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Disable Defender Antivirus service in Safe Mode

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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 disables Defender Antivirus from running in Safe Mode.

Safe Mode is also known as Safe Boot 1. It starts Windows in a limited state where only essential services and drivers are loaded 1. By default, the Defender Antivirus service is set to run in this mode 1 2.

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 background processes and memory usage.

However, running this script may compromise your security by leaving your system unprotected from malware and other threats, even in Safe Mode.

Caution

This script removes protection against viruses and other threats in Safe Mode.

Technical Details​

The script deletes two registry keys:

  • HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SafeBoot\Minimal\WinDefend 2
  • HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SafeBoot\Network\WinDefend 2

These registry keys are created by the Windows Defender Service (Windows-Defender-Service.Resources) package to enable antivirus functionality in Safe Mode 2.

  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 service in Safe Mode" 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 service in Safe Mode" 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 service in Safe Mode
    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
:: Soft-delete the registry key: HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SafeBoot\Minimal\WinDefend 
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "function Copy-Acl($Src, $Dst) { $srcKeys = @(Get-ChildItem -LiteralPath $Src -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue); foreach ($key in $srcKeys) { $dstKey = Join-Path $Dst $key.PSChildName; Copy-Acl -Src $key.PSPath -Dst $dstKey; }; $acl = Get-Acl -Path $Src -ErrorAction Stop; $sections = [System.Security.AccessControl.AccessControlSections]::All -band (-bnot [System.Security.AccessControl.AccessControlSections]::Owner); $sddl = $acl.GetSecurityDescriptorSddlForm($sections); $acl.SetSecurityDescriptorSddlForm($sddl, $sections); Set-Acl -Path $Dst -AclObject $acl -ErrorAction Stop; }; function Rename-KeyWithAcl($Old, $New) { try { Copy-Item -LiteralPath $Old -Destination $New -Recurse -Force -ErrorAction Stop; } catch { throw "^""Failed to copy: $_"^""; }; try { Copy-Acl -Src $Old -Dst $New; } catch { Write-Warning "^""Failed to copy ACL: $_"^""; }; try { Remove-Item -LiteralPath $Old -Force -Recurse -ErrorAction Stop | Out-Null; } catch { try { Remove-Item -LiteralPath $New -Force -Recurse -ErrorAction Stop | Out-Null; } catch { Write-Warning "^""Failed to clean up: $_"^""; }; throw "^""Failed to remove: $_"^""; }; }; $rawPath='HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SafeBoot\Minimal\WinDefend'; $suffix='.OLD'; $global:ok = 0; $global:skip = 0; $global:fail = 0; function Rename-KeyTree($Path) { Write-Host "^""Processing key: $Path"^""; if (-Not (Test-Path -LiteralPath $Path)) { Write-Host 'Skipping: Key does not exist.'; $global:skip++; return; }; $values = (Get-Item -LiteralPath $Path -ErrorAction Stop | Select-Object -ExpandProperty Property); foreach ($value in $values) { Write-Host "^""Renaming '$value'"^""; if ($value.EndsWith($suffix)) { Write-Host 'Skipping: Has suffix.'; $global:skip++; continue; }; $backupName = $value + $suffix; Write-Host "^""Renaming to '$backupName'."^""; try { Rename-ItemProperty -LiteralPath $Path -Name $value -NewName $backupName -ErrorAction Stop; Write-Host 'Successfully renamed.'; $global:ok++; } catch { Write-Warning "^""Failed to rename value: $_"^""; $global:fail++; }; }; $subkeys = @(Get-ChildItem -LiteralPath $Path -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue); foreach ($key in $subkeys) { Rename-KeyTree $key.PSPath; }; Write-Host "^""Renaming key '$Path'."^""; if ($Path.EndsWith($suffix)) { Write-Host 'Skipping: Has suffix.'; $global:skip++; } else { $backupPath = $Path + $suffix; while (Test-Path -LiteralPath $backupPath) { $backupPath += $suffix; }; Write-Host "^""Renaming to '$backupPath'."^""; try { Rename-KeyWithAcl -Old $Path -New $backupPath -ErrorAction Stop; Write-Host 'Successfully renamed.'; $global:ok++; } catch { Write-Warning "^""Failed to rename: $_"^""; $global:fail++; }; }; }; Write-Host "^""Soft deleting registry key '$rawPath' recursively."^""; $hive = $rawPath.Split('\')[0]; $path = $hive + ':' + $rawPath.Substring($hive.Length); Rename-KeyTree $path; $totalItems = $global:ok + $global:skip + $global:fail; Write-Host "^""Total items: $totalItems, Renamed: $global:ok, Skipped: $global:skip, Failed: $global:fail"^""; if (($totalItems -eq 0) -or ($totalItems -eq $global:skip)) { Write-Host 'No items were processed. The operation had no effect.'; } elseif ($global:fail -eq $totalItems) { throw "^""Operation failed. All $global:fail items could not be processed."^""; } elseif ($global:ok) { Write-Host "^""Successfully processed $global:ok item(s)."^""; }"
