With each passing, computer users are always advised to ensure that their computers are safe from virus, malware, and spyware attacks. To prevent these attacks, computer manufacturers have included default software such as the Windows Defender, however, Windows Defender isn’t as good and as strong as the latest software in the market, hence the need to disable it. Note that Windows Defender cannot be uninstalled, rather, it can only be disabled.
Having Windows Defender running alongside other antivirus programs may use up computer resources and slow down the computer.
So, here’s a step by step guide on how to disable Windows Defender in Windows 10.
- In the search box near Start, type in “Windows Defender” and Click on “Windows Defender” in the showing up options.
- You’ll be presented with various options, simply turn the real-time protection to off.
To turn off Windows defended through Local Group Policy Editor, follow these steps.
- To turn off through Local Group Policy Editor, Open “Local Group Policy Editor” by searching it in the Search bar near start.
- Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Defender on the left-hand side of your screen.
- On the right-hand side, double on Disable Windows Defender option.
- Now simply change the radio button to “Disabled.”
- Click Ok and exit.
To disable Windows Defender in Windows 7 or in Windows 8, here’s what you need to do.
- Click on Start, on the search bar, type in “Windows Defender.” Click on Windows Defender in the Search Result.
- Click on Tools located at the top of the Windows Defender window that opens.
- Click on Options.
- Click on Administrator on the left-hand side and then unmark the box saying “Use this Program.”
- Click Save and a dialogue box will pop up showing you that the program has been successfully disabled.
There are a few things worthy of note.
When you turn off Windows Defender, you expose your computer to some risks, and these risks are heightened if you have no antivirus program installed. Ensure you have an active antivirus installed with an up-to-date virus definition database.