On Windows 10, Windows Security is an experience that includes the settings to manage all of the built-in security features, including Windows Defender Antivirus, Windows Firewall, online security, and more.

Starting with the May 2019 Update (version 1903), Windows 10 is introducing Tamper Protection, which is a new feature designed to protect the Windows Security app against unauthorized changes that are not made directly through the experience.

Although this is a welcome addition that adds an extra layer of protection on Windows 10, it can cause some problems when you need to manage security settings through another app or command line tools, such as PowerShell or Command Prompt.

Fortunately, whether you want to improve your system security, or you're required to manage security settings using another app, the updated version of Windows Security makes it simple to enable or disable the new Tamper Protection feature.

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In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to enable and disable the Tamper Protection feature included with the Windows Security app starting with the May 2019 Update.

More on the May Update

Windows 10 May 2019 Update

How to disable Tamper Protection on Windows Security

To disable the Tamper Protection feature on Windows 10, use these steps:

  1. Open Start.
  2. Search for Windows Security and click the top result to open the experience.
  3. Click on Virus & threat protection.

  4. Under the "Virus & threat protection" section, click the Manage settings option.

  5. Turn off the Tamper Protection toggle switch.

Once you complete the steps, you will be able to change the Windows Security settings using command lines or using any other app.

How to enable Tamper Protection on Windows Security

To enable the Tamper Protection feature to prevent unauthorized setting changes on the Windows Security app, use these steps:

  1. Open Start.
  2. Search for Windows Security and click the top result to open the experience.
  3. Click on Virus & threat protection.

  4. Under the "Virus & threat protection" section, click the Manage settings option.

  5. Turn on the Tamper Protection toggle switch.

After you complete the steps, Windows 10 will protect the security of your device by preventing users or malicious apps from changing essential settings, including real-time protection, cloud-delivered protection, and behavior monitoring.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

Mauro recommends all these affordable accessories

Hi, I'm Mauro Huculak, Windows Central's help and how-to guru. I wrote the post you're reading now, and I know the Windows OS inside and out. But I'm also a bit of a hardware geek. These are some of the affordable gadgets on my desk today.

Logitech MX Master Wireless Mouse ($72 at Amazon)

I know mice, and this is the one I use every day. The MX Master is a wireless high-precision mouse that's very comfortable to use and has many great features, including the ability to connect with multiple devices, an infinite scroll wheel, back and forward buttons, all of which you can customize.

Ktrio Extended Gaming Mouse Pad ($12 at Amazon)

If you spend a lot of time typing, your palms and mouse will leave tracks on your desk. My solution was to start using gaming mouse pads, which are big enough for you to use the keyboard and the mouse comfortably. This is the one I use and recommend.

Supernight LED light strip ($20 at Amazon)

You could just use a regular light bulb in your office, but if you want to add some ambient lighting with different colors, an RGB LED strip is the way to go. This one is Mauro-approved.

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