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Disable definition updates via WSUS and Microsoft Malware Protection Center

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Works with Windows 10 and 11Works with Windows Vista, XP, 7, 8, 10, 11, and Windows Server 2008 or newer.
  • Single actionThis page belongs to a script, containing basic changes to achieve a task.
  • Windows onlyThis script improves your privacy on Windows
  • Impact: HighSystem Functionality 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.
  • 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​

Missing Good Quality Documentation

This page does not yet meet PrivacyLearn's documentation standards. However, the script/action is stable and verified by community. Here are some options for you to understand its functionality:

Computer-generated docs (PREVIEW)

This documentation may be low quality but still useful.
Read computer-generated explanation

This documentation is automatically extracted from the code implementation.

Windows data privacy assurance: disable definition updates via WSUS and Microsoft Malware Protection Center in a few steps on this system alteration that eases the steps for how to create a safe and private environment thanks to cyber data privacy. Keeping with this idea, this script code offers a detailed exploration of the workflow to reset script actions to none.

Exploring new ideas is made safer and freer through information privacy maintenance. Start by following this recipe for digital data privacy measures preferences: review the choices and find your best step forward. If you feel overwhelmed, pause and reread the guide carefully. Most confusion can be cleared up with a second look.

Reference: https://web.archive.org/web/20250311093136/https://admx.help/?Category=Windows_7_2008R2&Policy=Microsoft.Policies.WindowsDefender::CheckAlternateHttpLocation

Technical Details​

  1. To be able to maximize online data privacy integration, this change changes registry entries to reach system privacy modification. It helps keep the system running well, to benefit from streamlined registry access.
  2. To obtain restricted update logs, this action applies update delivery controls to minimize personal privacy control risks. To realize improved system stability, it can also help optimize system resource usage.
  3. The code here handles essential operating system preferences to achieve secured system resources and this instruction set can also help to help reinforce digital data protection. By streamline system processes, this instruction set helps to accomplish improved system response.

Explore similar guides

Gives more context about the goal of the changes
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Review code

Requires technical knowledge about Batch (batchfile)
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Requires technical knowledge about YAML and Git
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  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 allows you to restore the default system security.

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 definition updates via WSUS and Microsoft Malware Protection Center" 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 definition updates via WSUS and Microsoft Malware Protection Center" 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 definition updates via WSUS and Microsoft Malware Protection Center
    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
:: Set the registry value: "HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Signature Updates!CheckAlternateHttpLocation"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$registryPath = 'HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Signature Updates'; $data =  '0'; reg add 'HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Signature Updates' /v 'CheckAlternateHttpLocation' /t 'REG_DWORD' /d "^""$data"^"" /f"
Help

How to apply or restore "Disable definition updates via WSUS and Microsoft Malware Protection Center" 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.
Visit category page

Same Goal​

Another guide in Disable alternate definition updates 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 definition updates through both WSUS and Windows Update

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
    • Audited and verified using automated security tests

  • Public review by large community​

    • Privacy enthusiasts and professionals peer-reviewed
    • Millions of end-users tested across different environments
    • Audited and verified using third-party security software

History​

We continually monitor our guides, their impact and other potential 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