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Disable Defender Antivirus

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Works with Windows 10 and 11Works with Windows Vista, XP, 7, 8, 10, 11, and Windows Server 2008 or newer.
  • Windows onlyThis script improves your privacy on Windows
  • Multiple actionsThis page belongs to a category, containing some changes with similar goal.
  • Impact: Medium

    System Functionality / Data Loss Risk: Moderate

    This action improves privacy with minimal impact when you run the recommended script.

    This action improves privacy with some impact when you run the recommended script.
  • Batch (batchfile)These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.
  • 99 scripts
  • 25 categories
  • Administrator rights requiredThis script requires privilege access to do the system changes
  • Fully reversible

    You can fully restore this action (revert back to the original behavior) using this website.

    The restore/revert methods provided here can help you fix issues.

Overview​

This category provides scripts to disable Defender Antivirus.

Defender Antivirus, integrated into Windows, provides protection against viruses, ransomware, and other types of malware 1 2 3.

Disabling Defender Antivirus may improve system performance and privacy by stopping related data collection However, disabling it may severely compromise your system's security if not complemented by proper security practices. Carefully consider the trade-off before proceeding.

Defender Antivirus comes with following concerns:

  • It sends files and personal data 4 to Microsoft's Cloud Protection Service (MAPS) (also known as Microsoft Active Protection Service or Microsoft SpyNet) for analysis 5 6.
  • Recent Windows versions deeply integrate Defender with mechanisms like Early Boot Anti-Malware, Tamper Protection, making it extremely difficult to remove or uninstall 7 8. This means that even if you want to stop using Defender for privacy reasons, these features make it very difficult to do so using standard methods, keeping Microsoft's security and data collection systems in place on your device.
  • In 2020, Defender began flagging modifications to the hosts file that block Microsoft telemetry as a security risk 8 9. This prevents you from easily stopping Microsoft's data collection on your device.
  • It flags privacy scripts as malicious, even though their purpose is to enhance privacy 8 9. This discourages the use of tools designed to protect your personal data.
  • Some reports suggest that Defender may consume significant system resources 10.

Defender Antivirus evolution milestones:

  • Originally launched as Windows AntiSpyware, later renamed to Windows Defender 11.
  • Replaced Microsoft Security Essentials in Windows 8 12.
  • Windows Defender is renamed to Windows Defender Antivirus in Windows 10 version 1703 13.
  • First included in Windows Security Center (WSC) in the 1809 update 14. Later, it became part of the Windows Security suite 1 2 3 7 13.
  • Renamed to Microsoft Defender Antivirus in the 2004 update 15. However, it's still frequently referred to as Windows Defender, even by Microsoft in its current documentation 1.

To check if Defender Antivirus is active, you can use the following commands in a PowerShell prompt:

  • Get-MpComputerStatus: Displays the current state of Defender Antivirus 18.
  • Get-MpPreference: Shows the current configuration settings of Defender Antivirus 19.
Caution

Disabling antivirus protection may significantly reduce your system's security. Consider having alternative security measures in place and practicing safe computing habits.

  1. Security Trade-off

    This action prioritizes privacy over certain security features. It's not recommended and should only be used by advanced users after understanding its implications.

    Increased Privacy

    Enhanced privacy through reduced data collection and tracking

    Decreased Security

    Some security features will be disabled or limited

    This script can be reversed, this action allows you to can restore the system security.

  2. Use with Caution

    This script is only recommended if you understand its implications.

    Some non-critical or features may no longer function correctly after running this script.

    This script can be fully reversed to restore changes if something goes wrong.

Sources
PrivacyLearn.com maintains strict sourcing standards for accuracy, integrity and up-to-date content. Our content relies on authoritative sources including vendor documentation, industry standards, and verified research. Learn more about our verification process and quality standards in our editorial standards page.

Apply Now​

Choose one of two ways to apply:

Download script​

Download and run the script directly
  • No app needed
  • Offline usage
  • Easy-to-apply
  • Free
  • Open-source

High — Advanced Privacy​

  • For advanced privacy-conscious users
  • May affect some features

Read more about High and other protection levels

Help

How to apply or restore "Disable Defender Antivirus" using script​

  • ≈ 2 min to complete
  • Tools: Web Browser
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 6 instructions
  1. 1

    Choose protection

    Choose one of the options with different impact levels:

    • High

      Some potentially impactful changes with moderate system impact.

