Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- There are times when you may want to turn off Windows Security.
- I’ll show you how to (temporarily or permanently) disable it on Windows 11 Home and Pro.
- I also recommend creating a restore point, and will walk you through it.
Windows Security is a highly capable system guardian. In my “Best Antivirus for Windows 11” guide, I made the case that it isn’t just a basic antivirus designed to be a stopgap; it’s a full-blown first-party security suite that monitors downloads, blocks incoming threats, and instantly quarantines malware if it manages to bypass all defenses.
As a Windows user, all you really need to be protected against online threats is the app, an ad blocker, and a secure browser like Brave.
Also: How to upgrade your ‘incompatible’ Windows 10 PC to Windows 11 for free – today
However, there are times when you may want to disable Windows Security. In this guide, I will show you how to turn off Windows 11’s security suite both temporarily and permanently. I’ll also go over what to keep in mind before messing with these settings, and how to create a System Restore point so you have a safety net in case anything goes wrong.
Why would you want to disable Windows Security?
One common reason someone might want to disable Windows Security is to install third-party software that the suite blocks. This interference can occur while installing a third-party antivirus program, niche open-source software, or apps from lesser-known independent developers. Windows Security can falsely flag safe programs as dangerous, but you should always double check any program that’s being flagged, as there’s likely a reason.
If you visit GitHub, you’ll find multiple posts from people complaining about how Windows Defender (Windows’ built-in antivirus tool) flags certain project releases as trojans, even though they’re completely safe. Temporarily disabling Microsoft’s suite allows you to install the tool, app, or other software without being interrupted. When you’re done, you can just reactivate it.
Also: Don’t skip this crucial PC maintenance step – an expert explains how to do it correctly
It’s not just open-source projects; video games have been stopped by Windows Security, too. For example, users on the DCSWorld subreddit shared their experiences of Windows Security quarantining the game “Digital Combat Simulator”, believing the title to be a Trojan. Apparently, this is common enough, as multiple people clarify that it’s simply a false positive.
Permanently disabling is a more serious solution, and is typically only recommended for professional or skilled users under certain scenarios, such as replacing the entirety of Windows Security with a third-party security suite. Running both is an option, but having two security suites operating side by side can cause performance issues, so it’s better to have just one. In fact, Microsoft gives IT professionals the option to permanently disable Windows Security across multiple versions of Windows Server.
Also: Still running Windows 10? Here’s why that’s a bad idea
On personal versions of the OS, such as Windows 11 Home, installing a third-party antivirus solution as your PC’s primary defense will automatically disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus. Non-pro users do have the option to permanently disable Windows Security, although there is some risk involved, which I will discuss later.
Is it dangerous to permanently disable Windows Security?
It’s not something that you should do lightly, and I wouldn’t recommend it without a good reason. The biggest risk is that it exposes you to just about every type of online threat there is. I’m talking viruses, ransomware, spyware, phishing attempts, and trojans, just to name a few.
Without the defensive software running in the background, you’re only as safe as your habits, and even then, you’re still vulnerable. According to Microsoft, some of the most common vectors of infection include malicious Office macros, infected software, and compromised web pages.
Also: I think I know what’s coming in Windows 12, and you’re not going to like it
I also want to urge caution when venturing into the Registry Editor. The tool grants access to low-level system settings that aren’t accessible through surface-level apps. However, modifying the registry can cause system instability, resulting in random crashes or broken features.
Reinstalling Windows 11 may resolve this issue, but even Microsoft acknowledges that it cannot guarantee solutions to problems that stem from incorrect use of the Registry Editor. If you’re unsure, I recommend against doing this. If you’ve made your mind up, however, here’s the safest way to go about it.
How to temporarily disable Windows Security
Launch the Windows Security app via the search bar. Once open, navigate to Virus & threat protection > Manage settings > Real-time protection.
Toggle the Real-time protection switch off. You may receive a User Account Control (UAC) prompt asking if you want to allow the change to occur. Select Yes. When you’re ready to turn system protection back on, return to the same location in Windows Security and re-toggle Real-time protection. The tool will resume scanning your files immediately.
