How to Disable Microsoft Windows Defender and Whether You Should Do It

How to Disable Microsoft Windows Defender and Whether You Should Do It

Microsoft’s internal anti-malware component, Windows Defender (formerly Microsoft Security Essentials), has come a long way. There was a time when people laughed at it, security experts paid little attention to it and users cursed it. Now everyone loves Windows Defender. But if you still want to turn off Microsoft Defender on Windows 10, we’ll show you how.

With the November 10 Windows Update, Microsoft added Windows Defender Antivirus to Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection for improved integrated security in Windows 10 and later. However, the biggest question is why do you want to disable Windows Defender on a Windows 10 computer? Should you really do it?

Let’s start.

1. Disable Windows Defender in Windows 10

There is no need to completely disable Windows Defender just because you want to install an application or make system changes. You can simply turn off the real-time protection component in Windows Defender and continue with the task at hand. Press Windows key + I to open the settings and search for virus and threat protection.


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Click Manage settings under Virus and threat protection settings.


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You can now turn off real-time protection here.


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That way, you don’t have to completely disable and remove Windows Defender. If you still want to do this, keep reading.

2. Run Windows Defender with Antivirus

Microsoft has shown great character in updating Windows Defender to work with other antivirus applications. This was not possible in earlier versions of Windows, but it is possible with Windows 10.


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I have Kaspersky running on my computer, but I also have Windows Defender enabled. I just don’t have real-time protection. This allows me to run periodic scans with Windows Defender and always use another antivirus application. I get the best of both worlds.


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If you disable Windows Defender

Yes and no. It’s not really an answer, but let me explain.

Why use Windows Defender

Windows Defender has become a solid antivirus application. It protects you not only from viruses, but also from zero-day attacks and ransomware.

It will prohibit critical changes to your system files and help recover data if the ransomware attack is successful. As previously stated, Defender now offers real-time protection and runs in the background, is fairly fast, and works well with third-party antivirus applications. This brings me to the next point.

Malware. It’s a whole different story, and whatever antivirus application you use, you need Malwarebytes to fight malware. I recommend a combination of Defender and Malwarebytes (paid version) to provide the best possible protection on your Windows 10 computer.

Why not use Windows Defender

Some advanced antivirus applications like Kaspersky have additional features that traditional antivirus apps like Defender lack. Kaspersky comes with a VPN (additional fee) which will help you protect yourself further by masking your identity and encrypting your Internet connection.

It also offers a password manager to store important passwords. However, third-party password managers are far superior and more recommended. Then there is parental control if you have children at home. This will help protect your children from adult content like pornography, violence, abuse and much more.

Verdict

Here is my opinion. AV Test gave Windows Defender full marks in terms of protection and usability and only slightly lower in terms of performance. Windows Defender works hand in hand with some of the best antivirus applications on the market. It scores 100% in December 2019, which is slightly better than the industry average.


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You always need Malwarebytes no matter which antivirus application you use. Paying for two when Windows Defender is free makes no sense. As for additional features like a password manager and a VPN are taken into account, they already cost more, even with antivirus products like Kaspersky. I recommend Dashlane who offers both for the price of one.

Defend the innocent

You can turn Windows Defender on or off, but you shouldn’t. Here is the short version for those who have read the article. Use Defender with Malwarebytes and you’re good to go. You need additional features, there are much better dedicated apps than the ones that come with the best antivirus apps.

Windows Defender has become a formidable adversary and the results show that it is only improving.

Then:

Windows Defender antivirus has arrived to replace Microsoft Security Essentials. However, this is more than a replacement and you should read the next article completely to find out why Windows Defender is important.

Last updated Feb 24, 2020

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