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 10 years on my old Windows 7 PC.How to disable windows defender on Windows 11? I check all the options in settings and did not find a way to do that. Did I do something wrong or need additional steps to turn off Windows defender on my Windows 11 laptop?

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 EnabledTamper Protection prevents unauthorized changes to Windows Security settings, including turning off Defender.Fix:Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Virus & Threat ProtectionClick Manage settings under Virus & threat protection settingsScroll down and turn off Tamper ProtectionGroup Policy or Registry LockIn 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 EnterGo to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Defender AntivirusSet "Turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus" to Enabled. This will turn off Windows Defender.Restart your PCThe above are two effective ways to help you disable Windows Defender on Windows 11/10. Please go and try out yourself!

Nobody asked for your opinion about anti-viruses. The question was: how to disable it, either you know or you don't.

How to disable windows defender on Windows computer? Why not use Group Policy Editor?1. Open Group Policy Editor:Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.2. Navigate to Defender Settings:Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus.3. Disable Defender:Double-click Turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus. Set it to Enabled. Click Apply, then OK.4. Restart your PC for the changes to take effect.Note: This policy disables Microsoft Defender permanently until changed again.Another way to disable Windows defender on Windows 11: Registry Editor1. Open Registry Editor:Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.2. Navigate to the Defender key:Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender3. Create or modify DWORD:Find or create a DWORD value named DisableAntiSpyware.Set its value to 1 to disable Defender.4. Restart your PC.Warning: Modifying system policies and registry can cause system instability if done incorrectly. Proceed carefully, and back up your registry before making changes.

Microsoft intentionally makes its difficult to disable Windows Defender to ensure the Windows system remains protected against malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats. In the past, users could easily disable antivirus software, which left many systems vulnerable—especially for less tech-savvy users who didn’t realize the risks.By requiring multiple steps, like turning off Tamper Protection or modifying Group Policy or the Registry, Microsoft aims to prevent accidental or unauthorized changes that could compromise system security.Furthermore, with increasing threats and more sophisticated malware, Microsoft wants to maintain a baseline level of protection for all Windows users. Windows Defender is deeply integrated into the Windows operating system and is designed to re-enable itself automatically if disabled improperly.This approach helps reduce infections and data breaches, especially on systems without third-party antivirus software. While this can be frustrating for power users who prefer full control, the overall design prioritizes safety and security for the broader user base.Be careful before you decided to turn off Windows Defender Antivirus on your PC!

How to disable Windows Defender in Windows 11 pro, knowing that the Windows product key is activated.

How to disable windows defender on Windows 11?

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PatrickRoss
Iron Contributor
May 13, 2025
Disabling Windows Defender can be done through several methods. Keep in mind that turning off antivirus protection may make your system vulnerable to threats, so proceed with caution and only disable it if necessary for troubleshooting or other legitimate reasons.
Note: In Windows 10 and Windows 11, some options to disable Defender are restricted by system policies, especially on Windows 10 Home edition. If you need to disable it permanently, you might need to use Group Policy Editor or Registry Editor, which are advanced tools.
Disable Windows defender on Windows 11 via Windows Security Settings
1. Open Windows Security:
* Press Windows + I to open Settings.
* Click on Privacy & Security (Windows 11) or Update & Security (Windows 10).
* Select Windows Security.
* Click Open Windows Security.
2. Navigate to Virus & Threat Protection:
* Click on Virus & Threat Protection.
3. Manage Settings:
* Under Virus & Threat Protection Settings, click Manage Settings.
4. Turn Off Real-time Protection:
* Toggle Real-time protection to Off.
* Confirm any prompts that appear.
Note: This disables real-time scanning temporarily. Windows Defender may turn it back on after a while or after a restart.

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How to disable windows defender on Windows 11?