8/15/2020 How to permanently disable Windows Defender Antivirus on Windows 10 | Windows Central

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DISABLE IT FOR GOOD

How to permanently disable Windows Defender Antivirus on Windows 10

If the Windows Defender Antivirus isn't for you, use this guide to disable it permanently on Windows 10.

MAURO HUCULAK 15 May 2020  105

   

Source: Windows Central

On Windows 10, the Windows Defender Antivirus is a built-in anti-malware solution designed
to protect your computer and data from unwanted viruses, ransomware, spyware, rootkits, and
many other forms of malware and even hackers. Although it's one of the best antivirus
software options for most users, there could be situations where you may want to disable the
feature permanently (or temporarily).

For example, when you're not confident about the solution. You have to complete a specific
task that conflicts with the antivirus. You're setting up a kiosk computer that won't connect to
the network, and security isn't a concern. Or you need to comply with your organization's
policies on certain devices.

Whatever the reason it might be, Windows 10 doesn't include an option to uninstall or disable
the Windows Defender Antivirus "permanently" unless you install a third-party solution, in

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which case it'll disable automatically. However, it's possible to disable Windows Defender
using Group Policy or Registry, or even temporarily using the Windows Security app.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to disable Windows Defender
Antivirus permanently (or temporarily) on your device.

 How to disable Windows Defender Antivirus using Windows Security

 How to disable Windows Defender Antivirus using Group Policy
 How to disable Windows Defender Antivirus using Registry

How to disable Windows Defender Antivirus using Windows Security

If you want to disable the built-in security solution to complete a specific task, such as
installing an application, you don't have to disable Windows Defender Antivirus permanently.
You only need to turn it o temporarily.

To disable the Windows 10 antivirus temporarily, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for
Windows Security and click
the top result to open the app.  
3. Click on Virus & threat protection.
4. Under the "Virus & threat protection settings" section, click the Manage settings option.

Source: Windows Central

5. Turn o the Real-time protection toggle switch to disable Windows Defender

temporarily.

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Source: Windows Central

   
Once you complete the steps, the antivirus will disable the real-time protection, which it'll
allow you to install apps or make a specific system change, which you weren't able before
because the security feature was blocking the action.

You can always enable the real-time protection again by restarting the device, or using the
same instructions outlined above, but on step No. 5, make sure to turn on the Real-time
protection toggle switch.

Although this isn't a permanent solution, it's the best option to disable the Windows 10
antivirus to perform a specific task.

How to disable Windows Defender Antivirus using Group Policy

On Windows 10 Pro, you can configure a policy using the Local Group Policy Editor to disable
Windows Defender Antivirus permanently. However, you have to disable the system's "Tamper
Protection" feature before the policy can take e ect.

Tamper protection is a feature available since the Windows 10 May 2019 Update, and it's been
designed to protect the Windows Security app against unauthorized changes that are not
made directly through the experience. So, since you'll be using the Group Policy, if you don't
disable this security, the antivirus will restart again in the next reboot automatically.

Disable Tamper Protection

To disable Tamper Protection on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Windows Security and click the top result to open the app.
3. Click on Virus & threat protection.
4. Under the "Virus & threat protection settings" section, click the Manage settings option.

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   
Source: Windows Central

5. Turn o the Tamper Protection toggle switch.

Source: Windows Central

After you complete the steps, you can continue with the instructions to disable Windows
Defender Antivirus permanently using Group Policy.

Disable Windows Defender Antivirus

To disable Windows Defender Antivirus permanently, use these steps:

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1. Open Start.
2. Search for gpedit.msc and click the top result to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
3. Browse the following path:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components
> Windows Defender Antivirus
4. Double-click the Turn off Windows Defender Antivirus policy.

   

Source: Windows Central

5. Select the Enabled option to disable Windows Defender Antivirus.

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   

Source: Windows Central

6. Click the Apply button.

7. Click the OK button.
8. Restart your device.

Once you complete the steps, the antivirus will disable permanently. Also, you'll notice that the
"shield" icon will remain in the taskbar, but this is one expected behavior since the icon is part
of the Windows Security app, not from the antivirus.

If you need to revert to the original settings, you can always re-enable the Windows Defender
Antivirus using the same instructions above, but on step No. 5, make sure to select the Not
Configured option, and restart your computer to apply the changes. Also, don't forget to re-
enable the "Tamper Protection" feature using the same above steps, but on step No. 5, make
sure to enable the toggle switch.

