How to Disable Antivirus in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 25, 2025

Summary of Key Takeaways

  • Windows 11 includes Windows Security (Microsoft Defender Antivirus) by default.

  • You can disable antivirus protection temporarily or permanently.

  • Methods include: Windows Security settings, Group Policy, Registry Editor, Task Manager, and third-party tools.

  • Disabling antivirus should only be done for troubleshooting or installing trusted apps.

  • Always re-enable protection or use an alternative security solution to stay safe.

Introduction

Have you ever tried installing software or running a program on Windows 11, only to have your antivirus block it? Sometimes, antivirus software (especially Windows Defender) can be a little overprotective.

That’s when you might need to temporarily disable antivirus in Windows 11. But before we continue—remember, turning off antivirus protection leaves your PC vulnerable to threats.

In this guide, we’ll walk through multiple safe and reliable methods for disabling antivirus in Windows 11, step by step.

Why Would You Want to Disable Antivirus in Windows 11?

You might be asking, “Why would anyone disable antivirus?” Here are some common reasons:

  • Installing trusted third-party apps that Windows flags as unsafe.

  • Troubleshooting software conflicts with security tools.

  • Running performance-heavy apps or games where antivirus interferes.

  • Testing security behavior (for IT admins and advanced users).

⚠️ Important Warning: Only disable antivirus if you know what you’re doing. Always re-enable protection afterward.

Method 1: Temporarily Disable Antivirus via Windows Security

This is the simplest and most recommended way.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.

  3. Click Manage settings under “Virus & threat protection settings.”

  4. Toggle Real-time protection off.

👉 This will disable antivirus temporarily. Windows will automatically turn it back on after a restart.

Method 2: Disable Antivirus Permanently via Group Policy Editor

If you want to stop Defender from restarting itself, use Group Policy.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.

  2. Navigate to:

    Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus

  3. Double-click Turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus.

  4. Select Enabled, then click Apply > OK.

  5. Restart your PC.

👉 Defender will now stay off permanently—unless you manually turn it back on.

Method 3: Disable Antivirus Using Registry Editor

For Windows 11 Home edition (which lacks Group Policy), you can use the registry.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.

  2. Navigate to:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender

  3. Right-click in the right panel and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.

  4. Name it: DisableAntiSpyware.

  5. Set its value to 1.

  6. Restart your computer.

⚠️ Be careful—incorrect registry edits can cause system issues.

Method 4: Disable Antivirus from Task Manager

You can also stop Defender-related services directly.

Steps:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

  2. Go to the Startup tab.

  3. Find Windows Security notification icon and click Disable.

  4. Restart your PC.

👉 This prevents Defender from starting at boot, though some services may still run.

Method 5: Disable Third-Party Antivirus in Windows 11

If you’re using Avast, McAfee, Norton, Kaspersky, or Bitdefender, the process differs.

General Steps:

  1. Look for the antivirus icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner).

  2. Right-click the icon.

  3. Select Disable, Exit, or Pause protection.

  4. Choose a time duration (e.g., 10 minutes, until restart, permanently).

👉 Always check your antivirus documentation for specific instructions.

Method 6: Use Command Prompt or PowerShell

Advanced users can disable Defender services via commands.

Example (PowerShell):

Set-MpPreference -DisableRealtimeMonitoring $true

👉 This disables real-time protection but doesn’t remove antivirus completely.

Pros and Cons of Disabling Antivirus

ProsCons
Install software without interferenceIncreases risk of malware attacks
Faster performance in rare casesNo real-time protection
Useful for troubleshootingMay void warranty or IT policy compliance

Best Practices After Disabling Antivirus

  • Only disable temporarily for trusted tasks.

  • Keep offline if installing unsigned apps.

  • Re-enable ASAP to avoid risks.

  • Consider using a lightweight third-party antivirus if you find Defender too restrictive.

Conclusion

Now you know exactly how to disable antivirus in Windows 11 step by step. Whether it’s via Windows Security settings, Group Policy, Registry tweaks, or third-party software, you have full control.

But remember: antivirus exists to protect your system. Only disable it when absolutely necessary and always re-enable protection to stay safe.

FAQs

1. Is it safe to disable antivirus in Windows 11?
Only for short periods, and only if you trust the software you’re running.

2. How do I permanently disable Microsoft Defender?
Use Group Policy Editor or Registry Editor methods.

3. Can I use Windows 11 without antivirus?
Technically yes, but it’s highly risky. At minimum, use Windows Defender.

4. Does disabling antivirus improve performance?
Rarely. In most cases, performance impact is minimal.

5. How do I know if antivirus is disabled?
Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → it will show a warning if protection is off.

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