5 Ways to Permanently Disable Microsoft Defender in Windows 11

Microsoft Defender is an integral part of the Windows operating system, providing real-time protection against viruses, malware, and a variety of security threats. However, there are circumstances where users may wish to disable Microsoft Defender entirely, such as when installing third-party antivirus software or for specific troubleshooting scenarios.

In this article, we will discuss five effective methods to permanently disable Microsoft Defender in Windows 11. Each method comes with its own set of directions and considerations, ensuring that you can choose the one that best fits your needs.

Method 1: Using the Group Policy Editor

The Group Policy Editor is a powerful tool that allows users to make advanced configurations to Windows. This method is generally available for Windows 11 Pro, Education, and Enterprise editions. If you have one of these versions, follow these steps:

Open the Group Policy Editor:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type gpedit.msc and hit Enter.

Navigate to Windows Defender Settings:

In the Group Policy Editor, navigate to:

Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Microsoft Defender Antivirus

Disable Microsoft Defender:
- Find the setting labeled “Turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus” on the right pane.
- Double-click on it to open the settings.
- Select “Enabled” to disable Microsoft Defender.
- Click “Apply,” then “OK” to confirm your changes.
Restart Your Computer:
- For changes to take effect, restart your computer.

This method effectively disables Microsoft Defender through a policy change, preventing it from starting up with Windows, thus providing a permanent solution.

Method 2: Using the Windows Registry

The Windows Registry is another advanced tool that can be used to control various aspects of Windows 11, including Microsoft Defender. This method requires caution since incorrect changes in the Registry can lead to system instability.

Open the Registry Editor:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type regedit and hit Enter.
Navigate to the Microsoft Defender Key:
- In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path:
```
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindows Defender
```
Create or Modify the DisableAntiSpyware Value:
- If the ‘Windows Defender’ key does not exist, you will need to create it.
- In the right pane, right-click and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Name it DisableAntiSpyware.
- Double-click on DisableAntiSpyware, and set its value to 1.
Close the Registry Editor:
- Close the Registry Editor.
Restart Your Computer:
- Again, a restart is necessary for the changes to apply.

By following these steps, you can ensure that Microsoft Defender does not run upon startup, effectively disabling it on a permanent basis.

Method 3: Using PowerShell

PowerShell is a versatile command-line shell that allows advanced users to perform various tasks, including disabling Microsoft Defender. This method is suitable for users familiar with command-line interfaces.

Open PowerShell as an Administrator:
- Search for ‘PowerShell’ in the Start Menu.
- Right-click on Windows PowerShell and choose “Run as administrator.”
Disable Microsoft Defender:
- In the PowerShell window, enter the following command:
```
Set-MpPreference -DisableRealtimeMonitoring $true
```
- This command disables real-time monitoring. To ensure that Defender stays turned off, use:
```
Set-MpPreference -DisableBlockAtFirstSeen $true
```
Disable Additional Defender Features:
- If you want to turn off additional features, use commands like:
```
Set-MpPreference -PUAProtection Disabled
Set-MpPreference -OnAccessProtectionEnabled $false
```
Restart Your Computer:
- Reboot your system for the changes to take effect.

Utilizing PowerShell allows for an effective and permanent way to disable Microsoft Defender, especially for users who prefer command-line operations.

Method 4: Uninstalling Microsoft Defender via Windows Settings

In some circumstances, you may want to uninstall Microsoft Defender. It’s important to note that this is generally not recommended unless you have another antivirus program installed. Here, we explain how to remove Microsoft Defender through the Windows Settings interface.

Open Windows Settings:
- Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
Go to Privacy & Security:
- Navigate to Privacy & security in the left pane.
Open Windows Security:
- Click on Windows Security and select Virus & threat protection.
Manage Settings:
- Scroll down to the “Virus & threat protection settings” section and click on Manage settings.
Turn Off Real-time Protection:
- Toggle the switch under "Real-time protection" to turn it off.
Install a Third-party Antivirus:
- It is highly recommended that you install another reputable antivirus software. Windows may automatically re-enable Defender if it detects that no other protection is available.

This method primarily aids users who’ve already opted for third-party antivirus solutions and want to ensure there’s no interference from Microsoft Defender.

Method 5: Using a Third-Party Antivirus Program

One of the simplest and most efficient ways to disable Microsoft Defender permanently is by installing a reputable third-party antivirus solution. When you install another AV program, Microsoft Defender usually disables itself automatically. Here’s how to do it:

Choose a Reputable Antivirus:
- Select a trusted third-party antivirus software that meets your needs. Some popular options include Norton, McAfee, Kaspersky, and Bitdefender.
Download and Install the Software:
- Visit the official website of the chosen antivirus, download the installation file, and run it.
- During installation, follow on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Allow for Automatic Changes:
- Most third-party antivirus software will prompt you to allow it to disable Microsoft Defender. Accept this to ensure ongoing security protection.
Configure Antivirus Settings:
- After installation, open the antivirus application and configure the settings according to your preferences.
Verify Microsoft Defender is Disabled:
- Once installed and configured, you can check Windows Security to confirm that Microsoft Defender is indeed turned off. Open the Windows Security app, and navigate to Virus & threat protection to see if it indicates that Defender is disabled.

This method simplistically resolves the issue of system protection by providing third-party software while ensuring Microsoft Defender no longer runs in the background.

Conclusion

Although Microsoft Defender is a robust antivirus solution built into Windows 11, there are several reasons you might want to disable it permanently. Whether you prefer to use third-party antivirus software, need to troubleshoot a specific issue, or wish to reduce system resource usage, the methods outlined here should meet your needs.

Choose the approach that best suits your technical comfort level and Windows version. Remember to prioritize your system’s security by installing a reliable alternative antivirus solution if you decide to disable Microsoft Defender. By implementing one of these methods, you can permanently disable Microsoft Defender in Windows 11, providing you with the peace of mind to manage your device as you see fit.