How to disable Windows Defender Antivirus using Registry

Alternatively, if you don't have access to the Local Group Policy Editor, you can modify the
Registry to disable the Windows Defender Antivirus permanently.

Disable Tamper Protection

To disable Tamper Protection to turn o the Windows 10 antivirus, use these steps:

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1. Open Start.
2. Search for Windows Security and click the top result to open the app.
3. Click on Virus & threat protection.
4. Under the "Virus & threat protection settings" section, click the Manage settings option.

   

Source: Windows Central

5. Turn o the Tamper Protection toggle switch.

Source: Windows Central

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After you complete the steps, disabling the built-in antivirus won't re-enable automatically the
next time the device is restarted.

Windows 10 includes a "TamperProtection" Registry key (located in this path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Features) to control
the feature, but it's not easy to modify. As a result, it's not recommended to use it to disable
Tamper Protection.

Disable Windows Defender Antivirus

To disable the Defender antivirus permanently with the Registry, use these steps:

Warning: This is a friendly reminder that editing the Registry is risky, and it can cause
irreversible damage to your installation if you don't do it correctly. It's recommended to make a
full backup of your PC before proceeding.

1. Open Start.
2. Search for regedit and click the top result to open the Registry Editor.
3. Browse the following path:
 
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows 
Defender 
Quick tip: You can now copy and paste the path in the Registry's address bar to quickly
jump to the key destination.
4. Right-click the Windows Defender (folder) key, select New, and click on DWORD (32-
bit) Value.

Source: Windows Central

5. Name the key DisableAntiSpyware and press Enter.

6. Double-click the newly created DWORD and change the value from 0 to 1.

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Source: Windows Central

7. Click the OK button.

8. Restart your device.

Once you complete the steps, the Windows Defender Antivirus will no longer protect your
system against malware.
   
If you want to revert the changes, you can use the same instructions outlined above, but on
step No. 6, right-click the DisableAntiSpyware key and select the Delete option.

In this guide, we continue to use the Windows Defender Antivirus reference, but starting with
the Windows 10 May 2020 Update, the service is known as "Microsoft Defender Antivirus."

Although you can use multiple methods to disable the Windows 10 antivirus, we don't
recommend using a computer without anti-malware software. However, there might be
situations when disabling the security feature could make sense. Also, remember that if you're
installing a third-party anti-malware, you don't need to disable the Windows Defender since
it'll be disabled automatically during the installation process.

If you're looking for an alternative to the Windows Defender Antivirus, you should consider
these options:

 Bitdefender
 Kaspersky
 Norton Antivirus Plus

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10,
visit the following resources:

 Windows 10 on Windows Central – All you need to know

 Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks
 Windows 10 forums on Windows Central

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

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BALLMER DANCE TIME

Update 6: Microsoft wants all of TikTok, but Trump's order may

interfere
The Financial Times reports that as part of negotiations, Microsoft is now inquiring whether it
can buy all of TikTok, instead of just the business in the US., Canada, Australia, and New
Zealand. This new plan would include India and Europe (and excluding China).

INTO THE SHADOWLANDS

Here's everything we know about World of Warcraft:

Shadowlands
The next big expansion for World of Warcraft takes us back into the grip of the undead,
following the revival of the Lich King.

RAGNAROK?

Everything we know about Assassin's Creed Valhalla

Ubisoft has unveiled Assassin's Creed Valhalla. Check out everything we know so far from its
gameplay, story, release date, and more.

SPACE SAVERS

Should your next computer be a mini PC? These are your best
options.
Windows PCs come in all shapes and sizes, and whatever your needs there's a computer out
there to suit you. Here are the best to choose from if you're looking for a new mini PC.
   

 Help & How To Windows 10 help

 Close Comments (105)

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How to permanently disable Windows Defender Antivirus on Windows 10

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BY DATE BY RATING
 

OldMan88 

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8/15/2020 How to permanently disable Windows Defender Antivirus on Windows 10 | Windows Central

Why would you wan't to do that? So it can't stop you from sabotaging your own computer by deleberately
introducing malware yourself?
Mon Oct 21, 2019 9:46am Reply

njf8bv1 

because I want to remove that pajeet crаp that is slowing down my super expensive and fast PC. Because
this street shittеrs ware doesn't work
Wed Mar 4, 2020 11:03am Reply

naddy6969 

Yet another 3 year old article, recycled for the 2nd time.
Sat Oct 19, 2019 5:01pm Reply

paquitoradioboy 

Is this website antiMicrosoft?

