To turn off Windows Defender (Microsoft Defender Antivirus) in Windows 10, open Windows Security, go to Virus & threat protection, click Manage settings, and switch Real-time protection to Off. This is temporary: Windows turns it back on automatically after a short time or when you restart. To disable Defender for good, install another antivirus program. Windows switches Defender off by itself when a third-party antivirus is active.
Turning off antivirus protection leaves your PC exposed, so only do it briefly for a specific reason, like installing trusted software that Defender blocks by mistake. Often an exclusion is a better fix.
Method 1: Turn off real-time protection temporarily
- Click Start, type Windows Security, and open it.
- Click Virus & threat protection.
- Under Virus & threat protection settings, click Manage settings.
- Switch Real-time protection to Off and click Yes on the prompt.
Scheduled scans may still run, and Defender turns real-time protection back on automatically. When you’re done with the task, switch it back on yourself instead of waiting.
Method 2: Add an exclusion instead (recommended)
If Defender keeps blocking a file, folder, or app you trust, exclude just that item and keep the rest of your PC protected.
- In Windows Security, go to Virus & threat protection > Manage settings.
- Scroll to Exclusions and click Add or remove exclusions.
- Click Add an exclusion and choose File, Folder, File type, or Process.
- Select the item you want Defender to skip.
Only exclude items you’re sure are safe. Malware in an excluded folder won’t be detected.
Method 3: Let another antivirus take over
When you install a compatible third-party antivirus, like Bitdefender, Norton, or ESET, Windows automatically turns off Microsoft Defender Antivirus to avoid conflicts. You’ll see the other product listed in Windows Security. If you uninstall it later, Defender turns back on by itself.
What about Group Policy or the Registry?
Older guides tell you to use the Turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus policy or the DisableAntiSpyware registry value. Microsoft has since changed how these work:
- Tamper Protection, which is on by default, blocks changes to Defender made through the Registry, PowerShell, or Group Policy on home PCs.
- The DisableAntiSpyware setting is deprecated and ignored on current versions of Defender for most PCs.
- On business PCs, Defender is controlled by your organization’s management tools. Contact your IT department.
Turning off Tamper Protection to force Defender off isn’t recommended. It makes it easier for malware to disable your protection too.
How to turn Windows Defender back on
- Go to Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Manage settings and switch Real-time protection to On.
- If the switch is grayed out, another antivirus is active, or a policy is set. Uninstall the other antivirus or check with your IT department.
- Make sure Tamper Protection is On in the same settings page.
Frequently asked questions
Does turning off real-time protection turn off the firewall?
No. Windows Defender Firewall is separate. You can manage it in Windows Security > Firewall & network protection, but it’s best to leave it on.
Why does real-time protection keep turning back on?
That’s by design. Windows re-enables it automatically to keep your PC protected when no other antivirus is installed.
Is it safe to use my PC without an antivirus?
No. Even careful users can get malware from email attachments, downloads, or compromised websites. Keep Defender or another antivirus running.
Do these steps work on Windows 11?
Yes. The steps are the same in Windows 11’s Windows Security app.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.