If you're looking for a permanent solution to disable Windows Defender, in this guide we show you how to turn it off using Group Policy and the Registry.

Windows Defender is the free antivirus software that Microsoft includes on every installation of Windows 10 (and Windows 8.1). The security software is meant to offer the first line of defense to protect your computer against viruses, rootkits, spyware, and other types of malicious code.
The antivirus runs automatically on your computer, but it'll disable itself automatically when it detects another security software is installed on your device. The only caveat is that unlike the Windows Defender integration with Windows 8.1, you can't permanently disable the antivirus anymore.
Perhaps the reason is obvious, Microsoft doesn't want you to use Windows 10 with zero protection -- which it's a good reason. However, there are still those cases where users may prefer not to run an antivirus on particular scenarios. For example, on a kiosk computer that won't be joining a network and no one will be allowed to connect peripherals.
Windows 10 offers an option to disable Windows Defender, but it's a temporary option when you probably are looking for a more permanent solution.
In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to permanently disable Windows Defender from your device using the Group Policy Editor and Registry.
- How to disable Windows Defender using Local Group Policy
- How to disable Windows Defender using the Registry
- Bonus: How to disable Windows Defender using the Settings app
How to disable Windows Defender using Local Group Policy
If you're using Windows 10 Pro or any other enterprise variant, such as Windows 10 Enterprise or Windows 10 Education, you can use the Local Group Policy Editor to disable Windows Defender from your computer permanently.
- 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 DefenderOn the right, double-click Turn off Windows Defender.

- Select Enabled to disable Windows Defender.
- Click Apply.
Click OK.

Once you complete the above steps, you will notice the Windows Defender shield icon will continue to run in the system tray. To get rid of the icon, simply restart your computer.
At any time, if you want to re-enable Windows Defender, you only need to follow the same steps, but this time, on step 5 select the option Not configured. Then restart your computer to complete reverting the changes.
How to disable Windows Defender using the Registry
If you're running Windows 10 Home, you won't have access to the Local Group Policy Editor, as it's only available for enterprise versions of the operating system. However, you can modify the registry to accomplish the same result.
Important: Before diving into this guide, it's worth noting that editing the registry can be dangerous, and it can cause irreversible damage to your system if you don't do it correctly. It's highly recommended to make a full backup of your system before proceeding. You've been warned!
- 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- If you don't see DWORD DisableAntiSpyware, right-click on an empty space, select New, and click on DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Name the key DisableAntiSpyware.
Double-click the newly created key, and set the value from 0 to 1.

- Restart your computer to complete the task.
At any time, if you want to re-enable Windows Defender, you only need to follow the same steps, but this time, change the value on step 5 from 1 to 0. Then restart your computer to complete reverting the changes.
Bonus: How to disable Windows Defender using the Settings app
In the case, you're only looking to disable Windows Defender temporarily; you can do the following.
- Open Settings.
- Click on Update & security.
- Click on Windows Defender.
Turn off the toggle switch for Real-time protection.

