There are both advantages and disadvantages to turning the feature off. Disabling it will stop the issue you’re currently facing, but it will make your computer vulnerable to many threats. If your ultimate decision is to turn it off, there are multiple methods to do it. If you’re on the Home version of Windows 10, the first two methods will work for you as the third method requires Local Group Policy Editor which you won’t have on your computer.
Use The Settings App To Turn Off Windows Defender
The easiest way to turn off Windows Defender on a Windows 10 PC is to use the Settings app. There’s an option that allows you to disable real-time protection which is equal to turning the service off. Also, if you ever decide to turn the service back on, you can do that by simply enabling the option that you disabled. It’ll then reactivate the feature for you.
Use Registry Editor To Disable Windows Defender
The Registry Editor on your Windows PC lets you perform many tasks. You can use it to turn various services on and off, add new options to the menus, and so on. One of the features it offers is to let you enable and disable Windows Defender on your machine. You can add a new entry to the registry that turns off Windows Defender on your computer. In the future, if you ever want the feature back, all you need to do is remove the entry from the registry and you’re all set. While editing the registry, be cautious as changing the wrong entries can cause your system to malfunction. When your computer boots back up, you’ll find Windows Defender is fully disabled.
Use Group Policy Editor To Turn Off Windows Defender
If you’re running the Pro version of Windows 10 on your computer, you can change an option in the Local Group Policy Editor to turn off Windows Defender. It’s easier than tweaking the registry and done in no time. You can use the same method to turn Windows Defender on when you want. That time around, you need to select the Disabled option. Windows Defender should now remain disabled for as long as you don’t go into the options described above and toggle that option. Windows Defender is a nice tool to have as it blocks viruses and various other threats on your system. Is this the tool you use to protect your computers? If not, what alternatives do you use? We’d like to know in the comments below.
