How to Disable Windows Defender on Windows 11

Windows Defender, initially launched as a free anti-spyware tool for Windows XP, serves as an antivirus component within the Windows operating system. Before Windows 10, it functioned as a graphical desktop application. With the introduction of Windows 10, it was integrated into the Windows Security app and PowerShell, allowing users to access Windows Defender directly from the Settings menu. In Windows 11, Windows Defender received a minor security enhancement that prevents vulnerable drivers from executing on your device.

The Disadvantages of Windows Defender

However, despite Windows Defender becoming more aggressive and resolute in defending against viruses and malware, it still hasn't won over users' favor. Numerous users continue to search for "how to disable Windows Defender," and here are the reasons behind this action.

1. Conflict with Another Antivirus Program

Windows Defender is a decent antivirus software, but its effectiveness is mostly relevant when there are no alternative options available. Many users opt for a different third-party antivirus solution to safeguard their computers. If Windows Defender is not disabled, it may mistakenly identify the newly installed antivirus program as a malicious file, and similarly, the new antivirus could flag Windows Defender as a potential threat. It's crucial to ensure proper configuration to avoid any conflicts between the two security programs.

2. Consuming Too Much CPU Usage

This is not only a shortcoming of Windows Defender but also a common issue with almost all antivirus software. When running, antivirus programs consume various resources on your computer, from CPU to disk space and RAM. Moreover, in the case of Windows Defender, it continually monitors and scans your device for viruses and malware, which can be relentless. If you have alternative means of protecting your computer, disabling Windows Defender can help conserve your device's CPU and RAM usage.

The above two points are the primary drawbacks of Windows Defender. There are also other minor issues, such as Windows Defender potentially blocking the installation of certain software or causing error codes. In the following section, we will guide you on how to disable Windows Defender permanently.

How to Disable Windows Defender on Windows 11

Here, we'll present two methods to disable Windows Defender on Windows 11. The first method allows you to temporarily disable Windows Defender, and it's a simpler approach. The second method may be slightly more complex, but once implemented, it will permanently disable Windows Defender on your computer.

1. Temporarily Disable Windows Defender on Windows 11

Step 1. Search for Windows Security on the Start menu and open the most relevant result.

Step 2. In the Windows Security app, click on the Virus & Threat Protection tab.

Step 3. Under Virus & threat protection settings, click Manage settings.

Step 4. Toggle the Real-time protection switch to disable Windows Defender.

"In Windows 11, if you disable Windows Defender, it will automatically turn back on the next time you start your computer."

2. Permanently Disable Windows Defender on Windows 11

Using this method, you can permanently disable Windows Defender. The essence of this approach is to take ownership of Windows Defender, allowing you to fully deactivate it.

1. Boot into Safe Mode

Step 1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run box, type msconfig, and then press Enter.

Step 2. Select the Boot tab, and check the Safe boot option under Boot options.

Step 3. Click OK and restart your computer. Your computer will then boot into Safe Mode.

2. Run Windows Defender as an Administrator

Step 1. Open File Explorer and go to the following folder: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender.

Step 2. Right-click the Platform folder, select Properties, navigate to the Security tab, and then click Advanced.

Step 3. You can see that the owner of Windows Defender is now set to SYSTEM.

Step 4. Click the Effective Access tab, and then click Select a user.

Step 5. Navigate to Advanced > Find Now > Administrators, and click OK twice to confirm the change.

3. Remove Windows Defender Permissions

Now you can see that the owner of Windows Defender has been changed to Administrators, and you can proceed to remove the permissions that allow disabling Windows Defender.

On the Advanced Security Settings for Platform window, select each permission entry, click Remove, check the Replace owner on subcontainers and objects option at the top, then check the Replace all child object permission entries with inheritable permission entries from this object option at the bottom, and click Apply.

4. Disable Safe Boot and Restart

Follow these steps: First, access msconfig as described in the initial step, then deselect the Safe Boot option and restart your computer. This completes the final stage of permanently disabling Windows Defender in Windows 11. Upon restarting your computer, open the Windows Security app again. You should now notice that the Virus & Threat Protection feature is no longer present.

How to Protect Your Computer from Viruses

Upon learning how to disable Windows Defender on Windows 11, you might be curious about more effective methods to safeguard your computer from viruses. Users have two primary options: one is to seek out third-party antivirus software for PC protection, and the other is to regularly back up important files.

If you're unsure which antivirus software is right for your needs, read this article to help you find a suitable one.

Expert Recommendations: Best PC Virus Protection for 2022

Most people are aware of the significance of safeguarding computer data, but how to go about it? Should you make backups or use antivirus software? In fact, both are necessary. This article will concentrate on selecting the right antivirus software for your PC. Keep reading to find the best virus protection for your computer.

There are numerous backup software options available on the market that allow users to establish regular backup schedules. We suggest you try out Todo Backup, which not only offers various backup choices for users but also lets them create a secure zone to store backup files, safeguarding them from malware attacks. In addition to its robust backup capabilities, Todo Backup excels in the cloning domain with its efficient disk cloning functionality. It supports users in cloning an entire disk, individual partitions, or the system without any data loss.

If you value your backup security, you can download tools Todo Backup and give it a try.

Step 1. Select Backup Contents Select the content you wish to back up.

On the main window, click the big question mark button to select backup contents. You can choose to back up individual files, entire disk or partition, operating system and mails.

Step 2. Choose Security Zone as Backup Destination

When choosing a backup location, you'll see the option for Security Zone. Click on it and use it as your backup destination.

However, if you're new to the Security Zone feature, Todo Backup will prompt you to create one. Click "Create Security Zone".

Select a partition with enough free space for your backups, then click "Continue".

You can adjust the partition size for the security zone. Click "Create" to finish it.

Step 3. Execute the backup task

Click "Backup Now" to initiate the backup process. Your backups of the OS, files, drives, and emails in the Secure Zone will be fully protected from being viewed or corrupted by viruses, ransomware, and trojans.

Bottom line.

In this article, we have outlined the comprehensive steps to disable Windows Defender on Windows 11. You can disable it either temporarily or permanently. Additionally, if you seek to safeguard your data by creating backup files, Todo Backup is a reliable option, offering the advantage of creating a secure zone for added protection.