    • Maximum

      Some impactful changes with high system impact.
  2. 2

    Download

    Download the script file by clicking on the   Apply protection  button above.
    Use   Undo protection button above to restore changes.
  3. 3

    Keep the file

    If warned by your browser, keep the file.
  4. 4

    Open

    Open the downloaded file.
  5. 5

    Exit

    Once it's done, press any key to exit the window.
  6. 6

    Restart

    Restart your computer for all changes to take effect.

Apply with privacy.sexy​

Guided, automated application with safety checks
  • Recommended for most users
  • Includes safety checks
  • Shows the code
  • Free
  • Open-source
  • Popular
  • Offline/Online usage
Open privacy.sexy
Help

How to apply or restore "Disable Defender Antivirus" using privacy.sexy​

  • ≈ 3 min to complete
  • Tools: privacy.sexy
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 4 instructions
privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily with more advanced options.
  1. 1

    Open or download

    Open or download the desktop application
  2. 2

    Choose script

    1. Search for the category name: Disable Defender Antivirus
    2. Check the category by clicking on the checkbox of the category.

    Applying High to limit the impact.

  3. 3

    Run

    Click on ▶️ Run button at the bottom of the page.

    This button only appears on desktop version (recommended). On browser, use 💾 Save button.

Explore This Guide​

  • 99 Privacy settings
  • 10 Main categories
    • These settings are organized into 10 main categories for easy navigation.
    • Each main category contains subcategories, helping you find specific settings you might want to adjust.
  • 25 Total categories

Choose what to protect based on your needs:

Click any option to learn more about what it does.

Each change can be applied and reversed individually.

Some settings and commands may require technical knowledge to apply correctly.

Disable network inspection

To protect your data as a result of enhanced important data privacy protection on Windows, this user configuration serves as a guide to: disable network inspection to maximize your sensitive data handling. As an extra point, you'll learn how to undo this script on this handbook. Normalizing surveillance is prevented by adhering to cyber privacy defenses principles. Customize secure privacy guardrail options via this improvement and find out what's (Reference: possible) and start right away. Fol...

Disable real-time protection

This companion —disable real-time protection— lays out a clear framework for how to secure your digital footprint as result of personal data privacy protection on Windows. To elaborate, this web page provides instructions to roll back any edits. Cyber privacy is a shield against unwarranted intrusions into personal affairs. This alteration enhances personal data privacy management settings - pick the (Reference: option) that feels right to apply now. Approach this task with patience and focus. Skip...

Disable Defender remediation

Windows secure data privacy defenses webpage: disable Defender remediation to secure your data from leaks thanks to sensitive privacy handling. To continue, to roll back configurations applied, follow the instructions on this tip provides an easy-to-follow breakdown of. A cornerstone of a democratic society is rooted in online data privacy assurance. Instantly configure sensitive data privacy control - explore the (Reference: steps) that feel right to you enhanced through this guideline. If som...

Disable Defender scans

Publication for Windows users: disable Defender scans to defend against information privacy handling threats. Continuing on, this system preference explains the workflow to cancel the recent changes. Secure data privacy assurance enhances the quality of human connections by fostering trust. This recipe improves system data privacy measures options: start the steps to (Reference: adjust) your settings. Double-check every action against the instructions before moving forward. A little extra time ...

Disable Defender Antivirus management

This category contains scripts that disable Defender Antivirus management capabilities. Defender Antivirus uses management features to control how it works, collect system data, and change settings on your device or remotely. These management features let system administrators monitor, configure, and control Defender's behavior across multiple devices. Defender needs these features to perform tasks like automated virus scans. Disabling these management features enhances privacy by: Preventing Wi...

Disable Defender updates

Ready for disable Defender updates on Windows to secure your personal information from cyber data privacy safeguard? This paper helps decode the way. Adding on top of that, this document breaks down how to undo the entire modification. Thanks to digital privacy enforcement, choices are made free from external pressures. Want to optimize digital privacy preferences? Now, explore the (Reference: possibilities) to align with your needs. Each step is important, even if it seems minor. Take your tim...

Disable Defender reporting

Disable Defender reporting on your Windows system to increase privacy guardrail — This script code breaks down the challenges of how. Along with this, this guidance answers the procedure to reverse the applied updates. Protecting privacy through personal data measures prevents misuse of sensitive information. Want to improve system data privacy measures preferences? Just, read the steps to (Reference: update) the settings. Take breaks when needed, but be sure to pick up where you left off. Refe...

