How do I disable Windows Defender on Windows?

What is Windows Defender?

Windows Defender is a basic antivirus tool built into Windows. While it may find some viruses, Ultra Antivirus is much more robust and doesn't slow down your computer as much as Windows Defender can do. You can keep Windows Defender and Ultra Antivirus installed on your computer at the same time, but it may cause conflicts and slow your computer down more than you wish.

Keep in mind that if you disable Windows Defender, your device may be vulnerable to threats if you also choose to disable or uninstall Ultra AV.

Instructions to disable Windows Defender

The instructions to disable Windows Defender will differ slightly depending on your version of Windows. Please skip to the section for your version of Windows and follow the instructions outlined there.

Disabling Windows Defender on Windows 10

Follow these steps to turn off real-time Microsoft Defender antivirus protection in Windows Security for Windows 10.

First, go to Start  > Settings  > Update & Security  > Windows Security > Virus & threat protectionManage settings (or Virus & threat protection settings in previous versions of Windows 10).

If you already have Ultra AV installed, you will see this screen:

 

In that case, click on the arrow next to Microsoft Defender Antivirus Options and toggle Real-time protection to Off.

If you don't have UltraAV installed, then click on Manage Settings under Virus & Threat Protection. Next, toggle Real-time protection off. This will temporarily disable Windows Security Antivirus.

Disabling Windows Defender on Windows 11

Follow these steps to turn off real-time Microsoft Defender antivirus protection in Windows Security for Windows 11.

Select Start > Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Open Windows Security

If you already have UltraAV installed, that will be displayed here. In that case, click on the arrow next to Microsoft Defender Antivirus Options and toggle Real-time protection to Off.

If you don't have UltraAV installed, then click on Manage Settings under Virus & Threat Protection. Next, toggle Real-time protection off. This will temporarily disable Windows Security Antivirus.