While Windows Defender doesn't specify how long you can disable real-time protection, "temporary" usually means until the next time you reboot your computer.
It's really important to note that we're NOT saying that you shouldn't use an antivirus on your computer, but there are always situations when you may need to disable Windows Defender from your machine permanently.
If you landed on this guide just because you don't like the antivirus that comes built in Windows 10, you could always choose from a number of alternative antivirus software, which sometimes are better than Windows Defender.
Here are a few alternative that won't cost you a dime for basic protection:
More Windows 10 resources
For more help articles, coverage, and answers on Windows 10, you can visit the following resources:
Reader comments
How to permanently disable Windows Defender on Windows 10
For the people who need to deactivate this useless anti malware (it only keep blocked / screw up with many of the programs that i need, thing that even the Kaspersky don't do) :
In some cases it appears disguised as "Endpoint Protection" at Local Group Policy Editor, but the steps are the same as described above.
As absolutely insane as it sounds, you're forced to close Windows Defender just to access Microsofts PC gaming server. I just built a new PC and the GPU I bought came with a free game. The game being Gears of War 4, a MS exclusive, and thus you have to go through their XBL servers every single time just to get past the start screen. They're a load of geniouses, to have their AV system block their own servers, but w/e.
Now, the parts I bought also came with a year membership from of Kaspersky's, Malwarebytes and CCleaner. Hey, problem solved, right? No. Kaspersky's has the same issue. Why should I install a third AV program, just to access MS's own servers?
Which brings me to another thing; As a gamer, who has played MMO's for years, disabling your AV programs while connected to a secure server is a zero risk endeavor. Doing so prevents it from throttling your connection and eating resources. Even on a high end PC, you'll notice the difference. The days of needing to ALT+Tab are long over, with smart phones, so a gamer is free to devote their gaming machine to... GAMING.
Only useful for WC team so they have a new article
Who the hell would want to turn off Windows Defender ?
Since I used Windows 8, I always enable windows Defender, and no more use AntiVirus, and so far until I use windows 10 I never have any will to disable it, its maybe not the best, but so far my Surface and my PC are in Clean and Good Condition with no virus and malware detected
Actually for a standalone kiosk, why not just leave Windows Defender running? If the kiosk is already powerful enough to run Windows 10, I think it is unlikely leaving Windows Defender on will impact performance that much.
I thought the example a little odd myself (and I have worked on kiosk applications). If Windows Defender is causing a noticeable performance hit for the kiosk, there is something seriously wrong with the machine.
I have always used Windows defender & its superb for me. No viruses' at all. I update it every day. That's the important bit. Got a desktop ,laptop & a tablet.
Same
The best free, the most light weighted and unobtrusive anti-virus on the planet. Credit where it is due, MS security team has done phenomenal job with this.
Why would anyone do that though?
If only there was a stupidity protector
DO NOT DO THIS unless you know what you are doing and why. Windows defender shuts off automatically when another anti whatever program installs anyway.
No porn or torrents so defender has been fine for me and my household on three or four machines. Every once in a while I load Malwarebytes to see if I'm missing anything and we are always good to go. Don't do shady crap and be smart in what you click on.
Why would you want to do that, unless you like paying annually for antivirus renewal which is really not that better than defender?!
I fail to understand the reason for this article. Installing another AV will disable the real time scanning on Defender. This is an irresponsible article given people may just disable it without any other protection in place. Why not give some smart information in the article first?
So you didn't read the article?
Don't you know that Windows Defender can turn off automatically when it noticed any other AVs running? And don't you know that Windows Defender can even also scan at the midnight periodically to ensure that your computer can get the most?
After proper AV installed Defender will keep nagging if not disabled for good. That's new behavior in W10.
Actually it's quite the opposite. It automatically disable itself.
It will disable but then keep reminding being disabled. Not sure if AU changed that behavior.
I have Norton's installed and running with no issues for years, but after this last Win update, WD started working and has caused a real impact on browsing. Turned it off and browser issue went away.
I don't know if I only just started to notice it, or if the 1607 updated changed the behavior but Windows Defender appears to have a pretty big performance impact when I am working with file operations that involve thousands of files or at least hundreds of files on a magnetic hard drive. When I temporarily disable it, the operations happen a lot faster but before 1607 I didn't notice this. Has it started scanning more thoroughly?
Depends on the type of scan you select. In my use it has always yielded power to any app or program that I am currently working with.
Yep, combined with Malwarebytes free as an on demand scanner and CCleaner is all you need if you are cautious.
THIS ^ ^
I have been using Windows defender for a couple years in place of Norton, and still haven't had any virus.
I would like to turn off defender summary notifications when it does not need my attention. Microsoft forces us to even here sound even when it does not need my attention.
