Guide: How to Enable/Disable Microsoft Windows Defender
Microsoft Defender, formerly known as Microsoft Security Essentials, has seen a dramatic turnaround in its reputation. Once the butt of jokes and ignored by security experts, it is now widely praised. However, if you wish to disable it on Windows 10, we’ll show you how.
Microsoft has bolstered Windows 10’s built-in security with the addition of Windows Defender Antivirus to Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection in the November Update. But is disabling Windows Defender on a Windows 10 computer really necessary?
1. Disable Windows Defender in Windows 10
No need to turn off Windows Defender entirely; simply disable its real-time protection component. To do so, open Settings (Windows Key + I) and navigate to Virus and threat protection.
Navigate to the Virus and threat protection settings in your device’s security settings, and click Manage settings.
Users now have the ability to turn off real-time protection on their devices.
You can keep Windows Defender running without disabling or uninstalling it. However, if you still wish to do so, instructions are provided.
2. Start Windows Defender with Antivirus
Microsoft demonstrated its commitment to user choice by enabling Windows Defender to coexist with other antivirus programs on Windows 10. This was not an option in earlier versions of the operating system.
I’m using both Kaspersky and Windows Defender on my computer, but without real-time protection. This allows me to take advantage of the benefits of both antivirus apps, running periodic scans with Windows Defender while still relying on Kaspersky.
3. Disable Windows Defender in Windows 10 with the Group Policy Editor
If you’ve already made up your mind and found a suitable replacement antivirus, it’s time to get the job done.
For those with Windows 10 Pro, disabling Windows Defender requires disabling Tamper Protection in the Group Policy Editor. Those with Windows Home should move on to the next step.
Navigate to your device’s settings, then Virus & Threat Protection. Scroll down to locate the Tamper Protection option and switch it off.
Open the Group Policy Editor by searching for it in Windows Search.
Heading further down the road, there is still more to explore.
Administrators can now access Windows Defender Antivirus settings through the Computer Configuration section of their system.
To disable Windows Defender Antivirus, double-click the folder in the left pane.
To enable Windows Defender, click the Enabled option, press Apply and OK - despite the file name suggesting otherwise.
The shield icon in the taskbar may appear, but this does not indicate that Windows Defender is active. The icon actually represents the Windows Security app.
4. Disable Windows Defender in Windows 10 with Registry Editor
Windows Home users without GPE can access the Registry Editor by searching for it in the Start menu.
Disable Tamper Protection by navigating to the registry path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender. Then, double-click on the DisableAntiSpyware key and set its value to 0.
Create a new item in the Windows Defender folder in the left sidebar by right-clicking and selecting DWORD Value (32-bit). Name it DisableAntiSpyware.
Double-clicking on the DWORD file will change its hexadecimal value data from 0 to 1.
Back up your data and reboot your device to finish.
Should you turn off Windows Defender
No, there is no single answer to the question. However, there are a variety of perspectives that can be taken when considering the issue.
Windows Defender is Microsoft’s built-in antivirus software, designed to protect users from malicious software and online threats. It offers real-time protection against viruses, malware, spyware and other malicious programs, as well as providing a secure browsing experience. With its comprehensive security features and easy setup process, Windows Defender is an ideal choice for those looking to safeguard their computers from potential harm.
Windows Defender has evolved into a reliable security solution, offering protection against viruses, zero-day threats and ransomware.
Microsoft Defender now offers real-time protection against ransomware attacks, running in the background and working well with third-party antivirus apps. It prevents critical changes to system files and helps restore data if an attack is successful.
Malware is a serious threat to your computer, and no antivirus app alone can protect you. To ensure the best security for your Windows 10 device, I recommend using both Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes (paid version) together.
Windows Defender is a powerful, free security tool that can help protect your computer from malicious software. With its easy-to-use interface and comprehensive protection, it’s an ideal choice for keeping your system safe.
Kaspersky, an advanced antivirus app, offers extra features not found in traditional antivirus apps like Defender. These include a VPN, which masks your identity and encrypts your Internet connection for added security - at an additional cost.
McAfee Total Protection offers a password manager to store important passwords, but third-party options are more secure and recommended. Additionally, parental supervision is available to help protect children from adult content such as pornography, violence and abuse.
Windows Defender has been given top marks by AV test, scoring 100% in protection and usability and only slightly lower in performance. This puts it on par with some of the best antivirus apps available, outperforming the industry average.
No matter what antivirus app you use, Malwarebytes is still essential. Windows Defender is free, so there’s no need to pay for two programs. If you’re looking for extra features like a password manager and VPN, consider Dashlane – it offers both services at the same price as many antivirus products like Kaspersky.
Defend the innocent
Don’t disable Windows Defender - use it in conjunction with Malwarebytes for optimal protection. For additional features, dedicated antivirus apps are a better option than the default ones included with most programs.
Microsoft’s Windows Defender has proven to be a powerful security tool, with its performance steadily improving.
Microsoft has released Windows Defender Antivirus, a new security solution that replaces Microsoft Security Essentials. It offers more than just a replacement, so it’s important to understand why Windows Defender is essential for your protection.
How to Enable/Disable Microsoft Windows Defender: benefits
Faq
Final note
This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to enable or disable Microsoft Windows Defender. If you have any questions, please reach out for help. Share the article with your friends to show your support.
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