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Disable Defender Firewall

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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
  • Multiple actionsThis page belongs to a category, containing some changes with similar goal.
  • 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.
  • 6 scripts
  • 1 categories
  • 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 category provides scripts to disable the Defender Firewall.

This firewall serves as a security gate for your computer. It controls network traffic to and from a computer 1 2 3 4 5. It blocks all incoming traffic by default and allows outgoing traffic 1. It enables users to block connections 1 3 5 6 7. For enhanced security, users can require a VPN for all connections with IPSec rules 1 3 7. This can protect your computer from unauthorized access 1 4 6 8.

Microsoft has renamed the firewall several times to reflect branding changes:

  1. Internet Connection Firewall initially 3.
  2. Windows Firewall with the release of Windows XP Service Pack 2 3.
  3. Windows Defender Firewall starting with Windows 10 build 1709 (September 2017) 4 5.
  4. Microsoft Defender Firewall from Windows 10 version 2004 onwards 5 6.
  5. Windows Firewall again in 2023 9.

Considerations:

  • Malware or unauthorized users can bypass it if they gain direct access to the computer 10.
  • Default firewall settings often provide limited security unless properly configured 10. This is the case for most users.
  • The firewall is enabled by default 1 2 4 5. It still operates in the background when turned off 7. This can compromise privacy.
  • Firewall logs detail user behavior 11. They fall under Microsoft's privacy policy. This allows Microsoft to access and analyze these logs to study your behavior.

Turning off this firewall may optimize system performance by reducing background tasks 7. It enhances privacy by preventing the collection of firewall logs 11. However, this could increase security risks by exposing your system to more threats 1 4 6 8.

Caution

Turning off the Defender Firewall may reduce your security. Consider an alternative security solution to maintain protection.

  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 two ways to apply:

Download script​

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

Maximum — Strongest Possible Privacy (Military-Grade)​

Read more about Maximum and other protection levels

Help

How to apply or restore "Disable Defender Firewall" 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
  • Shows the code
  • Free
  • Open-source
  • Popular
  • Offline/Online usage
Open privacy.sexy
Help

How to apply or restore "Disable Defender Firewall" 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 category name: Disable Defender Firewall
    2. Check the category by clicking on the checkbox of the category.
  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.

Explore This Guide​

  • 6 Privacy settings
  • 1 Main categories
    • These settings are organized into 1 main categories for easy navigation.
    • Each main category contains subcategories, helping you find specific settings you might want to adjust.
  • 1 Total categories

Choose what to protect based on your needs:

Click any option to learn more about what it does.

Each change can be applied and reversed individually.

Some settings and commands may require technical knowledge to apply correctly.

Disable Defender Firewall services and drivers

This section contains scripts to disable the essential services and drivers of Defender Firewall. Defender Firewall uses services and drivers to operate. Services run background tasks, while drivers help hardware and software communicate. Even with the firewall disabled in settings, its services and drivers continue running, potentially monitoring network traffic and consuming resources. These scripts directly disable these components, bypassing standard Windows settings and their limitations. D...

Disable firewall via command-line utility

Disable firewall via command-line utility — This publication points you toward success in how. More so, to reverse the applied changes, follow the instructions on this specification eases the steps of. A commitment to system data management safeguards the right to be oneself. Modify important data privacy handling options with this optimization and explore the (Reference: options) available for your goals. If you're feeling uncertain, stop and reread the instructions. It's better to clarify now...

Disable Firewall via registry

Follow this document: disable Firewall via registry on your Windows system to protect your files as result of privacy maintenance. For added clarity, this cheat sheet provides clarity in how to undo the configuration state. Personal privacy control gives individuals the right to choose what to share and with whom. Instantly configure sensitive data privacy handling preferences - here are your next (Reference: steps) to explore enhanced through this manual. The guide is designed to make the proc...

Disable "Firewall & network protection" section in "Windows Security"

This script hides the "Firewall & network protection" section in the "Windows Security" interface. Previously, this interface was called "Windows Defender Security Center". The "Firewall & network protection" section provides details about the device's firewalls and network connections. It shows the status of both the Windows Defender Firewall and any other third-party firewalls. However, after using this script, users will no longer see this section in the "Windows Security" interface. This scr...

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 offers scripts to disable Windows security components related to Defender. Defender is also referred to as Microsoft Defender or Windows Defender. Al...
Visit category page

Same Goal​

Other guides in Disable Defender 

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 8 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