How to Disable Windows Security Pop-Up in Windows 11: A Quick Guide

Windows Security is a built-in antivirus and protection system in Windows 11. While it’s essential for keeping your PC safe, the frequent Windows Security pop-ups—like notifications for scans, virus definitions, or firewall alerts—can be distracting.

If you want to disable Windows Security pop-ups in Windows 11 without compromising system security, this guide walks you through step-by-step methods, troubleshooting, and best practices.

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Key Takeaways

• Windows Security notifications can be managed or disabled in Windows 11.

• You can turn off pop-ups via Settings, Group Policy, or Registry tweaks.

• It’s important to keep essential protections enabled while minimizing notifications.

• Use built-in tools for safe and reversible changes.

• Troubleshooting tips ensure notifications don’t reappear unexpectedly.

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What Are Windows Security Pop-Ups?

Windows Security pop-ups are notifications from your built-in antivirus, firewall, or system protection components. They alert you about:

• Virus and threat protection

• Firewall and network protection

• App & browser control

• Device performance and health

• Account protection

While useful, constant pop-ups can disrupt work or gaming sessions.

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Why Disable Windows Security Pop-Ups?

Users may want to disable these notifications for several reasons:

• Frequent interruptions during work or gaming

• False positives or repeated alerts

• Running alternative antivirus software

• Personal preference for minimal notifications

⚠️ Note: Disabling pop-ups does not turn off protection unless you manually disable antivirus or firewall features.

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Prerequisites Before Disabling Pop-Ups

• Administrator account on Windows 11

• Latest version of Windows 11 installed

• Awareness of which notifications are essential for security

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Method 1: Disable Notifications via Windows Settings

This is the safest and simplest method.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

2. Navigate to System > Notifications.

3. Scroll down to Get notifications from these senders.

4. Find Windows Security in the list.

5. Toggle the switch Off to stop notifications.

💡 Tip: You can also leave critical notifications on and turn off other alerts.

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Method 2: Disable Notifications via Windows Security App

You can customize alerts directly within the Windows Security app.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + S and type Windows Security, then open it.

2. Click Virus & Threat Protection.

3. Scroll to Virus & Threat Protection Settings and click Manage Settings.

4. Toggle Notifications off for:

   • Recent activity and scan results

   • Threats found

5. Exit the app—changes take effect immediately.

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Method 3: Disable Notifications via Group Policy Editor

For advanced users or enterprise PCs:

Steps:

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

2. Navigate to:

   Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Security > Notifications


3. Double-click Turn off Windows Security Center notifications.

4. Set it to Enabled.

5. Click Apply > OK and restart your PC.

⚠️ Group Policy Editor is only available on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.

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Method 4: Disable Notifications via Registry Editor

For users without Group Policy Editor:

Steps:

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

2. Navigate to:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender Security Center\Notifications


   If the Notifications key doesn’t exist, create it.

3. Create a DWORD (32-bit) Value named:

   DisableEnhancedNotifications


4. Set the value to 1.

5. Close Registry Editor and restart your PC.

💡 Note: Always backup your registry before making changes.

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Method 5: Using Focus Assist to Suppress Notifications

Focus Assist allows temporary suppression of notifications during work or gaming.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + I, go to System > Focus Assist.

2. Choose one of the following modes:

   • Priority Only – Only important notifications show

   • Alarms Only – All notifications except alarms are hidden

3. Customize Priority list to include or exclude Windows Security.

✅ Useful if you want temporary suppression rather than permanent changes.

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Troubleshooting Windows Security Pop-Up Issues

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Best Practices for Disabling Pop-Ups

• Don’t disable core protection features like antivirus or firewall.

• Use Focus Assist for temporary suppression instead of permanent disabling.

• Periodically check Windows Security for threats manually.

• Document changes in Registry or Group Policy to revert if needed.

• Keep Windows 11 updated to avoid security vulnerabilities.

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Conclusion

Disabling Windows Security pop-ups in Windows 11 is straightforward. You can use Settings, Windows Security app, Group Policy, Registry, or Focus Assist depending on your preference and Windows edition.

The key is to minimize distractions while keeping essential protection active. Following this guide ensures a cleaner desktop experience without compromising system security.

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FAQs About Disabling Windows Security Pop-Ups

1. Will disabling pop-ups turn off antivirus protection?
No, Windows Security continues running in the background; only notifications are suppressed.

2. Can I re-enable notifications later?
Yes, toggle the switch back in Settings or the Windows Security app.

3. Does Focus Assist work for all Windows 11 editions?
Yes, Focus Assist is available in Home, Pro, and Enterprise editions.

4. Is it safe to modify the registry to disable notifications?
Yes, if you backup the registry and follow instructions carefully.

5. Why do pop-ups return after a Windows update?
Some updates reset notification settings. Reapply the method after updating.