app: Click on the "Start" button, search for "Windows Security," and open the app.nn2. Navigate to Windows Defender settings: In the Windows Security app, select "Virus & threat protection" from the left sidebar.nn3. Access Windows Defender settings: Click on "Manage settings" under the "Virus & threat protection settings" section.nn4. Disable real-time protection: In the Windows Defender settings, toggle off the "Real-time protection" switch. This disables Windows Defender antivirus.nn5. Confirm disabling real-time protection: A pop-up window will appear asking you to confirm disabling real-time protection. Click on "Yes."nn6. Verify Windows Firewall status: To ensure the Windows Firewall is still active, go back to the Windows Security app.nn7. Windows Firewall status: In the Windows Security app, select "Firewall & network protection" from the left sidebar.nn8. Check Firewall status: Confirm that the "Domain network," "Private network," and "Public network" options all display "On."nnBy following these steps, you can disable Windows Defender’s real-time protection while keeping the Windows Firewall active to protect your system from unauthorized network access. It’s important to note that Windows Defender provides an extra layer of security against different types of malware, so disabling it should only be done if your system has an alternative antivirus solution installed."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How to turn off automatic scan for Windows Defender Windows 11?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"To turn off automatic scanning for Windows Defender in Windows 11, you can follow these steps:nn1. Open the Windows Security app: Press the Windows key on your keyboard, type "Windows Security," and then select the app from the search results.n2. In the Windows Security app, click on the "Virus & threat protection" tab on the left-hand side of the window.n3. Under the "Virus & threat protection settings" section, click on the "Manage settings" link.n4. Scroll down to the "Automatic sample submission" section and toggle the switch to turn it off. This will disable automatic scanning and submission of files to Microsoft.n5. Additionally, you can also toggle off the options for "Cloud-delivered protection" and "Automatic file sample submission" if you want to completely turn off Windows Defender’s cloud-based scanning and automatic sample submission features.nnPlease note that disabling automatic scanning for Windows Defender means that you won’t have real-time protection against threats, so you should only consider this if you have an alternative antivirus solution or if you’re confident in your ability to manually scan files regularly. It’s generally recommended to keep automatic scanning enabled for enhanced system security."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How do I stop real-time protection from turning back on automatically?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"To stop real-time protection from turning back on automatically, follow these steps:nn1. Open the settings on your device. This can usually be done by clicking on the gear icon in the app drawer or by swiping down from the top of the screen and tapping on the settings icon.nn2. Look for the "Security" or "Protection" option in the settings menu. It can vary depending on the device or operating system you’re using.nn3. Within the security settings, you should find an option related to real-time protection or antivirus settings. Tap on it to access the real-time protection settings.nn4. In the real-time protection settings, you may see a toggle switch to enable or disable this feature. Turn it off to disable real-time protection.nn5. However, some antivirus software may automatically turn on real-time protection after a certain period of time or upon restarting the device. To prevent this, you might need to access the settings of your antivirus software directly.nn6. Open the antivirus app on your device and navigate to the settings or preferences section.nn7. Look for options related to real-time protection or automatic scanning and disable them.nn8. After making these changes, your real-time protection should remain turned off until you manually enable it again. Keep in mind that leaving your device unprotected for an extended period of time may increase the risk of malware or other security threats.nnNote: The steps provided here are general guidelines and may vary depending on the specific device or antivirus software you are using. It’s important to consult the documentation or support resources provided by your device manufacturer or antivirus software developer for accurate instructions tailored to your device."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Why does Windows 11 real-time protection keep turning on?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Windows 11 offers a built-in real-time protection feature called Windows Security, which is designed to keep your system safe from malware and other security threats in real-time. If the real-time protection keeps turning on by itself, there could be a few reasons behind this behavior. Here are some steps to investigate and resolve the issue:nn1. Check for pending Windows updates: Ensure that you have installed the latest updates for Windows 11, including any updates for Windows Security. Outdated components or missing updates can sometimes cause unexpected behavior.nn2. Verify third-party security software: If you have any third-party antivirus or security software installed, it may conflict with Windows Security and cause the real-time protection to enable automatically. Disable or uninstall any such software temporarily to see if it resolves the issue.nn3. Malware infection: In some cases, your system may be infected with malware that is interfering with the real-time protection settings. Run a full system scan using Windows Security or another reputable antivirus software to detect and remove any potential threats.nn4. Reset Windows Security settings: If the above steps don’t help, resetting Windows Security to its default settings can be useful. Open Windows Security, go to "Virus & threat protection," then click on "Manage settings." Scroll down and select "Restore settings to their default values." Confirm the action and see if the real-time protection behavior changes.nn5. Create a new user profile: Sometimes, user-specific settings or configurations can cause unexpected behavior. Create a new user profile on your Windows 11 system and check if the real-time protection behaves as expected. If it does, you can consider migrating your files and settings to the new profile or continue using it.nn6. Contact Microsoft support: If the issue persists after trying the above steps, it’s advisable to contact Microsoft support for further assistance. They can provide specific guidance based on your system’s configuration and help troubleshoot the problem.nnRemember, these steps are general recommendations and may not cover every potential cause for the real-time protection turning on automatically in Windows 11. It’s always a good idea to consult official documentation or seek professional support if you encounter persistent issues with Windows Security."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How do I permanently disable defender in Windows 11?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"To permanently disable Windows Defender in Windows 11, you can follow these steps:nn1. Launch the Start menu by clicking on the Windows icon in the taskbar or pressing the Windows key on your keyboard.n2. Type "Windows Security" and open the Windows Security app from the search results.n3. Within Windows Security, click on "Virus & threat protection" in the left sidebar.n4. Under the Virus & threat protection settings, click on "Manage settings."n5. Scroll down and locate the "Real-time protection" option and click on the toggle switch to turn it off. This will temporarily disable Windows Defender.n6. To permanently disable Windows Defender, you’ll need to modify the Group Policy settings. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.n7. In the Run dialog box, type "gpedit.msc" and hit Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.n8. Navigate to the following path: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Defender Antivirus.n9. Double-click on the "Turn off Windows Defender Antivirus" policy in the right pane.n10. Select the "Enabled" option and click on "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.n11. Close the Group Policy Editor and restart your computer.nnBy following these steps, you can permanently disable Windows Defender in Windows 11. However, it’s important to note that disabling your antivirus solution can leave your system vulnerable to risks and malware attacks. It’s recommended to have an alternative antivirus program installed to protect your computer from potential threats."}}]}