There’s no supported way to switch off Microsoft Defender Antivirus permanently on Windows 10 and leave the PC without protection. The registry and Group Policy tricks in older guides (DisableAntiSpyware) are ignored by current versions of Defender, and Tamper Protection blocks most attempts. The supported way to stop Defender for good is to install another antivirus, and Defender turns itself off automatically. To stop it temporarily, turn off Real-time protection in Windows Security; it comes back on by itself. If Defender is blocking one program, add an exclusion instead.
Applies to: Windows 10 Home and Pro, version 22H2. Windows 10 reached the end of standard support on October 14, 2025, which makes running without antivirus riskier than ever.
Option 1: Install another antivirus (permanent)
- Download a reputable antivirus from its publisher’s official site and install it.
- Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection. It should list the new product as your active provider.
Defender stays installed but goes into passive or disabled mode, so the two don’t conflict. If you uninstall the other antivirus later, Defender switches back on. Not sure which one is running? You can check what antivirus you have.
Option 2: Turn off real-time protection (temporary)
- Open Start and search for Windows Security.
- Select Virus & threat protection > Manage settings under Virus & threat protection settings.
- Turn Real-time protection off and select Yes.
Windows turns it back on after a short time or at the next restart. Use this only for a specific task, such as installing trusted software that Defender wrongly flags. Switching it back on by hand is covered in turning Windows Defender on or off in Windows 10.
Option 3: Add an exclusion (usually the real fix)
- In Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Manage settings, scroll to Exclusions.
- Select Add or remove exclusions > Add an exclusion.
- Choose File, Folder, File type or Process, and select the item.
Defender keeps protecting the rest of the PC. Only exclude files you’re sure are safe.
Why the old registry method doesn’t work
Many guides tell you to add a DisableAntiSpyware value in the registry or turn on the Turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus Group Policy. This setting is deprecated and ignored on client devices in current Defender versions, as stated in Microsoft’s DisableAntiSpyware documentation. Tamper Protection, on by default, also stops apps and scripts from changing Defender settings. Organizations manage Defender through Microsoft Intune or Defender for Endpoint instead.
What about Windows Defender Firewall and SmartScreen?
These are separate features. Turning off the antivirus doesn’t turn them off, and turning them off doesn’t disable the antivirus. Leave the firewall on unless another security suite replaces it.
Troubleshooting
Real-time protection switch is greyed out
Another antivirus is active, or settings are managed by your organization. Check the message at the top of Windows Security.
Defender turned back on by itself
That’s expected after Option 2. For permanent replacement, use Option 1.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to run Windows 10 with no antivirus?
No. Especially now that Windows 10 no longer gets regular security updates, keep Defender or another antivirus running.
How is this different on Windows 11?
The options are the same. The Windows 11 versions show how to disable Windows Defender in Windows 11 and turn it back on.
More detail is in Microsoft’s antivirus and antimalware FAQ.
Related: turn off SmartScreen on Windows 11 or turn off User Account Control on Windows 10.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.