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Disable Windows Security interface

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Works with Windows 10 and 11Works with Windows Vista, XP, 7, 8, 10, 11, and Windows Server 2008 or newer.
  • Multiple actionsThis page belongs to a category, containing some changes with similar goal.
  • 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.
  • 44 scripts
  • 8 categories
  • 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 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.

  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.

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​

Read more about Maximum and other protection levels

Help

How to apply or restore "Disable Windows Security interface" 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 Windows Security interface" 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 Windows Security interface
    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​

  • 44 Privacy settings
  • 4 Main categories
    • These settings are organized into 4 main categories for easy navigation.
    • Main categories may contain subcategories, further organizing related functionality.
  • 8 Total categories

Choose what to protect based on your needs:This script already includes these options.
You can review, apply or reverse each option individually.
Click any option to learn more about what it does.

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

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 De...

— Disable Defender

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
    • 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