Sat Oct 19, 2019 2:23pm Reply
   
SeanCarter2 

Windows defender is the best option in Windows 10, If its working well, For which you must have to
activate your windows with a legal license code. Actually after activation, operating system connects with
Microsoft o icial server to get all updates and automatically fix all bugs and crashes, But all you need is to
activate your OS, For which I recommend to buy cheap product keys from WinRaz, Which is o ering legit
activation keys. I tried it myself that's why will recommend it for others.
Mon Apr 15, 2019 4:33pm Reply

enduserbestpractice 

Most machines I came across that were trashed were protected by McAfee.
Windows defender is great protection
It would be foolish to disable it. You can tweak performance issues using exceptions if a real time scan is
checking a file that slows things down
Sat Apr 13, 2019 4:39pm Reply

editguy 

WC has more reruns than the networks do.

Sat Apr 13, 2019 1:13am Reply

Brian2014 

Old article recycled so WC can add some advertising/a iliate links at the bottom
Fri Apr 12, 2019 8:27am Reply

BaritoneGuy 

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Have to start calling this place and it's sister sites Ad Central. The content has really been getting worse
lately.
Fri Apr 12, 2019 3:46pm Reply

Thundersrealm 

First of all the claim that it turns itself o for even the listed third party virus packages is a complete
falsehood. Every update it's the same battle between the good third party software and the poorly
designed Windows package ensues slowing down the internet to almost dsl rates.
Then it has to be done all over again to get back your normal internet speed.
I get that they do not want us to use third party on this, but at least quit lying about it here.
Fri Aug 17, 2018 9:03am Reply

engellion 

Since the days of Windows 8, then Windows 10, I have never seen the need for a third party solution.
Windows Defender stays on by default. Have never had a virus or malware on my SP3 in the past 4 years.
Wed Jul 25, 2018 1:47pm Reply

SilverSee    


I continue to feel that Windows Central should not be producing guides for people who want to hack their
systems in unsupported ways, particularly when it relates to security or privacy. It's borderline malpractice
(if such a thing could exist for news sites).

Windows Defender is automatically disabled if a supported third party AV solution is installed. That is the
only circumstance in which this should occur.
Mon Jul 23, 2018 9:33pm Reply

ErikasS 

I for one feel happy that WC provides these guides. We are not hacking the system, just opening up more
features, to customize it to our needs and wants. These guides are a great help for this. Granted, with
some internet searching you can find similar guides on the internet but I like them being here. Just my 2ct.
Tue Jul 24, 2018 2:05am Reply

rollindice 

And why would i want to do this? Defender and common sense are best protection you'll need
Mon Jul 23, 2018 6:27pm Reply

Barcham 

I have been an It professional for over 40 yrs and since Defender has been included with Windows I have
used nothing else and neither have most of my clients. To date, none of them have ever had a major
malware or virus infection. The rare cases that have occurred have been due to user negligence in opening
email attachments that never should have been opened.

I have seen more problems caused by over zealous 'Internet Security' suites than have ever gotten through
the protection provided by Defender. Anyone who practices proper security and has been taught how to
keep their system clean and safe needs nothing more than Defender on their system.

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Mon Jul 23, 2018 5:46pm Reply

bbennett40 

Wow...2yr old article

Mon Jul 23, 2018 4:56pm Reply

Brian2014 

I use Defender as my antivirus and run regular malware checks with Malwarebytes
Mon Jul 23, 2018 4:16pm Reply

terrokkinit 

What better company to know Windows attacks than Microsoft itself? I love how lightweight it is and is
easily updated in the background.

Plus, it's free! I'll never use any other program ever again.
Mon Jul 23, 2018 3:29pm Reply

D Tools
   


Hello guys.

Can anyone throw some light on whitelisting IP address and URL in Windows Defender Firewall in
Windows 10 Enterprise N. Please provide the step by step insructions as I am not a Computer expert.

