You can disable Windows Defender temporarily or permanently, but the method depends on whether you're running Windows Home or Pro

Windows Defender is the built-in antivirus program that comes with Windows 10 and Windows 11. It runs automatically in the background to scan for threats. If you want to turn it off — because you're installing another antivirus program, troubleshooting a conflict, or testing software — the steps differ based on your Windows edition and whether you want the change to last or just for one session.

The simplest way to disable it temporarily is through the Windows Security app, which takes about 30 seconds. Permanent disabling requires access to Group Policy Editor, which is only available in Windows Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions. If you have Windows Home, you'll need a different approach.

Key Takeaways

  • Temporary disabling through Windows Security works on all Windows versions and turns Defender back on automatically after a restart.
  • Permanent disabling requires Group Policy Editor, which only exists in Windows Pro and higher editions.
  • Windows Home users cannot permanently disable Defender through the standard settings, but can uninstall third-party antivirus conflicts or use Registry Editor as a workaround.
  • Disabling Defender leaves your computer unprotected against malware, so only do this if you're installing another antivirus program immediately after.
  • If Defender is grayed out or won't turn off, your computer may be managed by an organization or domain, and you'll need to contact your IT administrator.

Disable Windows Defender temporarily through Windows Security

This method turns off Defender for a few hours or until you restart your computer. It's the safest option if you just need it off while you install or test something.

Step 1: Press the Windows key and type "Windows Security" into the search box, then open the app.

Step 2: Click "Virus & threat protection" in the left menu.

Step 3: Under "Virus & threat protection settings," click "Manage settings."

Step 4: Toggle off "Real-time protection." Windows will ask you to confirm — click "Yes." Defender will stop scanning immediately, but the toggle will turn back on automatically when you restart your computer.

Permanently disable Windows Defender using Group Policy Editor (Windows Pro and higher only)

This method keeps Defender off even after restarts. It only works on Windows Pro, Enterprise, or Education — not Windows Home.

Step 1: Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.

Step 2: Type "gpedit.msc" and press Enter. The Group Policy Editor window will open.

Step 3: Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus.

Step 4: Double-click the policy called "Turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus."

Step 5: Select "Enabled" and click "Apply," then "OK." Restart your computer for the change to take effect.

To turn Defender back on later, return to the same policy and select "Not Configured" or "Disabled."

Disable Windows Defender on Windows Home using Registry Editor

Windows Home doesn't have Group Policy Editor, but you can disable Defender through the Registry. This method is more technical and carries more risk if you edit the wrong key, so proceed carefully.

Step 1: Press Windows key + R, type "regedit," and press Enter. The Registry Editor will open.

Step 2: Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Policies > Microsoft > Windows Defender.

Step 3: Right-click in the empty space on the right side and select "New" > "DWORD (32-bit) Value."

Step 4: Name the new key "DisableAntiSpyware" and press Enter.

Step 5: Double-click the key you just created, change the value from 0 to 1, and click "OK."

Step 6: Restart your computer. Defender will be disabled after the restart.

To re-enable Defender, change the value back to 0 or delete the DisableAntiSpyware key entirely.

What to do if Windows Defender won't turn off

If the toggle is grayed out or you get an error message, your computer is likely managed by an organization, school, or workplace domain. In this case, Group Policy or Registry changes won't work because an administrator has locked the settings.

Contact your IT department or system administrator and ask them to disable Defender for you. They have the authority to override these restrictions. Do not attempt to bypass domain restrictions, as this can violate workplace or school policy.

If you own the computer but still can't disable Defender, restart in Safe Mode with Networking and try the steps again. Safe Mode loads only essential drivers and services, which sometimes allows changes that are blocked in normal mode.

Why you might want to disable Windows Defender

The most common reason is installing a different antivirus program. Running two antivirus programs at the same time causes them to conflict with each other, slowing down your computer and sometimes preventing either one from working correctly. Disabling Defender before you install a third-party antivirus prevents this conflict.

Another reason is troubleshooting. If your computer is running slowly or a program won't install, Defender's real-time scanning might be the cause. Turning it off temporarily can help you determine whether Defender is the problem.

Some people disable Defender to test software or run older programs that trigger false alarms. However, only do this if you trust the source of the software, because you'll have no antivirus protection while Defender is off.

Important safety considerations before disabling Defender

Windows Defender is designed to protect your computer from malware, viruses, and other threats. Disabling it leaves your system vulnerable. Only turn it off if you have a specific reason and a plan to replace it with another antivirus program immediately.

Never leave your computer without any antivirus protection. If you're uninstalling Defender to install a different program, have that program downloaded and ready to install before you disable Defender. The window between disabling one and enabling another should be as short as possible.

If you're disabling Defender to test or run a program, re-enable it as soon as you're done. Don't leave it off permanently unless you have another antivirus program actively running and monitoring your system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will disabling Windows Defender affect Windows Updates?

No. Windows Updates and Windows Defender are separate systems. You can disable Defender without affecting your ability to receive security updates for Windows itself. However, you will stop receiving malware definitions that Defender uses to recognize threats.

Can I disable just the firewall part of Windows Defender?

Yes. In Windows Security, go to "Firewall & network protection" and toggle off the firewall for the network type you want (Domain, Private, or Public). This disables the firewall without touching the antivirus scanner. However, disabling the firewall also leaves that part of your system unprotected.

What happens if I disable Defender and then restart my computer?

If you disabled it through Windows Security (the temporary method), it will turn back on automatically after restart. If you disabled it through Group Policy or Registry (the permanent method), it will stay off after restart unless you reverse the change.

Is it safe to disable Windows Defender if I have another antivirus program?

Yes, as long as the other antivirus program is actively running and up to date. Make sure the replacement program is fully installed and monitoring your system before you disable Defender. Check that the new program's real-time protection is turned on.

How do I know if Defender is actually disabled?

Open Windows Security and go to "Virus & threat protection." If the real-time protection toggle is off and stays off after a restart, Defender is disabled. You can also check the Windows Defender icon in the system tray — it will show a yellow or red warning icon if protection is off.