Forum Discussion

AlphaSix's avatar
AlphaSix
Copper Contributor
Oct 27, 2024

How to disable Windows Defender and related services on Win 11?

Windows won't let me disable them while the system is running. When I disable them offline, Windows un-disables them on the next boot. My laptop that was upgraded from Win 10 does not fight me at all. What is it on Win 11 that overrides the changes?

3 Replies

  • Kyle_TM's avatar
    Kyle_TM
    Copper Contributor

    NOTE that Microsoft is not a security company however, and they don't keep up-to-date on the latest/greatest threats, as was seen a few years ago during the Meltdown/Spectre fiasco. As such, procuring a non-Microsoft solution is often ideal; This is a rational identification that a company that specializes in security won't be held back or restrict access to fixes, which may impede the product itself (Windows); This is a value which is provided significant weight by being identifiable within the CISSP curriculum, particularly within it's IAM sections; 'If you don't have authority in a domain, don't modify it.' Additionally, Security products don't play nicely with each other, as their primary goal is access restriction (for unauthorized processes), meaning one can easily recognize another as a threat b/c it is scanning and reviewing components/processes it should not be. As such, disabling & replacing Microsoft's defender solution SHOULD be priority 1 for ANY enterprise.

  • It's not recommended to disable Defender and related services, as it may reduce overall security for your device.
  • MChavarria's avatar
    MChavarria
    Copper Contributor
    Windows Defender is designed to stay active as part of Windows 11's security framework. Even if you disable it, your system's integrity checks may interfere and turn it back on to protect you.

Resources