Thanks guys

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Anil</p>
Fri Dec 8, 2017 1:27am Reply

Meir Bookatz 

Thanks so much this really helped because it kept deleting my fuzzbunch programs, which i can now have
some fun with ;)
Wed Nov 22, 2017 2:31pm Reply

Jhon1519 

For the people who need to deactivate this useless anti malware (it only keep blocked / screw up with
many of the programs that i need, thing that even the Kaspersky don't do) :

In some cases it appears disguised as "Endpoint Protection" at Local Group Policy Editor, but the steps are
the same as described above.
Sun Jan 8, 2017 4:19pm Reply

uumanebs 

As absolutely insane as it sounds, you're forced to close Windows Defender just to access Microsofts PC
gaming server. I just built a new PC and the GPU I bought came with a free game. The game being Gears

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of War 4, a MS exclusive, and thus you have to go through their XBL servers every single time just to get
past the start screen. They're a load of geniouses, to have their AV system block their own servers, but
w/e.

Now, the parts I bought also came with a year membership from of Kaspersky's, Malwarebytes and
CCleaner. Hey, problem solved, right? No. Kaspersky's has the same issue. Why should I install a third AV
program, just to access MS's own servers?

Which brings me to another thing; As a gamer, who has played MMO's for years, disabling your AV
programs while connected to a secure server is a zero risk endeavor. Doing so prevents it from throttling
your connection and eating resources. Even on a high end PC, you'll notice the di erence. The days of
needing to ALT+Tab are long over, with smart phones, so a gamer is free to devote their gaming machine
to... GAMING.
Thu Nov 17, 2016 12:57am Reply

Qimqim09 

Only useful for WC team so they have a new article

Fri Sep 30, 2016 10:25am Reply


judah modeste   


Who the hell would want to turn o Windows Defender ?

Fri Sep 30, 2016 8:47am Reply

Nahuel Gomez 

Because Windows Defender is a piece of **** of anitvirus i always do it in any computer where i install
Windows 10, i like to use my computer without any kind of antivirus.
Tue Oct 24, 2017 9:08am Reply

yusuf peciko 

Since I used Windows 8, I always enable windows Defender, and no more use AntiVirus, and so far until I
use windows 10 I never have any will to disable it, its maybe not the best, but so far my Surface and my PC
are in Clean and Good Condition with no virus and malware detected
Fri Sep 30, 2016 2:22am Reply

myfyp2 

Actually for a standalone kiosk, why not just leave Windows Defender running? If the kiosk is already
powerful enough to run Windows 10, I think it is unlikely leaving Windows Defender on will impact
performance that much.
Thu Sep 29, 2016 11:15pm Reply

wpguy 

I thought the example a little odd myself (and I have worked on kiosk applications). If Windows Defender is
causing a noticeable performance hit for the kiosk, there is something seriously wrong with the machine.
Fri Sep 30, 2016 8:31am Reply

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Sarang68 

I have always used Windows defender & its superb for me. No viruses' at all. I update it every day. That's
the important bit. Got a desktop ,laptop & a tablet.
Thu Sep 29, 2016 8:33pm Reply

Karan_jha 

Same
Fri Sep 30, 2016 4:51am Reply

SZero 

The best free, the most light weighted and unobtrusive anti-virus on the planet. Credit where it is due, MS
security team has done phenomenal job with this.
Thu Sep 29, 2016 8:13pm Reply

Paulo121 

yes. UNLESS IT USES 100% OF YOUR DISK UNTIL 15 MIN AFTER STARTUP
   
Fri Nov 10, 2017 8:14pm Reply

Brian2014 

Must be a bug with your system as mine doesn't do that

Mon Jul 23, 2018 4:14pm Reply

fatfingur 

Why would anyone do that though?

Thu Sep 29, 2016 7:16pm Reply

Annullator 

If only there was a stupidity protector

Thu Sep 29, 2016 6:56pm Reply

ChrisP1 

DO NOT DO THIS unless you know what you are doing and why. Windows defender shuts o
automatically when another anti whatever program installs anyway.
Thu Sep 29, 2016 6:27pm Reply

pkvillager 

No porn or torrents so defender has been fine for me and my household on three or four machines. Every
once in a while I load Malwarebytes to see if I'm missing anything and we are always good to go. Don't do
shady crap and be smart in what you click on.
Thu Sep 29, 2016 5:57pm Reply

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Garry Williams1 

Why would you want to do that, unless you like paying annually for antivirus renewal which is really not
that better than defender?!
Thu Sep 29, 2016 5:39pm Reply

je yc 

I fail to understand the reason for this article. Installing another AV will disable the real time scanning on
Defender. This is an irresponsible article given people may just disable it without any other protection in
place. Why not give some smart information in the article first?
Thu Sep 29, 2016 5:24pm Reply

Tarkus13 

So you didn't read the article?

