Windows 11 comes with built-in protection called Windows Security (Microsoft Defender Antivirus). It’s designed to keep your PC safe from viruses, malware, ransomware, and other digital threats. For most users, keeping this feature turned on is the smartest choice. But sometimes, you might want to temporarily disable the antivirus—maybe you’re installing a specific program, troubleshooting software conflicts, or testing an app.
If you’ve been searching for a step-by-step guide on how to turn off Windows 11 antivirus, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll walk you through different methods to disable it safely, explain why you might need to do it, and share precautions to avoid unnecessary risks.
Why Would You Want to Turn Off Windows 11 Antivirus?
You may be wondering, “Why would I ever need to disable antivirus if it’s protecting my system?” Good question. Here are a few common scenarios:
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Installing trusted software – Sometimes, Windows Security blocks apps it mistakenly sees as threats.
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Gaming performance – Antivirus scans can eat up system resources, affecting gameplay.
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Running custom scripts or apps – Developers and IT professionals may need to test programs without interference.
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Troubleshooting issues – If your system isn’t working properly, temporarily turning off antivirus can help identify whether it’s the cause.
👉 Important: Disabling antivirus should only be done temporarily and with caution.
Understanding Windows 11’s Built-in Antivirus
Before jumping into the steps, it helps to understand what we’re dealing with.
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Windows Security (Microsoft Defender Antivirus) is the default protection tool in Windows 11.
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It includes features like real-time protection, cloud-delivered protection, firewall, and ransomware protection.
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Unlike third-party antiviruses, it’s deeply integrated with the OS and runs automatically in the background.
Knowing this will make it easier to follow along as we explore the methods to disable it.
Methods to Turn Off Windows 11 Antivirus
There are several ways to disable antivirus on Windows 11. Some methods turn it off temporarily, while others disable it more permanently. Let’s go step by step.
Method 1: Turn Off Antivirus from Windows Security Settings (Temporary)
This is the simplest and most common way to pause antivirus protection.
Steps:
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Open Settings by pressing
Win + I. -
Navigate to Privacy & Security > Windows Security.
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Click on Virus & threat protection.
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Under Virus & threat protection settings, click Manage settings.
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Toggle off Real-time protection.
👉 This will disable real-time scanning, but Windows will automatically re-enable it after a while or after a system restart.
Method 2: Disable Antivirus via Windows Security App
If you prefer using the Windows Security app directly, here’s how:
Steps:
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Press
Win + Sand type Windows Security. -
Open the app and go to Virus & threat protection.
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Scroll down and select Manage settings.
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Toggle off Real-time protection, Cloud-delivered protection, and Automatic sample submission.
👉 This gives you more control over which protection features you want to disable.
Method 3: Turn Off Antivirus via Group Policy Editor (Permanent)
If you want to disable antivirus more permanently, use Group Policy Editor (only available in Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions).
Steps:
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Press
Win + R, typegpedit.msc, and hit Enter. -
In the left panel, go to:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus. -
Double-click Turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
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Select Enabled, then click Apply and OK.
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Restart your PC for changes to take effect.
👉 This method prevents Microsoft Defender from running at all.
Method 4: Disable Antivirus via Registry Editor (Permanent)
If you’re using Windows 11 Home Edition, Group Policy isn’t available. But you can still use Registry Editor.
⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry incorrectly can cause system issues. Proceed carefully.
Steps:
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Press
Win + R, typeregedit, and press Enter. -
Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender -
Right-click the Windows Defender folder, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
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Name it
DisableAntiSpyware. -
Double-click it, set the value to 1, then click OK.
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Restart your computer.
👉 This fully disables Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
Method 5: Use Command Prompt or PowerShell
For advanced users, you can disable antivirus using commands.
Using PowerShell:
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Open PowerShell as Administrator.
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Type the following command and press Enter:
👉 To re-enable it, run:
Should You Use Third-Party Antivirus Instead?
Many people wonder: “If I turn off Windows 11 antivirus, should I install another antivirus?”
The answer depends on your needs:
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If you just need temporary relief (for gaming, app installs, or troubleshooting), keep Windows Security.
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If you want extra features (like VPNs, advanced firewalls, or parental controls), third-party solutions like Bitdefender, Kaspersky, or Norton may be better.
👉 Note: If you install a third-party antivirus, Windows Security usually disables itself automatically.
Risks of Turning Off Antivirus
Let’s be real: turning off antivirus protection makes your system vulnerable. Here’s what could happen:
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Exposure to viruses and malware.
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Risk of ransomware locking up files.
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Increased chances of phishing attacks.
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Spyware or keyloggers tracking your activity.
That’s why you should only disable it temporarily and only when necessary.
Best Practices When Disabling Antivirus
If you must disable antivirus, here are some tips to stay safe:
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Disconnect from the internet if possible.
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Only run trusted apps or files while it’s off.
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Re-enable antivirus immediately after finishing your task.
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Keep backups of important data in case of issues.
Think of antivirus as a seatbelt—you wouldn’t take it off while driving unless absolutely necessary.
Common Problems When Turning Off Windows 11 Antivirus
Sometimes, users face issues like:
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Antivirus turns back on automatically.
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Group Policy or Registry changes don’t apply.
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PowerShell commands show errors.
👉 These usually happen if you don’t have admin privileges or if Windows updates reset settings. In such cases, double-check permissions or reapply the changes.
How to Re-enable Windows 11 Antivirus
Once you’re done, turning antivirus back on is just as easy:
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Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
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Click Manage settings.
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Toggle Real-time protection back on.
If you used Group Policy or Registry Editor, just undo the changes (set policy to Not Configured or registry value to 0).
Final Thoughts
Learning how to turn off Windows 11 antivirus can be really useful in certain situations. Whether you’re troubleshooting, installing apps, or testing programs, the methods above give you plenty of options.
But remember—antivirus is your first line of defense against cyber threats. Disabling it is like leaving your door unlocked. Do it only when necessary, and always turn it back on as soon as possible.
FAQs
1. Is it safe to turn off Windows 11 antivirus?
Yes, but only for a short time and if you know what you’re doing. Leaving it off makes your PC vulnerable.
2. Can I permanently disable Windows Defender?
Yes, using Group Policy, Registry Editor, or third-party antivirus. But it’s not recommended unless you’re replacing it with another solution.
3. Why does Windows Defender keep turning back on?
Windows automatically re-enables it to keep your PC safe. This is by design.
4. Do I need another antivirus if I turn off Defender?
Not necessarily. But if you want extra protection, third-party antiviruses can offer more features.
5. Will disabling antivirus improve performance?
In some cases, yes—like when gaming or installing apps. But the performance boost is usually minor compared to the risks.