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Disable Defender Antivirus data storage location

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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
  • Single actionThis page belongs to a script, containing basic changes to achieve a task.
  • Impact: High

    System Functionality / Data Loss Risk: High

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

  • Batch (batchfile)These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.
  • 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 script removes a configuration value that controls where Defender stores its data.

This is a configuration related to Defender Antivirus 1. Windows configures this setting when installing Defender Antivirus service 2. It specifies where data, including virus definition databases and other detection files, is installed 3. It is used by various Defender components like MpClient.dll 4, MpSvc.dll 5, MsMpEng.exe 6 and MpCmdRun.exe 7.

Deleting this value enhances privacy by preventing these components from accessing their data directories. This reduces their data collection capabilities.

However, this change has significant security risks:

  • It may weaken Defender Antivirus's ability to detect and remove malware
  • Some security features of Defender Antivirus may not work properly
  • This may make your system more vulnerable to security threats
Caution

This action may leave your system less protected against viruses and malware.

Technical Details​

The script deletes the HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Defender!ProductAppDataPath registry value 1 2. In earlier Windows versions, this value was found at HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Microsoft Antimalware!ProductAppDataPath 3.

When this value is removed, Windows logs Event ID 5007 1. The event message states 1:

Microsoft Defender Antivirus Configuration has changed.
If this is an unexpected event you should review the settings as this may be the result of malware.

According to tests, Windows 10 Pro (≥ 22H2) and Windows 11 Pro (≥ 21H2) have protective measures that may prevent this change from taking effect or may quickly reverse it.

  1. Not Advised

    This script should only be used by advanced users.

    This script is not recommended for daily use as it breaks important functionality.

    Consider creating a system restore point before doing any changes.

  2. 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.

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 three ways to apply:

Download script​

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

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

  • ≈ 2 min to complete
  • Tools: Web Browser
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 5 instructions
  1. 1

    Download

    Download the script file by clicking on the   Apply protection  button above.
    Use   Undo protection button above to restore changes.
  2. 2

    Keep the file

    If warned by your browser, keep the file.
  3. 3

    Open

    Open the downloaded file.
  4. 4

    Exit

    Once it's done, press any key to exit the window.
  5. 5

    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
  • Free
  • Open-source
  • Popular
  • Offline/Online usage
Open privacy.sexy
Help

How to apply or restore "Disable Defender Antivirus data storage location" 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 script name: Disable Defender Antivirus data storage location
    2. Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
  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.

