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Disable Defender Antivirus service

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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.
  • 11 scripts
  • No subcategories
  • 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 disables the Defender Antivirus service and its related components.

This service is also referred to as Microsoft Defender Antivirus Service 1 2 and Windows Defender Service 2. It is a core component of Microsoft Defender Antivirus, essential for its operation 1 3.

Using these scripts offers two benefits:

  • Enhanced Privacy: Limits Microsoft's data collection on your files and system activity.
  • Improved Performance: Reduces system resource usage by limiting background processes and scans.

However, disabling these components may reduce your system's security:

  • No immediate alerts when malware or viruses are detected.
  • Weakened defense against ransomware and other cyber threats.
  • Increased vulnerability to emerging security threats.
  • Some Windows security features may stop working.
Caution

Disabling Microsoft Defender Antivirus may expose your system to malware and other security threats.

  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 service" 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 service" 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 service
    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​

  • 11 Privacy settings

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 Defender Antivirus service (breaks "Set-MpPreference" cmdlet)

This script disables the Microsoft Defender Antivirus Service and its associated process ("MsMpEng.exe"). This service is known both as Microsoft Defender Antivirus Service and Windows Defender Service. It is the primary component of Defender Antivirus, essential for its functionality. Disabling this service has the following benefits: It enhances privacy by preventing Microsoft from collecting data about your system and files for malware analysis. • It improves system performance by...

Disable Defender Antivirus service in Safe Mode

This script disables Defender Antivirus from running in Safe Mode. Safe Mode is also known as Safe Boot. It starts Windows in a limited state where only essential services and drivers are loaded. By default, the Defender Antivirus service is set to run in this mode. This script improves privacy in Safe Mode by preventing Defender Antivirus from: Collecting system data • Scanning files • Sending telemetry data to Microsoft This also increases system speed in Safe Mode by reducing back...

Disable Defender Antivirus service always-on state

This script configures Windows to stop the Defender Antivirus service when antivirus protection is disabled. The Microsoft Defender Antivirus service was formerly called the Antimalware Service. This service is one of the core components of Defender Antivirus. It raises privacy concerns because it sends files to Microsoft servers for analysis. By default, Windows stops this service when antivirus features are disabled. This script enforces this default behavior to consistently and persis...

Disable Defender Antivirus service high-priority startup

This script configures Defender Antivirus to start with a lower priority. By default, Windows runs the Defender Antivirus service (also called the Antimalware Service) with normal priority. This script changes the startup priority to low. This enhances privacy by reducing background scanning and potentially limiting data collection during Windows startup. It may improve system performance by reducing resource usage for the antivirus during startup. Lowering the priority may delay antivir...

Disable Defender Antivirus service automatic launch

This script prevents the Defender Antivirus service from starting automatically. By default, Windows may automatically start the Defender Antivirus service (also called the Antimalware Service) under specific conditions. This script allows you to control when the service runs. This script enhances privacy by preventing unexpected Defender Antivirus scans and data collection. It may improve system performance by stopping the service from using system resources without your permission. However...

Disable Defender Antivirus service active state

This script disables the running state of the Defender Antivirus service. Setting the service to 'not running' prevents activation of any components dependent on the Defender service (also called the Antimalware Service). This gives you more control over Defender's operations. This script enhances privacy by preventing Defender Antivirus from running in the background, which stops potential unwanted data collection and system scans. It may also boost system performance by stopping Defender A...

Disable Defender Antivirus data storage location

This script removes a configuration value that controls where Defender stores its data. This is a configuration related to Defender Antivirus. Windows configures this setting when installing Defender Antivirus service. It specifies where data, including virus definition databases and other detection files, is installed. It is used by various Defender components like "MpClient.dll", "MpSvc.dll", "MsMpEng.exe" and "MpCmdRun.exe". Deleting this value enhances privacy by preventing these compone...

Disable Defender Antivirus service module

This script disables "MpSvc.dll". Microsoft refers to "MpSvc.dll" as the Service Module. It is part of Defender Antivirus service. It manages essential Defender Antivirus functions, including: Scans: Monitors files in real-time, protects network, manages scans • Updates: Downloads new virus definitions • Threats: Finds and removes malware • Telemetry: Collects and sends data to Microsoft • Integrations: Works with Windows Security Center and antimalware scanning (...

Disable Defender Antivirus antimalware engine

This script disables Defender's main virus-scanning component ("MpEngine.dll"). Microsoft refers to this component as Microsoft Malware Protection Engine. This is a core component of Defender Antivirus. It is enabled by default on Windows. It scans, detects, and removes malware using Microsoft's antivirus technology. The engine monitors system activity by: Scanning files, memory, emails, and web downloads • Analyzing system processes and registry keys • Tracking network activity • Collec...

Disable Defender Antivirus communication module

This script removes the "MpCommu.dll" library, disabling its functionality. Microsoft refers to this library as Communication Module. This library is a component of Defender Antivirus service. It performs several network-related functions: updates and interacting with Windows Update. Communicates with Microsoft servers over HTTP/HTTPS using REST/SOAP APIs and proxy support. • Manages updates, including scheduling and downloading antimalware definition • Submits reports to SpyNet,...

Disable Defender Antivirus service communication with apps

This script prevents Defender Antivirus from communicating with other applications. The script blocks communication by removing components that allow Defender Antivirus to share data with other programs. Windows enables applications to communicate and share data using interprocess communications (IPC). This communication is achieved through the Component Object Model (COM). COM lets programs communicate and share data with other programs. Programs communicate across computer networks. Th...

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This write-up —disable Defender services and drivers— provides guidance on how to secure your digital footprint via personal privacy maintenance on Windows. In dir...
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Same Goal​

Other guides in Disable Defender services and drivers 

See settings that are in the same category as this guide.

Using other actions in the same category may help you achieve your goal better.

Disable "Microsoft Defender Antivirus Network Inspection System Driver" service
Disable Defender Antivirus device filter driver
Disable Defender Antivirus network inspection service
Disable Microsoft Defender Core Service

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