Thu Sep 29, 2016 7:36pm Reply

Eas195 

Don't youknow that Windows Defendercan turn o automatically when it noticed any other AVs running?
And don't you know that Windows Defender can even also scan at the midnight periodically to ensure that
your computer can get the most?
Fri Sep 30, 2016 1:41am Reply

vhyr 

After proper AV installed Defender will keep nagging if not disabled for good. That's new behavior in W10.
Fri Sep 30, 2016 4:24am Reply

Andrea Mangano 

Actually it's quite the opposite. It automatically disable itself.

Fri Sep 30, 2016 8:18am Reply

vhyr 

It will disable but then keep reminding being disabled. Not sure if AU changed that behavior.
Fri Sep 30, 2016 8:24am Reply

Dik Harrison 

I have Norton's installed and running with no issues for years, but after this last Win update, WD started
working and has caused a real impact on browsing. Turned it o and browser issue went away.
Thu Oct 20, 2016 3:38pm Reply

peterfares 

I don't know if I only just started to notice it, or if the 1607 updated changed the behavior but Windows
Defender appears to have a pretty big performance impact when I am working with file operations that
involve thousands of files or at least hundreds of files on a magnetic hard drive. When I temporarily disable
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it, the operations happen a lot faster but before 1607 I didn't notice this. Has it started scanning more
thoroughly?
Thu Sep 29, 2016 4:49pm Reply

Shane Richardson1 

Depends on the type of scan you select. In my use it has always yielded power to any app or program that
I am currently working with.
Thu Sep 29, 2016 5:10pm Reply

anon(9926299) 

Yep, combined with Malwarebytes free as an on demand scanner and CCleaner is all you need if you are
cautious.
Thu Sep 29, 2016 4:22pm Reply

nm 

THIS ^ ^

Thu Sep 29, 2016 6:40pm
  Reply


doraemon_918 

I have been using Windows defender for a couple years in place of Norton, and still haven't had any virus.
Thu Sep 29, 2016 4:19pm Reply

PNvmkpk 

I would like to turn o defender summary notifications when it does not need my attention. Microsoft
forces us to even here sound even when it does not need my attention.
Thu Sep 29, 2016 4:08pm Reply

slickxsparkie 

I pair Defender with an ad block like adfender. Works like a charm so far!
Thu Sep 29, 2016 3:52pm Reply

SillyFlamingo 

I accept Defender only as an additional safety instrument. In most tests and comparisons you find it at the
end of the field so I use another programme. You can be super-smart, full of common sense but that
doesn't mean you will never press a bad link or get an infected usb-stick.

I absolutely cannot understand how people can call it "the best". Is there any proof like the tests I
mentioned who all tell the opposite?
Thu Sep 29, 2016 3:52pm Reply

diktea 

Yes since Windows 7 (Microsoft essentials) till today only msft protection for my PC and its su icient for
me.
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Posted via the Windows Central App for Android

Thu Sep 29, 2016 3:47pm Reply

gamo62 

I use SEP 12.1 which takes the place of Defender.

Thu Sep 29, 2016 3:22pm Reply

Estevacio 

I never understood why people on social media constantly make fun of windows defender, to me its the
best antivirus\firewall out there, others slow down or even feeeze the computers, and its from the same
maker as the OS!!! I love it
Thu Sep 29, 2016 3:16pm Reply

Daniel Rubino 

Same.
Thu Sep 29, 2016 3:20pm Reply
   
Naushaba Khatoon 

I have been using only wd on my laptop nd install programs from trusted publishers only and no issues till
date. Loving it.

Posted via the Windows Central App for Android

Fri Sep 30, 2016 11:56am Reply

Karan_jha 

Yes. Many don't know about Windows Defender abilities. I suggest my friends to use only Windows
Defender on their Windows 10 PCs.
Thu Sep 29, 2016 3:23pm Reply

Qimqim09 

They need something showy like plastic coated with nickel

Fri Sep 30, 2016 10:40am Reply

Mauro Huculak 

Agreed!
Thu Sep 29, 2016 3:46pm Reply

EspHack 

I agree but it can get annoying for "expert" users-an AV is not really necessary, unless its a laptop you
carry everywhere and let people interact with it in some way
Thu Sep 29, 2016 5:16pm Reply

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Avatar of Apathy 

I used to feel this way, but I don't believe is true anymore. Even legitimate websites can transmit viruses if
their side isn't protected well.
Thu Sep 29, 2016 6:46pm Reply

EspHack 

thats why filtering web content is a common practice today, even legitimate websites as you say have little
control over it, its an unfortunate situation that leaves users with no other option
Thu Sep 29, 2016 9:49pm Reply

WinOMG 

Windows Defender is always using 100% disk for me and so I have it permanently disabled.

