How To Turn Off Microsoft Defender Antivirus Service?

If you are a Windows user, you’ve likely heard of Microsoft Defender Antivirus. This antivirus service is part of the Windows operating system, and while it is generally reliable, it can sometimes be disruptive to your daily tasks. In this article, we’ll discuss how to turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus service and provide some tips on how to keep your system secure without it.

language.

What is Microsoft Defender Antivirus Service?

Microsoft Defender Antivirus Service is a security service from Microsoft that helps to protect Windows computers from malware, such as viruses, ransomware, and other malicious software. It works by scanning your computer for any malicious files and then removing them if found. It also monitors any changes to your system, including downloading and installing new applications, to ensure your computer is secure. The service is included in Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7 and is available as a free download for other versions of Windows.

How to Turn Off Microsoft Defender Antivirus Service?

Microsoft Defender Antivirus Service can be disabled or enabled depending on your computer’s needs. It is recommended to keep the service enabled for maximum security, but if you need to disable it for any reason, here is how to do it.

Instructions for Windows 10

1. Go to the Start menu and type “Windows Security” in the search bar.
2. Select “Windows Security” from the search results.
3. Select “Virus & threat protection”.
4. Select “Manage settings”.
5. Under the “Virus & threat protection settings” section, locate “Real-time protection”.
6. Toggle off the switch to turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus Service.

Instructions for Windows 8/7

1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Go to the System and Security section.
3. Select “Action Center”.
4. Select “Change Action Center settings”.
5. Under the “Security settings” section, locate “Virus protection”.
6. Toggle off the switch to turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus Service.

Changing Registry Settings

If the above steps fail to turn off the Microsoft Defender Antivirus Service, you can manually change the registry settings. This can be done by following the steps below:

1. Open the Run dialog box by pressing Windows Key + R.
2. Type “regedit” and press Enter.
3. Navigate to the following registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender.
4. Double-click on the “DisableAntiSpyware” entry in the right-hand pane.
5. Change the “Value data” from 0 to 1 and click OK.
6. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

Re-enabling Microsoft Defender Antivirus Service

If you need to re-enable the Microsoft Defender Antivirus Service, you can do so by following the same steps as above, but with the “Value data” set to 0 instead of 1. Once the changes have been made, restart your computer and the service should be re-enabled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How do I turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus service?

A1. To turn off the Microsoft Defender Antivirus service, you need to open the Start menu and search for “Windows Security”. Then click on the “Virus & threat protection” option. Then, click on the “Manage settings” option under the “Virus & threat protection settings” section. Finally, toggle the switch to the “Off” position to turn off the Microsoft Defender Antivirus service.

Q2. What happens when I turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus service?

A2. When you turn off the Microsoft Defender Antivirus service, your computer will no longer be protected from any virus or malware threats. Thus, it is important to ensure that you have installed a trusted third-party antivirus program after turning off the Microsoft Defender Antivirus service. This will ensure that your computer is protected from any potential threats.

Q3. How can I turn on the Microsoft Defender Antivirus service again?

A3. To turn on the Microsoft Defender Antivirus service again, you need to open the Start menu and search for “Windows Security”. Then click on the “Virus & threat protection” option. Then, click on the “Manage settings” option under the “Virus & threat protection settings” section. Finally, toggle the switch to the “On” position to turn on the Microsoft Defender Antivirus service.

Q4. Can I edit the settings after turning on the Microsoft Defender Antivirus service?

A4. Yes, you can edit the settings after turning on the Microsoft Defender Antivirus service. To do so, open the Start menu and search for “Windows Security”. Then click on the “Virus & threat protection” option. Then, click on the “Advanced settings” option under the “Virus & threat protection settings” section. This will open the “Windows Defender Security Center” where you can then customize the settings according to your preferences.

Q5. Is Microsoft Defender Antivirus free?

A5. Yes, Microsoft Defender Antivirus is free. It is pre-installed on all Windows 10 devices, and it provides basic protection from viruses and other malware threats. However, if you need more advanced protection, then you can purchase a third-party antivirus program for additional protection.

How to Disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus on Windows 10 Temporarily and Permanently 2020

Microsoft Defender Antivirus is a great tool for keeping your computer safe from malicious software and threats. It is an important part of any computer user’s security arsenal. But if you want to turn it off, it is easy to do so. With just a few clicks, you can disable the service and ensure that your computer is safe from any unwanted threats. So, if you want to keep your computer safe, make sure to turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus service.