Permanently Disable Windows Defender on Windows 10

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Windows Defender is the built-in security software solution of Microsoft that ensures that your system is protected from any online threats. It automatically gets virus definition updates which makes it one of the best security software solutions available. There are however instances when you will want to stop using Windows Defender. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series we will show you how to permanently disable Windows Defender.

How to permanently disable Windows Defender

There are two ways to permanently disable Windows Defender and this is from the Group Policy or the Registry Editor.

Using Group Policy ( you will need Windows 10 Pro)

  • Use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command.
  • Type gpedit.msc and click OK to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
  • Browse the following path: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Defender Antivirus
  • On the right side, double-click the Turn off Windows Defender Antivirus policy.
  • Select the Enabled option.
  • Click Apply.
  • Click OK.
  • Browse the following path: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Defender Antivirus > Real-time Protection
  • On the right side, double-click the Turn on behavior monitoring policy.
  • Select the Disabled option.
  • Click Apply.
  • Click OK.
  • On “Real-time Protection,” double-click the Monitor file and program activity on your computer policy.
  • Select the Disabled option.
  • Click Apply.
  • Click OK.
  • On “Real-time Protection,” double-click the Turn on process scanning whenever real-time protection is enabled policy.
  • Select the Disabled option.
  • Click Apply.
  • Click OK.
  • On “Real-time Protection,” double-click the Turn on behavior monitoring policy.
  • Select the Disabled option.
  • Click Apply.
  • Click OK.
  • Restart the computer.

Using Registry Editor

  • Use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command.
  • Type regedit and click OK to open the Registry.
  • Browse the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender
  • Right-click on the Windows Defender (folder) key select New, and click on DWORD (32-bit) Value.
  • Name the key DisableAntiSpyware and press Enter.
  • Double-click the newly created key and set the value from 0 to 1.
  • Click OK.
  • Right-click on the Windows Defender (folder) key select New, and click on Key.
  • Name the key Real-Time Protection and press Enter.
  • Right-click on the Real-Time Protection (folder) key, select New, and click on DWORD (32-bit) Value.
  • Name the key DisableBehaviorMonitoring and press Enter.
  • Double-click the newly created key and set the value from 0 to 1.
  • Click OK.
  • Right-click on the Real-Time Protection (folder) key select New, and click on DWORD (32-bit) Value.
  • Name the key DisableOnAccessProtection and press Enter.
  • Double-click the newly created key and set the value from 0 to 1.
  • Click OK.
  • Right-click on the Real-Time Protection (folder) key select New, and click on DWORD (32-bit) Value.
  • Name the key DisableScanOnRealtimeEnable and press Enter.
  • Double-click the newly created key and set the value from 0 to 1
  • Click OK.
  • Restart your computer.

There’s also another way to disable Windows Defender however this only works if you don’t restart your computer. Once you restart your computer then it will become enabled again.

  • Open Windows Defender Security Center.
  • Click on Virus & threat protection.
  • Click the Virus & threat protection settings option.
  • Turn off the Real-time protection toggle switch.

Windows Defender will now stay disabled unless you do a restart.

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