Posted via the Windows Central App for Android

Thu Sep 29, 2016 5:44pm Reply

Andrea Mangano 
   
It scans periodically the hard drive, it's perfectly normal. Do you have a slow and old mechanical hard
drive? If yes, I suggest to upgrade to SSD.
Fri Sep 30, 2016 8:21am Reply

Bjoli 

I started using Windows defender since it came out, I never have any issue with it.
Thu Sep 29, 2016 10:36pm Reply

Annullator 

Windows Defender and windows firewall work great as long as you are smart about what you click on on
the web. For those users that click on everything and don't know the di erence between an o icial
website and a fake one then those people need third party virus protection. I suggest Avira its light, clean,
and o ers good protection.
Thu Sep 29, 2016 3:07pm Reply

Karan_jha 

Yeah you may be right. But I don't think I need one. I update Windows Defender regularly. Also Windows
Defender Guard is coming to Edge which means safe browsing on the safest browser(But I think only for
Windows 10 Enterprise)
Thu Sep 29, 2016 3:14pm Reply

Avatar of Apathy 

Are there really programs on the normal user level that protect against stupidity though? I realize they
might catch most stu , but some of the more sophisticated ones have to slip through if you are clicking on
everything on the net.
Thu Sep 29, 2016 6:44pm Reply

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Snoops8 

Your statement is only partially correct. Nowadays you can get viruses, malware and ransomware even
visiting legitimate websites when they get hacked (e.g. "drive by malware"); so even if you are
conscientious about what you visit, you could still be hit.

Personally I just use Windows Defender, but I do most of my internet browsing with IE + sandboxie. As
long as you run sandboxie, you can even intentionally run viruses and they will be contained. You pay
once, so no subscription fee, and it doesn't use much system resources since it's not active in the
background. It's not compatible with Edge though.
Fri Sep 30, 2016 12:00pm Reply

Annullator 

Yea I want to amend my position on this over the last two years (and with indepth demos from MS) I will
definitely say Windows Defender is all you need. MS has really swung for the fences with this product and
with the power of their cloud behind it I would say hands down it's the best AV out there no matter what
type of user you are.
Mon Jul 23, 2018 5:58pm Reply

Karan_jha    


Windows Defender is the best ❤

Thu Sep 29, 2016 3:07pm Reply

ShadowWolf_0807 

Not on its own though. It lacks a lot of security features that can protect from virus's/spyware/malware etc
before they can even reach the computer :p (I'm not saying its a bad program though, just lacks in some
places. But the antivirus (etc) definitions are good)
Thu Sep 29, 2016 3:32pm Reply

Karan_jha 

People need to change their opinion about Windows Defender. It has improved a lot in Windows 10
especially RS1.
Thu Sep 29, 2016 3:40pm Reply

ShadowWolf_0807 

I don't think its that people hate it, it's more just other programs o er more features. Maybe MS will add
said features in RS2. If so, it will probably change people's minds on it
Thu Sep 29, 2016 3:51pm Reply

Karan_jha 

☺
Thu Sep 29, 2016 4:12pm Reply

OMG55 

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Features that slow computers down and eat resources like chrome.
Thu Sep 29, 2016 4:43pm Reply

ShadowWolf_0807 

Depends on the program. I use Avast on my laptop (which doesn't have the best resource capacity) and
my computer runs very fast. However some program's like McAfee, Norton (in my case) etc. Do eat a good
amount of resources. (If we're comparing it to Chrome, Chrome eats up a lot of resources, while some of
the AV's I've used like Avast barely makes a dent). So really it depends on which program you look at
Thu Sep 29, 2016 5:06pm Reply

nm 

I used to use Avast but gave it up as a bad joke,such a resource hog. I'm more than happy with Windows
defender, maybe not the be all and end all but performs well and is resource friendly.
I run a monthly sweep with MalWare-Bytes and never have an issue.
Thu Sep 29, 2016 6:34pm Reply

