Windows Defender, now Windows Security called, is a security solution that is integrated into Microsoft’s operating system. While keeping this tool active is beneficial, sometimes it’s better to turn it off. In this article we explain how to do that.
How to temporarily disable Windows Defender in Windows 11
That Windows 11 antivirus program can easily be temporarily disabled. Just search Windows Security in Windows search and click on the first result.
Open Windows Security Options
Next, open the Virus & Threat Protection section to see the related options.
Go to advanced antivirus options
Under the section real-time protection you will see a slider. Click on it to disable Windows Defender and its real-time protection.
Disable real-time protection
In addition, other security features can be turned off. Next to each of them you will see a warning icon reminding you that it is not recommended to do this.
Disable all other Windows security options
When you’re done, close the window and use the computer without the Windows Defender protection. Keep in mind that after a while any features you have disabled will automatically be re-enabled. Here is the step-by-step summary of how to temporarily disable native antivirus:
- Seek in the Windows search box Windows Security and click on the first result.
- Click on Virus and threat protection.
- Disable Windows Defender using the slider real-time protection
How to completely disable Windows Defender in Windows 11
if you Disable Windows Defender completely If you want, you have to do some advanced steps. In this case you have to Pro-Version von Windows 11 have to continue. The following method is not available in Windows 11 Home.
With the keyboard shortcut Windows + R you open the command prompt for entering commands. Type in the text field gpedit.msc and press Enter.
Run command to change group policy
Go up in the window Administrative Templates and then up Windows components.
Open the Windows Components Policies Directory
Look at the list of folders that appears on the right side of the window and try to find the folder named Microsoft Defender Antivirus to find. Open it with a double click.
Access to the Windows Defender folder
Finally get up Disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
Select the option to turn off Windows Defender
Activate in the pop-up window that appears activated.
Enable the shutdown option
if you up OK click, Windows Defender will be permanently disabled. If you want to turn virus protection back on, repeat the steps above and enable the option Not configured. So, this is the short version:
- Only if you have Windows 11 Pro, press Windows + R, give gpedit.msc and press Enter.
- Go to Administrative Templates and Windows components.
- Open the folder Microsoft Defender.
- Go to Disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus
- Click on activated and OK