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Disable Windows Security interface

Overview​

About this category

This category contains privacy scripts for Windows.

These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.

This category offers scripts to disable or modify different aspects of the Windows Security user interface, formerly known as Windows Defender Security Center.

Windows Security is a centralized interface managing various Windows security features 1 2 3 4. It evolved from Windows Defender, initially a standalone antivirus with its own interface 5. Over time, Microsoft separated the management interface from the core antivirus component 6.

The evolution of Windows Security:

  1. With launch of Windows 10, Microsoft removed the separate settings window from Windows Defender, replacing it with a dedicated page in the main Settings app 6.
  2. Windows 10 version 1703 introduced Windows Defender Security Center (WDSC), combining Windows Defender's interface with Windows Security and Maintenance 7.
  3. Version 1803 renamed the Windows Defender settings page to Windows Security and redesigned it to emphasize various protection areas 3.
  4. In version 1809, Windows Defender Security Center was renamed to Windows Security (WSC) 1 2 4 8.

Windows Security features include:

  • Virus & threat protection: 1 2: Manages antivirus scans and updates 1 2. It includes managing Defender Antivirus 1 2 8.
  • Account protection: 1 2 Handles sign-in options and account settings, including Windows Hello 1 2.
  • Firewall & network protection: 1 2 Controls firewall settings and monitors network connections 1 2. Windows Security brand does not include the firewall component Windows Firewall 8. However, it allows viewing and managing it, including turning it on and off 9.
  • App & browser control: 1 2 Manages Microsoft Defender SmartScreen settings to protect against potentially harmful apps, files, and downloads 1.
  • Device security: 1 2 Oversees built-in security features to protect against malware attacks 1 2.
  • Device performance & health 1 2: Monitors device health and provides system update information 1.
  • Family options: 1 2 Allows management of family online activity and connected devices 1 2.

Scripts in this disables or adjust Windows Security components to:

  • Minimize data collection by limiting interactions with Microsoft's security services
  • Increase user control over security settings by blocking UI access to Defender

This allows users to decide which security features to manage or disable without interference. However, be aware that limiting access to these settings may result in inadequate responses to security threats, potentially making the system more vulnerable.

Caution

Disabling these features may prevent you from configuring and viewing Defender settings, which may reduce your system's security and convenience. Consider alternative security measures if you disable Windows Security components.

Not Advised

This category should only be used by advanced users. None of its scripts are recommended for daily use as it breaks important functionality. Do not run it without having backups and system snapshots.

Apply now​

These scripts are written using Batch (batchfile) scripting language.

Choose one of two ways to apply:

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

Alternative 1. Apply with Privacy.sexy​

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

Open privacy.sexy

It allows selectively choose parts of this action to conduct. 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 category name: Disable Windows Security interface.
  3. Check the category by clicking on the checkbox of the category.
  4. Click on Run button at the bottom of the page.

Alternative 2. Download​

Consider restarting your computer for all changes to take affect.

Reversible

This action is completely reversible, you can restore your changes to the initial/default state. The restore/revert methods provided here can help you fix issues.

If something goes wrong, use the Revert script provided above.

All​

This script includes Standard, Strict recommendation levels along with unrecommended scripts.

Not Advised

This script should only be used by advanced users. Some of these changes are NOT recommended for daily use as it breaks important functionality. Do not run it without having backups and system snapshots.

Download all scripts:

Download script

Restore these changes if you decide to revert them by downloading the restore script:

Download restore script

Explore further​

This category includes total of 44 scripts and 8 subcategories.

Explore its 9 subscripts and 4 subcategories:

Disable Defender interface background services

This category provides scripts to disable background services supporting Defender interface elements. These services enable real-time updates and interactions with Defender's security features. Disabling these services may: Reduce system resource usage • Minimize background processes related to the Defender interface • Limit potential data collection associated with Defender's user interface However, this action may also: Prevent certain security notifications from appearing • Limit your ability...

Disable sections in "Windows Security"

This category provides scripts that let you disable specific sections of the "Windows Security" interface. Windows Security provides a centralized location for managing security settings and viewing system status. This interface was introduced in Windows 10, version 1703. It was previously known as Windows Defender Security Center. Windows Security has various sections, and each can be turned off individually. If all sections are disabled, Windows Security will display in a restricted mo...