:: Soft-delete the registry key: HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SafeBoot\Network\WinDefend 
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "function Copy-Acl($Src, $Dst) { $srcKeys = @(Get-ChildItem -LiteralPath $Src -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue); foreach ($key in $srcKeys) { $dstKey = Join-Path $Dst $key.PSChildName; Copy-Acl -Src $key.PSPath -Dst $dstKey; }; $acl = Get-Acl -Path $Src -ErrorAction Stop; $sections = [System.Security.AccessControl.AccessControlSections]::All -band (-bnot [System.Security.AccessControl.AccessControlSections]::Owner); $sddl = $acl.GetSecurityDescriptorSddlForm($sections); $acl.SetSecurityDescriptorSddlForm($sddl, $sections); Set-Acl -Path $Dst -AclObject $acl -ErrorAction Stop; }; function Rename-KeyWithAcl($Old, $New) { try { Copy-Item -LiteralPath $Old -Destination $New -Recurse -Force -ErrorAction Stop; } catch { throw "^""Failed to copy: $_"^""; }; try { Copy-Acl -Src $Old -Dst $New; } catch { Write-Warning "^""Failed to copy ACL: $_"^""; }; try { Remove-Item -LiteralPath $Old -Force -Recurse -ErrorAction Stop | Out-Null; } catch { try { Remove-Item -LiteralPath $New -Force -Recurse -ErrorAction Stop | Out-Null; } catch { Write-Warning "^""Failed to clean up: $_"^""; }; throw "^""Failed to remove: $_"^""; }; }; $rawPath='HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SafeBoot\Network\WinDefend'; $suffix='.OLD'; $global:ok = 0; $global:skip = 0; $global:fail = 0; function Rename-KeyTree($Path) { Write-Host "^""Processing key: $Path"^""; if (-Not (Test-Path -LiteralPath $Path)) { Write-Host 'Skipping: Key does not exist.'; $global:skip++; return; }; $values = (Get-Item -LiteralPath $Path -ErrorAction Stop | Select-Object -ExpandProperty Property); foreach ($value in $values) { Write-Host "^""Renaming '$value'"^""; if ($value.EndsWith($suffix)) { Write-Host 'Skipping: Has suffix.'; $global:skip++; continue; }; $backupName = $value + $suffix; Write-Host "^""Renaming to '$backupName'."^""; try { Rename-ItemProperty -LiteralPath $Path -Name $value -NewName $backupName -ErrorAction Stop; Write-Host 'Successfully renamed.'; $global:ok++; } catch { Write-Warning "^""Failed to rename value: $_"^""; $global:fail++; }; }; $subkeys = @(Get-ChildItem -LiteralPath $Path -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue); foreach ($key in $subkeys) { Rename-KeyTree $key.PSPath; }; Write-Host "^""Renaming key '$Path'."^""; if ($Path.EndsWith($suffix)) { Write-Host 'Skipping: Has suffix.'; $global:skip++; } else { $backupPath = $Path + $suffix; while (Test-Path -LiteralPath $backupPath) { $backupPath += $suffix; }; Write-Host "^""Renaming to '$backupPath'."^""; try { Rename-KeyWithAcl -Old $Path -New $backupPath -ErrorAction Stop; Write-Host 'Successfully renamed.'; $global:ok++; } catch { Write-Warning "^""Failed to rename: $_"^""; $global:fail++; }; }; }; Write-Host "^""Soft deleting registry key '$rawPath' recursively."^""; $hive = $rawPath.Split('\')[0]; $path = $hive + ':' + $rawPath.Substring($hive.Length); Rename-KeyTree $path; $totalItems = $global:ok + $global:skip + $global:fail; Write-Host "^""Total items: $totalItems, Renamed: $global:ok, Skipped: $global:skip, Failed: $global:fail"^""; if (($totalItems -eq 0) -or ($totalItems -eq $global:skip)) { Write-Host 'No items were processed. The operation had no effect.'; } elseif ($global:fail -eq $totalItems) { throw "^""Operation failed. All $global:fail items could not be processed."^""; } elseif ($global:ok) { Write-Host "^""Successfully processed $global:ok item(s)."^""; }"
Help

How to apply or restore "Disable Defender Antivirus service in Safe Mode" 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

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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.

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