Why would you want to uninstall Windows Defender?
There are several reasons why you might want to uninstall Windows Defender:
- You prefer to use a different antivirus program that offers additional features.
- You find that Windows Defender clashes with other security software on your computer.
- You want to free up system resources as Windows Defender can sometimes slow down your computer.
Is it safe to uninstall Windows Defender?
It is generally safe to uninstall Windows Defender if you have another reliable antivirus program installed on your computer. However, before proceeding, make sure that the third-party antivirus software is up to date and active to ensure continuous protection for your system.
How to uninstall Windows Defender
Follow these steps to uninstall Windows Defender from your Windows 10 computer:
- Press the Windows key on your keyboard or click on the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen to open the Start menu.
- Type “Windows Security” in the search bar and click on the Windows Security app when it appears in the search results.
- In the Windows Security app, click on the Virus & threat protection tab in the left sidebar.
- Click on the Manage settings link under the Virus & threat protection settings section.
- Scroll down to the Real-time protection section and toggle the switch off to disable real-time protection.
- A warning popup will appear asking for confirmation. Click on Yes to proceed.
- Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “regedit” and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
- In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following directory: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender.
- Right-click on the Windows Defender folder and select Delete from the context menu.
- Click on Yes to confirm the deletion.
- Close the Registry Editor.
- Restart your computer to complete the uninstallation process.
After restarting your computer, Windows Defender should be completely uninstalled from your Windows 10 system. Ensure that your third-party antivirus software is running and up to date to maintain a secure computing environment.
Uninstalling Windows Defender is a straightforward process if you prefer to use a different antivirus solution or encounter conflicts with other security software. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can safely remove Windows Defender from your Windows 10 computer and rely on your preferred antivirus program for protection.
Remember: always have an up-to-date and active antivirus program to ensure your computer remains protected against the constantly evolving threats online.