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Disable Defender Antivirus service always-on state

Overview​

About this script

This script improves your privacy on Windows.

These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.

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 1. This service is one of the core components of Defender Antivirus 1 2. It raises privacy concerns because it sends files to Microsoft servers for analysis 2.

By default, Windows stops this service when antivirus features are disabled 3 4 5. This script enforces this default behavior to consistently and persistently. This behavior is recommended by Microsoft 3 4 5.

This script does not disable any security features on its own. It only controls whether the service stays running after antivirus protection has been disabled through other means.

This script enhances privacy by reducing potential security monitoring. It may also improve system performance by freeing up resources when the antivirus is not in use.

Technical Details​

After applying this script:

  • The Defender Antivirus service stops when both antivirus and antispyware protections are disabled 3 4 5.
  • If the computer restarts, the service restarts if set to automatic 3 4 5.
  • The system will then check if antivirus and antispyware security intelligence are enabled 3 4 5.
  • If at least one is enabled, the service will continue running 3 4 5.
  • If both are disabled, the service stops 3 4 5.

This script sets the following registry keys to configure GPO:

  • HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender!ServiceKeepAlive 3 4 for modern versions of Windows
  • HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Microsoft Antimalware!ServiceKeepAlive 5 for older versions of Windows

This script uses Batch (batchfile) scripting language.

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.

Implementation Details

  • Language: batch

  • Required Privileges: Administrator rights

  • Compatibility: Windows only

  • Reversibility: Can be undone using provided revert script

Explore Categories​

This action belongs to Disable Defender Antivirus service category. This category disables the Defender Antivirus service and its related components. This service is also referred to as Microsoft Defender Antivirus Service and Windows Defender Service. It is a core component of Microsoft Defender Antivirus, essential for its operation. Using these... Read more on category page ▶

Apply now​

Choose one of three ways to apply:

  1. Automatically via privacy.sexy: The easiest and safest option.
  2. Manually by downloading: Requires downloading a file.
  3. Manually by copying: Advanced flexibility.

Alternative 1. Apply with Privacy.sexy​

privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily.

Open privacy.sexy

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

privacy.sexy instructions
  1. Open or download the desktop application
  2. Search for the script name: Disable Defender Antivirus service always-on state.
  3. Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
  4. Click on Run button at the bottom of the page.

Alternative 2. Download​

Irreversible Changes

This script is irreversible, meaning there is no straightforward method to restore changes once applied. Exercise caution before running, restoring it may not be possible.

  1. Download the script file by clicking on the button below:

    Download script

  2. Run the script file by clicking on it.

Download revert script​

This file restores your system to its original state, before this script is applied.

Download restore script

Alternative 3. Copy​

This is for advanced users. Consider automatically applying or downloading the script for simpler way.

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
HELP: Step-by-step guide

  1. Click on Start menu

  2. Type cmd

  3. Right click on Command Prompt select Run as administrator

  4. Click on Yes to run Command Prompt

Animation showing how to open terminal as administrator on Windows 11

  1. Copy the following code:
Code to apply changes
:: Set the registry value: "HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender!ServiceKeepAlive"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$registryPath = 'HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender'; $data = '0'; reg add 'HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender' /v 'ServiceKeepAlive' /t 'REG_DWORD' /d "^""$data"^"" /f"
:: Set the registry value: "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Microsoft Antimalware!ServiceKeepAlive"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$registryPath = 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Microsoft Antimalware'; $data = '0'; reg add 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Microsoft Antimalware' /v 'ServiceKeepAlive' /t 'REG_DWORD' /d "^""$data"^"" /f"
  1. Right click on command prompt to paste it.
  2. Press Enter to apply remaining code.

Copy restore code​

Copy and run the following code to restore changes:

Revert code
:: Delete the registry value "HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender!ServiceKeepAlive"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "reg delete 'HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender' /v 'ServiceKeepAlive' /f 2>$null"
:: Delete the registry value "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Microsoft Antimalware!ServiceKeepAlive"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "reg delete 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Microsoft Antimalware' /v 'ServiceKeepAlive' /f 2>$null"

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