How to Turn Windows Defender On or Off

Last Updated : 23 Jul, 2025

Windows Defender is a built-in security solution for Windows. It offers real-time protection from malware, threats or any other vulnerability. Since it's an in-built feature of Windows & is recommended to keep it enabled throughout the time but, sometimes (like during any software installation) you may need to turn off the Windows Defender and as soon as the work is done, you will be required to turn it back on. Well, here are some of the best methods to turn Windows On or Off.

👁 How-to-Turn-Windows-Defender-On-or-Off

Method 1: Turnoff Windows Defender using Settings

You can use Windows Settings to turn off or on Windows Defender. Here's are some quick actions to perform:

Step 1: Navigate to Windows Update & Security

Open Settings & go to the Update & Security.

👁 1--Click-Update-&-Security

Step 2: Click on Virus Protection

On the left-hand side, find out the Virus & Threat Protection. Click on that.

👁 2--Virus-&-Threat-Protection

Step 3: Click to Open Manage Settings

Scroll down a bit to find Virus & Threat Protection Settings. Click on the Manage Settings option.

👁 3--Select-Manage-Settings

Step 4: Toggle OFF/ON Real-TIME Protection

Under the Real-Time protection, toggle on or off to turnoff Windows Defender

👁 4--On-or-Off-The-Button

Hence, we have successfully turned Windows Defender On and Off using the Settings of the Device.

Method 2: Turnoff Windows Defender using Registry Editor

Alternatively you can also use Windows Registry Editor to turnoff Windows Defender. Below is te detailed steps to perform this action.

Step 1: Open Registry Editor

In the Search Bar, Search for the "regedit". And go with the best available option to open the Registry Editor.

👁 5--Open-Registry-Settings

Step 2: Navigate to DWORD (32-bit) Value

Follow the path HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Policies > Microsoft > Windows Defender. Right-click on the option. Click the Next option, and later go for the DWORD (32-bit) Value.

👁 8--New-and-32-Bit-Value

Step 3: Enter DisableAntiSpyware to Turnoff Windows Defender

Provide the name DisableAntiSpyware for to turn off the Windows Defender. And to turn on the Windows Defender again, the name will be changed to EnableAntiSpyware.

👁 9--Provide-Name

Step 4: Set te Value Data as 1

Double-click over it to open a new small window. Provide the Value Data as 1 to make the key functional.

👁 10--Provide-Value-Data

Hence, we have successfully turned Windows Defender On and Off using the Registry Editor.

Method 3: Use Group Policy to Turnoff Windows Defender Permanently

For advanced method, you can use Windows Group Policy to turnon or off Windows Defender.

Step 1: Open Run dialogue and type gpedit.msc

Open the Run Window by pressing the Windows + R keys. Now, write the command 'gpedit.msc' there and click OK.

👁 11--Open-Group-Policy

Step 2: Navigate to Windows Components

Follow the path Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus. On the right-hand side, click on the Turn Off Microsoft Defender Antivirus option.

👁 6--Click-Turn-Off-Option

Step 3: Click the Radio Buttons to Turnoff or on Windows Defender

Now, you will get two options, Enabled or Disabled. Choose what you want. If you choose Enable, the Windows Defender for Windows 10 will be On. if you choose Disable, it will be Off.

👁 7--Choose-The-Button

Hence, we have successfully turned Windows Defender On and Off using the Group Policy.

While Windows Defender offers a tight and a real-time security, there are some of the handful reasons to make it disable (temporary and permanently). Keep this in mind that all te security measures are being taken before trying to get you hands on Windows Defender settings.

URL: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/techtips/how-to-turn-windows-defender-on-or-off/