Forum Discussion
BernieSanders
May 13, 2025Iron Contributor
How to disable windows defender on Windows 11?
Windows Defender can't let me run some of the old apps and automatically deleted them from my external USB drive. I am pretty sure the files are apps are 100% safe as I have using them for more than ...
MikePen
May 13, 2025Iron Contributor
If you can't turn off Windows Defender (also known as Microsoft Defender Antivirus) on your PC, it’s likely due to one or more of the following reasons:
Tamper Protection is Enabled
Tamper Protection prevents unauthorized changes to Windows Security settings, including turning off Defender.
Fix:
- Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection
- Click Manage settings under Virus & threat protection settings
- Scroll down and turn off Tamper Protection
Group Policy or Registry Lock
In some cases, Group Policy or Registry settings enforce that Defender stays on.
- Fix via Group Policy (Windows Pro only):
- Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter
- Go to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus
- Set "Turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus" to Enabled. This will turn off Windows Defender.
- Restart your PC
The above are two effective ways to help you disable Windows Defender on Windows 11/10. Please go and try out yourself!