I pair Defender with an ad block like adfender. Works like a charm so far!
I accept Defender only as an additional safety instrument. In most tests and comparisons you find it at the end of the field so I use another programme. You can be super-smart, full of common sense but that doesn't mean you will never press a bad link or get an infected usb-stick.
I absolutely cannot understand how people can call it "the best". Is there any proof like the tests I mentioned who all tell the opposite?
Yes since Windows 7 (Microsoft essentials) till today only msft protection for my PC and its sufficient for me.
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I use SEP 12.1 which takes the place of Defender.
I never understood why people on social media constantly make fun of windows defender, to me its the best antivirus\firewall out there, others slow down or even feeeze the computers, and its from the same maker as the OS!!! I love it
Same.
I have been using only wd on my laptop nd install programs from trusted publishers only and no issues till date. Loving it.
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Yes. Many don't know about Windows Defender abilities. I suggest my friends to use only Windows Defender on their Windows 10 PCs.
They need something showy like plastic coated with nickel
Agreed!
I agree but it can get annoying for "expert" users-an AV is not really necessary, unless its a laptop you carry everywhere and let people interact with it in some way
I used to feel this way, but I don't believe is true anymore. Even legitimate websites can transmit viruses if their side isn't protected well.
thats why filtering web content is a common practice today, even legitimate websites as you say have little control over it, its an unfortunate situation that leaves users with no other option
Windows Defender is always using 100% disk for me and so I have it permanently disabled.
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It scans periodically the hard drive, it's perfectly normal. Do you have a slow and old mechanical hard drive? If yes, I suggest to upgrade to SSD.
I started using Windows defender since it came out, I never have any issue with it.
Windows Defender and windows firewall work great as long as you are smart about what you click on on the web. For those users that click on everything and don't know the difference between an official website and a fake one then those people need third party virus protection. I suggest Avira its light, clean, and offers good protection.
Yeah you may be right. But I don't think I need one. I update Windows Defender regularly. Also Windows Defender Guard is coming to Edge which means safe browsing on the safest browser(But I think only for Windows 10 Enterprise)
Are there really programs on the normal user level that protect against stupidity though? I realize they might catch most stuff, but some of the more sophisticated ones have to slip through if you are clicking on everything on the net.
Your statement is only partially correct. Nowadays you can get viruses, malware and ransomware even visiting legitimate websites when they get hacked (e.g. "drive by malware"); so even if you are conscientious about what you visit, you could still be hit.
Personally I just use Windows Defender, but I do most of my internet browsing with IE + sandboxie. As long as you run sandboxie, you can even intentionally run viruses and they will be contained. You pay once, so no subscription fee, and it doesn't use much system resources since it's not active in the background. It's not compatible with Edge though.
Windows Defender is the best ❤
Not on its own though. It lacks a lot of security features that can protect from virus's/spyware/malware etc before they can even reach the computer :p (I'm not saying its a bad program though, just lacks in some places. But the antivirus (etc) definitions are good)
People need to change their opinion about Windows Defender. It has improved a lot in Windows 10 especially RS1.
I don't think its that people hate it, it's more just other programs offer more features. Maybe MS will add said features in RS2. If so, it will probably change people's minds on it
☺
Features that slow computers down and eat resources like chrome.
Depends on the program. I use Avast on my laptop (which doesn't have the best resource capacity) and my computer runs very fast. However some program's like McAfee, Norton (in my case) etc. Do eat a good amount of resources. (If we're comparing it to Chrome, Chrome eats up a lot of resources, while some of the AV's I've used like Avast barely makes a dent). So really it depends on which program you look at
I used to use Avast but gave it up as a bad joke,such a resource hog. I'm more than happy with Windows defender, maybe not the be all and end all but performs well and is resource friendly.
I run a monthly sweep with MalWare-Bytes and never have an issue.
Well I've already said I don't have issues with WD. I just don't use it as my primary AV :p Malwarebytes is also great, but it's unfortunately, definitely a resource hog
Yeah. Just keep it updated
Yeah. Just keep it updated
@n m, malwarebytes is not infallible either. Hitman pro picked a malware that it missed. Happened once in a blue moon.
I use only Defender. I don't care about features as long as I don't get infected and knock on wood over the past 5 years Defender has done the job with no issues. When I had Norton I did get infected.
Like the fox guarding the hen house.
Idiot
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It is only because you know I am right. After the dirty deeds Ms have done over the last year or so, I find it even harder to trust MS.
Go trust Android Central/iMore
I do not trust Android either, but at least I know what I signed up for when I got my phone and I do not do anything that important on my phone.
I have been using it for years in conjunction with Malware bytes. Perfectly happy.
This ^
Perfect combination.
This is a really good combo.