ShadowWolf_0807 
   
Well I've already said I don't have issues with WD. I just don't use it as my primary AV :p Malwarebytes is
also great, but it's unfortunately, definitely a resource hog
Thu Sep 29, 2016 6:49pm Reply

OMG55 

Malware didn't used to be that way until it became more mainstream, they then began adopting a lot of
the features of the popular programs that make resource heavy.
Fri Oct 18, 2019 9:17pm Reply

Karan_jha 

Yeah. Just keep it updated

Thu Sep 29, 2016 11:54pm Reply

Karan_jha 

Yeah. Just keep it updated

Thu Sep 29, 2016 11:54pm Reply

TechFreak1 

@n m, malwarebytes is not infallible either. Hitman pro picked a malware that it missed. Happened once
in a blue moon.
Fri Sep 30, 2016 4:19am Reply

OMG55 

I didn't post this comment, yet it had my name and picture. Had windows central been breached?
Mon Jul 23, 2018 7:36pm Reply
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TechFreak1 

@OMG55 it's an old article, updated and reposted hence containing comments from 2 years ago.
Tue Jul 24, 2018 5:10am Reply

Ben Wolgus 

I use only Defender. I don't care about features as long as I don't get infected and knock on wood over the
past 5 years Defender has done the job with no issues. When I had Norton I did get infected.
Fri Sep 30, 2016 3:45pm Reply

raytiger 

Those features are so overrated. Windows Defender does what it does e ortlessly. I never have had to
install 3rd party antivirus or internet security software for more than 8 yrs. Windows Defender forever!
Mon Jul 23, 2018 3:21pm Reply

raytiger 

Those features are so overrated. Windows Defender does what it does e ortlessly. I never have had to
 3rd party antivirus or internetsecurity software for more than8 yrs. Windows Defender forever!
install 
Mon Jul 23, 2018 3:23pm Reply

TechFreak1 

Raytiger, you do realise you are replying to a comment left two years ago? 😉
Tue Jul 24, 2018 5:11am Reply

raytiger 

I did not see that until now. 😶

Tue Jul 24, 2018 3:19pm Reply

OMG55 

Yeah, resource hogs and surf tracking software for target adds, etc. I'll stick with built in windows defender.
Fri Oct 18, 2019 9:13pm Reply

ad47uk 

Maybe, but it is still like allowing a fox to guard hens.

i still prefer to use a third party security suite.
Wed Jun 12, 2019 3:54am Reply

OMG55 

Works fine for me now for over 3 years. No viruses, malware, etc. Of course I'm a safe informed surfer too.
Anything should be a combination of the user and anti-virus.
Fri Oct 18, 2019 9:12pm Reply

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ad47uk 

Like the fox guarding the hen house.

Thu Sep 29, 2016 3:46pm Reply

Clamdigger63 

Idiot

Posted via the Windows Central App for Android

Thu Sep 29, 2016 5:31pm Reply

ad47uk 

It is only because you know I am right. After the dirty deeds Ms have done over the last year or so, I find it
even harder to trust MS.

Fri Sep 30, 2016 4:24am Reply

   
Karan_jha 

Go trust Android Central/iMore

Fri Sep 30, 2016 4:50am Reply

ad47uk 

I do not trust Android either, but at least I know what I signed up for when I got my phone and I do not do
anything that important on my phone.

Sat Oct 1, 2016 3:41am Reply

CJ Barrett 

Totally the wrong analogy in my opinion. The fox wants to break the hen house. I don't see why MS wants
to do the same... Maybe I'm missing something!?
Mon Jul 23, 2018 3:34pm Reply

Shane Richardson1 

I have been using it for years in conjunction with Malware bytes. Perfectly happy.
Thu Sep 29, 2016 5:04pm Reply

nm 

This ^
Perfect combination.
Thu Sep 29, 2016 6:36pm Reply

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ZeroCide77 

This is a really good combo.

Fri Sep 30, 2016 12:03pm Reply

Szymix 

It is, unless you have old, not too e icient laptop with 4GB of RAM. In my case, disabling Windows
Defender and its Antimalware Executable proces, which was devouring my memory most of the time, has
shortened up Android Studio startup time from one minute to like 15-20 seconds.
Sat Apr 13, 2019 6:28am Reply

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