Best Way To Turn Off or Disable Windows Defender in Windows 11/10

Best Way to Turn Off or Disable Windows Defender (Windows 11/10)

What the video covers

• Purpose: Shows two methods to disable Windows Defender (Windows Security):
  • Temporary disable via Settings.
  • Permanent disable via the Registry.
• Note: Windows Defender provides important protection and should normally remain enabled. Disabling is typically done only to install certain third‑party apps or third‑party security software.

Method 1 — Temporary disable (Settings)

1. Right‑click Start → Settings.
2. Go to Update & Security → Windows Security.
3. Open Virus & threat protection → scroll down → Manage settings.
4. Turn off Real‑time protection (and Cloud‑delivered protection if present).
5. This disables protection temporarily; it can be re‑enabled from the same settings.

Method 2 — Permanent disable (Registry edit)

1. Right‑click Start → Run → type regedit → OK (admin consent required).

2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender

3. Right‑click → New → DWORD (32‑bit) Value.

4. Name it exactly: DisableAntiSpyware (no spaces).
5. Double‑click the new DWORD and set Value data = 1.
6. Restart the PC — Windows Defender/Windows Security will be disabled permanently.
7. To re‑enable: delete the DisableAntiSpyware DWORD and restart.

Caution: The registry path and exact DWORD name/value are critical. Editing the registry requires admin privileges and can affect system behavior. Disabling Windows Defender reduces system protection — only disable when necessary and re‑enable afterward.

Key technical details and cautions

• Registry path and exact DWORD name/value are critical: DisableAntiSpyware = 1.
• Admin privileges and a restart are required for changes to take effect.
• Disabling Windows Defender reduces system protection; only disable when necessary and re‑enable afterward.

Main speaker / source

• Video presenter (unnamed tutorial author)