Disable Windows Defender in 5 simple steps

With modern operating systems, there is a wealth of different software available to protect against malicious content. AVG Ultimate or Avast Premier are antivirus programs that have stood the test of time and protect countless devices from foreign access. You can disable the built-in Windows Defender if you use an external solution for your devices.

With Windows 10, Microsoft Defender Antivirus comes as standard and is enabled on your PC after installation. Your system is scanned regularly and new downloads are checked in real time. If you prefer to trust another antivirus, using two antivirus programs at the same time can lead to problems and your data will no longer be optimally protected.

Therefore, you should disable Windows Defender when using an external antivirus.

Source: Pixabay

Here's how:

How do I disable Windows Defender Antivirus?

  1. Click on the gear icon in the start menu to open the Windows settings. You can also do this by pressing the Windows logo key + I.
  2. In the settings click on Update and Security, and in this menu on the left side click on Windows security.
  3. Under the Virus & Threat Protection tab, you will find the Settings for Virus & Threat Protection. You can disable Windows Defender by clicking Manage Settings.
  4. Under the Real-time Protection and Cloud-based Protection items, set the sliders from On to Off. Answer yes to the question whether you actually want to make changes to your device.
  5. Windows Defender has been successfully disabled and you can exit the settings.
  6. If no other protection is used, Microsoft's programming automatically turns Defender back on for all operating systems starting with Windows 7. There are more advanced features for certain Windows versions:

Disabling Windows Defender via local group policies

Is Windows 10 Pro or the Enterprise version installed on your PC? You can tell directly when the Local Group Policy Editor opens. With these versions, you can perform the following steps:

  1. Press Windows logo key + R to launch the Run Function of your operating system. In the text box, type the command gpedit.msc.
  2. You open Computer Configuration in the editor, then Administrative Templates and Windows Components. Now click on Windows Defender Antivirus.
  3. There you should see Disable Windows Defender Antivirus in the list. Double click on it and you will get to the settings.
  4. Change "Enabled" to Disabled and confirm the selection with OK.
  5. The deactivation is completed with a restart.

Is Windows Defender sufficient as virus protection under Windows 10?

Microsoft's protection is sufficient for surfing on known sites or simple work. You should definitely install another security solution if you have disabled your Windows Defender. Otherwise, your PC will be exposed to external attacks without any protection. G Data, McAfee or Bitdefender are highly recommended.