Disable Defender services and drivers

This write-up —disable Defender services and drivers— provides guidance on how to secure your digital footprint via personal privacy maintenance on Windows. In direct relation, process to reset modifications applied is detailed below. Preserving individuality in the digital world is achievable with system privacy security. Online privacy measures control: enhance security with help of this optimization and find the (Reference: next step) that aligns with your goals. Stay focused on the guide and av...

Disable Defender Antivirus scheduled tasks

This category contains scripts to disable maintenance tasks of Defender Antivirus. Scheduled tasks are automated operations that Windows runs at specific times or events. Defender uses these tasks to maintain its antivirus service. Disabling these tasks enhances privacy by: Stopping automatic data collection • Giving you control over data collection and deletion Disabling these tasks can also improve system performance by: Reducing background processes • Decreasing boot time • Reducing resou...

Disable Defender Antivirus file activity monitoring

This category contains scripts that disable various file activity monitoring features of Defender Antivirus. These features are designed to protect your system by monitoring file activities, but they may also compromise your privacy and affect system performance. Disabling these components enhances privacy by limiting the collection of data about your system, usage, and files. These scripts may also improve system performance during file operations. However, disabling these features may redu...

Disable outdated Defender Antivirus

To stop unauthorized data access and ensure privacy on Windows, this guidebook enables your exploration of: disable outdated Defender Antivirus to restrict your data exposure to improve system privacy management. Extending this thought, this system calibration provides instructions to undo system-level changes. Individual freedoms are supported by digital data privacy management in an increasingly connected world. Follow the steps to enable information privacy integration parameters: discove...

Disable Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA) protection

Windows online data privacy handling collection: disable Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA) protection to maximize your important data privacy safeguard. Continuing further, you'll learn how to restore to default values on this user configuration. Building and maintaining reputations online depends on important data privacy management. Ready for better system privacy defenses control? Now, take a look at the (Reference: methods available) for your plan. If you're unsure about a step, stop a...

Disable file hash computation feature

This option empowers you to achieve: disable file hash computation feature on Windows to stay ahead of digital data privacy defenses threats. On top of that, this how-to clarifies the process of how to revert the parameters. Preventing exploitation of vulnerabilities starts with cyber data privacy assurance. Start enabled by this setting for personal data privacy security settings: look through these (Reference: options) and make your decision. If you're stuck, stop and reread the instructions ...

Disable Defender auto-exclusions

Steps to disable Defender auto-exclusions on your Windows machine to protect your system as part of data privacy guardrail. Furthermore, this section provides instructions to cancel changes and restore. Self-governance in online spaces flows from sensitive privacy assurance. To improve personal data privacy management parameters, implement this guideline and follow these steps to (Reference: do the next step). Trust the process and follow the guide carefully. Each step is there for a reason. Re...

Disable Defender Antivirus license verification

This script disables the license module library of Defender Antivirus. This component is known as the License Module. It is a component of Defender Antivirus service, formerly known as System Center Endpoint Protection. This library manages licensing aspects, such as product validation and configuration management. It is involved in online verification of digital certificates and time stamps. It's also part of Defender Offline's lightweight scanner. By disabling this library,...

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Wider Goal​

Guides below includes this guide to achieve a wider goal.

See other more general settings that includes this one as one of its actions.

These plans combine multiple privacy settings, including this one, for stronger protection.

This category offers scripts to disable Windows security components related to Defender. Defender is also referred to as Microsoft Defender or Windows Defender. Al...
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Same Goal​

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About the Creators​

These people have authored this documentation and written its scripts:

  • Avatar of undergroundwires. The creator of PrivacyLearn and privacy.sexy. Black and white portrait showing a person wearing a polka dot tie and suit jacket, reflecting the professional expertise behind the privacy protection tools.
    • Certified security professional
    • 7+ years experience securing banks
    • Open-source developer since 2005
    • EU advisor, Public Speaker, Moderator
    • Hundreds across the globe
    • Testers, reviewers, developers
    • Companies, military agencies
    • Community since 2017
About Us

Reviewed By​

This guide has undergone comprehensive auditing and peer review:

  • Expert review by undergroundwires​

    • Verified technical accuracy and editorial standards
    • Assessed system impact and user privacy risks

  • Public review by large community​

    • Privacy enthusiasts and professionals peer-reviewed
    • Millions of end-users tested across different environments

History​

We continually monitor our guides, their impact and all other privacy options. We update our guides when new information becomes available. On every update, we publicly store who made the change, what has been changed, why the change was made and when the change was made.

Review Change History Our Change Process