Run commands​

Copy and run commands manually Requires technical knowledge
Apply changes
:: Delete the registry value "ProductAppDataPath" from the key "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Defender" 
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "function Invoke-AsTrustedInstaller($Script) { $principalSid = [System.Security.Principal.SecurityIdentifier]::new('S-1-5-80-956008885-3418522649-1831038044-1853292631-2271478464'); $principalName = $principalSid.Translate([System.Security.Principal.NTAccount]); $streamFile = New-TemporaryFile; $scriptFile = New-TemporaryFile; try { $scriptFile = Rename-Item -LiteralPath $scriptFile -NewName ($scriptFile.BaseName + '.ps1') -Force -PassThru; $Script | Out-File $scriptFile -Encoding UTF8; $taskName = "^""privacy$([char]0x002E)sexy invoke"^""; schtasks.exe /delete /tn $taskName /f 2>&1 | Out-Null; $executionCommand = "^""powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File '$scriptFile' *>&1 | Out-File -FilePath '$streamFile' -Encoding UTF8"^""; $action = New-ScheduledTaskAction -Execute 'powershell.exe' -Argument "^""-ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Command `"^""$executionCommand`"^"""^""; $settings = New-ScheduledTaskSettingsSet -AllowStartIfOnBatteries -DontStopIfGoingOnBatteries; Register-ScheduledTask -TaskName $taskName -Action $action -Settings $settings -Force -ErrorAction Stop | Out-Null; try { ($scheduleService = New-Object -ComObject Schedule.Service).Connect(); $scheduleService.GetFolder('\').GetTask($taskName).RunEx($null, 0, 0, $principalName) | Out-Null; $timeout = (Get-Date).AddMinutes(5); Write-Host "^""Running as $principalName"^""; while ((Get-ScheduledTaskInfo $taskName).LastTaskResult -eq 267009) { Start-Sleep -Milliseconds 200; if ((Get-Date) -gt $timeout) { Write-Warning 'Skipping: Timeout'; break; }; }; if (($result = (Get-ScheduledTaskInfo $taskName).LastTaskResult) -ne 0) { Write-Error "^""Failed, due to exit code: $result."^""; } } finally { schtasks.exe /delete /tn $taskName /f | Out-Null; }; Get-Content $streamFile } finally { Remove-Item $streamFile, $scriptFile; }; }; $cmd = '$keyName = ''HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Defender'''+"^""`r`n"^""+'$valueName = ''ProductAppDataPath'''+"^""`r`n"^""+'$hive = $keyName.Split(''\'')[0]'+"^""`r`n"^""+'$path = "^""$($hive):$($keyName.Substring($hive.Length))"^""'+"^""`r`n"^""+'Write-Host "^""Removing the registry value ''$valueName'' from ''$path''."^""'+"^""`r`n"^""+'if (-Not (Test-Path -LiteralPath $path)) {'+"^""`r`n"^""+'    Write-Host ''Skipping, no action needed, registry key does not exist.'''+"^""`r`n"^""+'    Exit 0'+"^""`r`n"^""+'}'+"^""`r`n"^""+'$existingValueNames = (Get-ItemProperty -LiteralPath $path).PSObject.Properties.Name'+"^""`r`n"^""+'if (-Not ($existingValueNames -Contains $valueName)) {'+"^""`r`n"^""+'    Write-Host ''Skipping, no action needed, registry value does not exist.'''+"^""`r`n"^""+'    Exit 0'+"^""`r`n"^""+'}'+"^""`r`n"^""+''+"^""`r`n"^""+''+"^""`r`n"^""+'try {'+"^""`r`n"^""+'    if ($valueName -ieq ''(default)'') {'+"^""`r`n"^""+'        Write-Host ''Removing the default value.'''+"^""`r`n"^""+'        $(Get-Item -LiteralPath $path).OpenSubKey('''', $true).DeleteValue('''')'+"^""`r`n"^""+'    } else {'+"^""`r`n"^""+'        Remove-ItemProperty `'+"^""`r`n"^""+'            -LiteralPath $path `'+"^""`r`n"^""+'            -Name $valueName `'+"^""`r`n"^""+'            -Force `'+"^""`r`n"^""+'            -ErrorAction Stop'+"^""`r`n"^""+'    }'+"^""`r`n"^""+'    Write-Host ''Successfully removed the registry value.'''+"^""`r`n"^""+'} catch {'+"^""`r`n"^""+'    Write-Error "^""Failed to remove the registry value: $($_.Exception.Message)"^""'+"^""`r`n"^""+'} '; Invoke-AsTrustedInstaller $cmd"
Help

How to apply or restore "Disable Defender Antivirus data storage location" using commands​

  • ≈ 2 min to complete
  • Tools: Command Prompt
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • ≈ 3 instructions
 View step-by-step guide with screenshots
  1. 1

    Open Command Prompt

    Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. 2

    Copy code

    Copy the code:
    Copy Apply Code Copy Revert Code
  3. 3

    Paste & run

    Paste the commands into Command Prompt and press Enter to run.

    Some changes require a system restart to take effect

Similar Guides​

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 disables the Defender Antivirus service and its related components. This service is also referred to as Microsoft Defender Antivirus Service and Wind...
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Same Goal​

Other guides in Disable Defender Antivirus service 

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.

See all 10 guides

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