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Disable Defender Antivirus real-time security intelligence updates

Overview​

About this script

This script improves your privacy on Windows.

These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.

This script disables the real-time security intelligence updates in Defender.

Real-time security intelligence updates are a feature of Defender Antivirus 1. They are part of Microsoft Active Protection Service (MAPS) 1 2. MAPS is also known as Microsoft SpyNet or cloud protection 3. This service collects and sends personal data and other information to Microsoft 3.

When enabled, if Defender encounters an unknown file and MAPS has new intelligence on a threat involving that file, it immediately receives the latest security updates 1 2. By default, these updates are enabled 1 2. This script disables them.

Disabling this feature may enhance your privacy by reducing data sent to Microsoft. It may also slightly improve system performance by reducing background network activity and processing. However, this change may reduce your system's security by delaying the receipt of new threat information. Defender will still receive regular updates, but not in real-time.

This script configures the HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Signature Updates!RealtimeSignatureDelivery registry key 1 2.

Caution

This change enhances privacy but may reduce overall system security.

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 cloud protection category. This category contains scripts that disable or limit Microsoft Defender's cloud-based protection features. Microsoft Defender's cloud protection is also known as Microsoft MAPS (Microsoft Active Protection Service) or Microsoft SpyNet. It is an online community that helps detect and prevent the... 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 real-time security intelligence updates.
  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\Signature Updates!RealtimeSignatureDelivery"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$registryPath = 'HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Signature Updates'; $data = '0'; reg add 'HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Signature Updates' /v 'RealtimeSignatureDelivery' /t 'REG_DWORD' /d "^""$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\Signature Updates!RealtimeSignatureDelivery"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "reg delete 'HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Signature Updates' /v 'RealtimeSignatureDelivery' /f 2>$null"

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