This approach does not modify low-level system settings. It’s safe and easy to reverse. A simple restart can also reactivate Virus & threat protection. Due to its simplicity, this is the recommended option for most users who only require a brief pause in protection to install an app or test software.
How to permanently disable Windows Security
The process of permanently disabling Windows Security depends on whether you’re running Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro. If you’re unsure which edition you have, open the Settings app, navigate to System > About, then check the Windows specifications. Next to Edition, it will state whether you have Windows 11 Home or Pro.
If you’re using Windows 11 Pro, the safest way to permanently disable Windows Security is to do it via the Local Group Policy Editor.
- Start by pressing Win + R to open the Run command. Alternatively, you can right-click the Windows icon and select Run.
- Type gpedit.msc into the command, then hit Enter to launch the Group Policy Editor.
- Follow this path: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
- Locate Turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus in the list below.
- Double-click the policy > select Enabled > Apply > OK.
- Restart your computer to apply the changes.
To re-enable Windows Security, return to the same policy settings, select Disabled, click Apply > OK, then restart your computer.
Also: 12 free ways to find and remove viruses on your PC – that actually work
Windows 11 Home doesn’t provide access to the Group Policy Editor by default. It’s safer to temporarily disable Windows Security as described above. However, you can disable the tool permanently via the Registry Editor.
- Start by pressing Win + R to open the Run command. Alternatively, you can right-click the Windows icon and select Run.
- Type gpedit.msc into the command, then hit Enter to launch the Group Policy Editor.
- Copy and paste the following path to the navigation bar at the top:
ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindows Defender
- Right-click on an empty area in the right-hand panel, select New in the context menu > DWORD (32-bit) Value > name it “DisableAntiSpyware”.
- Double-click DisableAntiSpyware, set the value data to 1, and click OK.
- Restart your computer to disable Windows Security.
To re-enable the tool via the Registry Editor, return to the same value, set its data to 0, and reboot.
How to create a restore point
If you still plan on editing the registry, I highly recommend backing up Windows 11 beforehand. You have a couple of options. ZDNET contributing writer Ed Bott has a guide on creating a Windows recovery drive as a handy lifeline in case Windows 11 becomes unstable. Another option is to create a restore point since it doesn’t require obtaining a recovery drive.
Open Windows Search, type in “Create a restore point,” and select the top result. In the System Protection tab, click the Create button. When prompted, give the restore point a short description, like “Restore Windows 11 to earlier state”. Note that you are limited to 63 characters.
Select Create > [wait for the process to finish, then] > Close > OK. To restore that earlier point, relaunch the restoring tool, click System Restore > Next > select a restore point > Next > Finish.
Should you ever turn off Windows Security?
There are a few instances where you can, and perhaps should, turn off Windows Security, such as when downloading software from GitHub (that’s when I do it). Even then, you should only do it temporarily whenever possible. Windows Security is a robust defense system that actively protects your PC from dangerous malware. Disabling it increases the likelihood of infections as well as a drop in performance.
If you plan to disable Windows Security, either temporarily or permanently, do so with caution. Follow the steps that I’ve given. Keep a restore point on hand and reactivate the protection as soon as you’re done.
Want more Windows 11 advice? Add ZDNET as a preferred Google source on Chrome and Chromium browsers.
I’ve spent nearly a decade reviewing hardware, software, troubleshooting Windows systems, and helping people get more out of their PCs. Over those years, I’ve worked extensively across both Windows 10 and Windows 11. The most important thing I’ve learned in that time frame is how important it is to manage your system’s settings. I routinely work with system recovery tools and tools like the Group Policy Editor as part of my usual stress tests when reviewing products, but just as importantly, I write guides.
Also: How to get free Windows 10 security patches on your PC – from now to October 2026
I strive to help everyday people by breaking down technical concepts and fixes into easy-to-follow, safe instructions that anyone can follow. When I recommend a method (or warn away from one), it’s based on firsthand experience.
My goal is to help you build confidence when navigating these low-level system settings, so you don’t feel intimidated by them. With the right information, you’ll be able to make the adjustment you want while keeping your system safe.