Turn Windows Defender On or Off using Registry Editor

Step 1: In the Search Bar, Search for the “regedit”. And go with the best available option to open the Registry Editor.

Step 2: Follow the path HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Policies > Microsoft > Windows Defender. Right-click on the option. Click the Next option, and later go for the DWORD (32-bit) Value.

Step 3: Provide the name DisableAntiSpyware for to turn off the Windows Defender. And to turn on the Windows Defender again, the name will be changed to EnableAntiSpyware.

Step 4: Double-click over it to open a new small window. Provide the Value Data as 1 to make the key functional.

Hence, we have successfully turned Windows Defender On and Off using the Registry Editor.

How to Turn Windows Defender On or Off?

In 2019, Microsoft Inc. declared the Windows Defender Antivirus, or Windows Defender application will be now prominently available on Windows 10 and later versions. Earlier, the Windows Defender Antivirus was present as a free application that can be installed on any Windows OS for security purposes. But later, it expands more to provide security to other OS like Mac.

Windows Defender works on the system where it continuously searches for malware and if there is anything, it will be directly isolated and then removed. So, if any users want to install any third-party application that is targeted by the Windows Defender, they need to Off Windows Defender while using the application. After using that application, Enabling Windows Defender should be done by the users.

In this article, we will discuss the methods required for the On or Off process of Windows Defender Antivirus Software.

Table of Content

  • Why Should You Disable Windows Defender Antivirus on Windows 10?
  • Different Methods Make Windows Defender On or Off?
  • Method 1: Turn Windows Defender On or Off using Settings
  • Method 2: Turn Windows Defender On or Off using Registry Editor
  • Method 3: Turn Windows Defender On or Off using Group Policy

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Why Should You Disable Windows Defender Antivirus on Windows 10?

Windows Defender Antivirus is installed on Windows devices for the safety and security of various malware that can affect the performance and privacy of the device. That is the reason, many users never want to disable the service. But, there might be some scenarios where disabling Windows Defender Antivirus becomes a necessity....

Different Methods Make Windows Defender On or Off?

For turning On or Off Windows Defender Antivirus, there are mainly three methods present. We will discuss each methods one by one. Let’s start with the simple method which uses the Settings of the Device....

Method 1: Turn Windows Defender On or Off using Settings

Step 1: Open Settings & go to the Update & Security....

Method 2: Turn Windows Defender On or Off using Registry Editor

Step 1: In the Search Bar, Search for the “regedit”. And go with the best available option to open the Registry Editor....

Method 3: Turn Windows Defender On or Off using Group Policy

Step 1: Open the Run Window by pressing the Windows + R keys. Now, write the command ‘gpedit.msc’ there and click OK....

Also Read

How to Disable Virus Protection on Your Computer? How to Fix “DNS Server Not Responding” Error? Optimize Windows OS for Better Performance How to Exclude Files or Folders from Windows Defender Scans?...

FAQs to Turn Windows Defender On or Off

1. How to turn off Windows Defender on my Windows 10 laptop?...