Disable security notifications

This category contains scripts to disable Windows security notifications. Windows sends security notifications to inform users of potential threats, vulnerabilities, and important security events. These notifications are generated by security components like Windows Security and Defender Antivirus. Disabling these notifications may: Enhance privacy by reducing visible security-related information on your screen • Improve system performance slightly by preventing these alerts from being processed...

Disable Security and Maintenance

This category includes scripts that disable various components of the Security and Maintenance feature. Security and Maintenance was previously known as Action Center. This feature provides a central interface for managing Windows security and maintenance settings. It monitors and reports on system health, including security threats, software updates, and hardware issues. Disabling these components enhances privacy by reducing system monitoring and data collection associated with sec...

Remove "Scan with Defender" from context menu

This script removes the Scan with Microsoft Defender option from the right-click context menu. This script enhances user privacy by limiting engagement with Defender's data collection processes. Defender may collect data during scans and at regular intervals, which some users may find unnecessary or unwanted. Removing this option only affects the context menu appearance and does not disable Defender or its other functions. Technical Details - The script functions by altering specific registr...

Remove "Windows Security" icon from taskbar

This script removes the Windows Security icon from the system tray. Windows Security is an interface introduced in Windows 10, version 1703. It was previously named Windows Defender Security Center. It offers a unified interface to manage security settings and monitor system status. The icon in the system tray is controlled by the "SecurityHealthSystray.exe" file. Technical Details - The script modifies the registry to stop this file from running on startup, effectively removing the icon...

Disable Defender Antivirus interface

This script disables the Defender Antivirus interface. This script keeps the Antimalware User Interface (AM UI) hidden from users. This prevents user interactions with the Defender Antivirus interface. Several reasons to hide the antivirus interface: Minimizing Defender's visible interactions can potentially limit the extent of user data shared with Microsoft, whether you're using Defender or disabling it for an alternative solution. Hiding the interface prevents users from starting and pausing ...

Disable outdated non-administrator access to Defender threat history

This script disables privacy mode for Defender scans, limiting threat history access to administrators. By default, privacy mode is enabled. When active, it restricts the display of spyware and potentially dangerous programs to administrators only, instead of all users on the computer. It blocks non-administrators from viewing threat history. This is a legacy setting that only affects older versions of Defender Antivirus. It has no impact on current platforms. Limiting threat history to administ...

Disable Defender Firewall Control Panel applet

This script disables the Windows Defender Firewall Control Panel applet, restricting access to firewall settings through this specific interface. The Windows Defender Firewall Control Panel applet is a tool for configuring the Defender Firewall. It can be accessed by typing "firewall.cpl" in the Start menu and pressing Enter. Disabling this applet enhances security by reducing the attack surface and potential vulnerabilities in the firewall's configuration interface. This action preserve...

Disable Defender Firewall "Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security"

This script disables the Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security (WFAS) management interface. The Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security (WFAS) is a Microsoft Management Console (MMC) snap-in offering advanced configuration options for your firewall. It can be accessed locally or through group policies by typing "wf.msc" in the Start menu. The Microsoft Management Console (MMC) acts as a toolbox for managing various Windows components, including hardware, software, and...

Remove "Windows Security" app ("SecHealthUI") (breaks Windows Security user interface)

This script removes the "Windows Security" app, known as "SecHealthUI". This app serves as the interface for Windows Security, helping users monitor and manage their computer's security. It provides alerts and guidance on vulnerabilities through the Action Center. However, uninstalling the "Windows Security" app has significant implications: It may increase vulnerability to threats by no longer alerting users about security issues or communicating updates through the Action Center. • Disabling i...

Disable outdated "Windows Defender Security Center" interface

This script disables outdated Defender Antivirus user interface components. The Windows Defender User Experience Host managed communication between Windows components and apps, including the discontinued Windows Defender Security Center. This interface is not present in modern Windows versions, so this script will not affect recent Windows systems. Disabling this component may enhance privacy on older systems by reducing monitoring and data collection from the Defender components. It helps m...

Explore Categories​

This action belongs to Disable Defender category. This category offers scripts to disable Windows security components related to Defender. Defender is also referred to as Microsoft Defender or Windows Defender. Although designed to protect you, its features may compromise your privacy and decrease computer performance. Privacy concerns... Read more on category page ▶

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