How to disable Windows Defender using Local Group Policy

If you're using Windows 10 Pro or any other enterprise variant, such as Windows 10 Enterprise or Windows 10 Education, you can use the Local Group Policy Editor to disable Windows Defender from your computer permanently.

  1. Use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command.
  2. Type gpedit.msc and click OK to open the Local Group Policy Editor.

  3. Browse the following path:

    Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Defender

  4. On the right, double-click Turn off Windows Defender.

  5. Select Enabled to disable Windows Defender.
  6. Click Apply.

  7. Click OK.

Once you complete the above steps, you will notice the Windows Defender shield icon will continue to run in the system tray. To get rid of the icon, simply restart your computer.

At any time, if you want to re-enable Windows Defender, you only need to follow the same steps, but this time, on step 5 select the option Not configured. Then restart your computer to complete reverting the changes.

How to disable Windows Defender using the Registry

If you're running Windows 10 Home, you won't have access to the Local Group Policy Editor, as it's only available for enterprise versions of the operating system. However, you can modify the registry to accomplish the same result.

Important: Before diving into this guide, it's worth noting that editing the registry can be dangerous, and it can cause irreversible damage to your system if you don't do it correctly. It's highly recommended to make a full backup of your system before proceeding. You've been warned!

  1. Use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command, type regedit, and click OK to open the registry.

  2. Browse the following path:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender

  3. If you don't see DWORD DisableAntiSpyware, right-click on an empty space, select New, and click on DWORD (32-bit) Value.
  4. Name the key DisableAntiSpyware.

  5. Double-click the newly created key, and set the value from 0 to 1.

  6. Restart your computer to complete the task.

At any time, if you want to re-enable Windows Defender, you only need to follow the same steps, but this time, change the value on step 5 from 1 to 0. Then restart your computer to complete reverting the changes.