Windows Defender is the pre-installed antivirus software program that comes in every version of Microsoft Windows. Although it will automatically disable itself when antivirus protection is installed into the system. But if it will not then you can turn off it manually.

Here is how to turn off Windows Defender permanently or temporarily in all versions of Microsoft Windows.

How to disable Windows Defender in your Windows XP

If Windows Defender is pre-installed on your system, then you can turn off easily.

Here is how to turn off it:

1. Look for Windows Defender icon in the Status bar.

If the program is installed, then you can directly open the file location “C:\Program Files\Windows Defender.”

2. Double-click on the Windows Defender icon.

3. From the top menu bar, open ‘Tools.’

4. And select ‘Options.’

5. From the left side of the screen, click ‘Administrator.’

6. And then from the right side, unmark the box of ‘Use this program.’

7. And click ‘OK.’

How to disable Windows Defender in your Windows 7

1. Tap the ‘Windows’ key.

2. Find the ‘Windows Defender.’

3. And open the program.

4. From the top menu bar, open ‘Tools.’

5. And select ‘Options.’

6. From the left side of the screen, click ‘Administrator.’

7. And then from the right side, unmark the box of ‘Use this program.’

8. Then click ‘OK.’

9. Click ‘Yes’ to allow permission to User Account Control.

How to disable Windows Defender in your Windows 8.1 PC

Disabling Windows Defender on Windows 8.1 system is very much similar as on Windows 7.

1. Tap and hold down the ‘Windows’ key and tap ‘C’ key.

2. Then click on ‘Search.’

3. Type ‘Windows Defender’.

4. And open the program.

5. From the top menu bar, open ‘Tools.’

6. And select ‘Options.’

7. From the left side of the screen, click ‘Administrator.’

8. And then from the right side, unmark the box of ‘Use this program.’

9. And then click ‘OK.’

10. Click ‘Yes’ to allow permission to User Account Control.

How to disable Windows Defender in your Windows 10 PC

The method will work on all the versions of Windows 10 on Windows 10 Pro, Education and Enterprise. And this will turn off Windows Defender permanently.

1. Tap and hold down the ‘Windows’ key and tap ‘R’ key to start ‘Run.’

2. Type ‘gpedit.msc.’ into the text field.

3. And click ‘OK.’

4. Now, go to Computer Configuration then Administrative Templates and click on Windows Components, then select Windows Defender Antivirus.

5. Click twice on ‘Turn off Windows Defender Antivirus’ option from the right side of the screen.

6. Select ‘Enabled.’

7. And then click on ‘OK.’

8. After that reboot your PC.

How to disable Windows Defender temporarily from Security Centre

Users can also disable the program for temporary, and this is also very simple.

Here is how to turn off the program temporarily.

1. Tap the ‘Windows’ key.

2. And find ‘Windows Defender Security Centre’ from it.

3. From the left side of the desktop, select ‘Virus & threat protection.’

4. And then from the right side, select ‘Virus & threat protection settings.’

5. Go to the ‘Real-time protection’ option.

6. Turn off the toggle switch.

This will remain disabled until your PC does not shut down. Once your PC will restart Windows Defender will turn on again.

Sources :- https://abigail909smith.home.blog/2019/03/13/how-to-disable-windows...

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