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- There are times when you may want to turn off Windows Security.
- I’ll show you how to disable it (temporarily or permanently) on Windows 11 Home and Pro.
- I recommend creating a restore point, and will show you how.
Windows Security is a highly capable system protector. In my “Best Antivirus for Windows 11” guide, I made the case that this isn’t just a basic antivirus designed as a stopgap; It’s a full-fledged first-party security suite that monitors downloads, blocks incoming threats, and immediately isolates malware if it manages to bypass all defenses.
As a Windows user, all you really need is apps, an ad blocker, and a secure browser like Brave to stay safe from online threats.
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 temporarily and permanently. I’ll also explain what to keep in mind before messing with these settings, and how to create a system restore point so you have a safety net if anything goes wrong.
Why would you want to disable Windows Security?
A common reason a user might disable Windows Security is that they need to install third-party software that is blocked by the suite. This may include third-party antivirus programs, specific open-source software. Or apps from smaller developers.
Is small the adjective we want here? Or perhaps, “lesser famous”?
Windows Security can also sometimes falsely report safe programs as dangerous. If you go to GitHub, you’ll find posts from people complaining about Windows Defender (Windows’ antivirus tool). Marks some project releases as TrojansEven if they are safe.
Also: Don’t skip this important PC maintenance step – an expert explains how to do it right
It is not the only open-source project, as the video game has been locked down by Windows Security. on reddit, this screenshot ,Which screenshot?** Windows Security’s quarantine of the game “Digital Combat Simulator” shows that this is not an uncommon occurrence.
There are other, more specific reasons for disabling a security device. IT professionals may want to disable this to prevent conflicts on a network. In fact, Microsoft actually recommends “Turning off or uninstalling antivirus” to prevent problems caused by installing multiple antivirus products on a server.
The above section should be expanded slightly to discuss situations where someone wants to disable temporarily versus situations where someone wants to disable permanently. It is not clear yet. Related point: One scenario where disabling permanently would make sense would be if the user prefers to run third-party protection in place of Windows Security. I think that point needs to be made more clearly.
How to temporarily disable Windows Security
Launch the Windows Security app via the search bar. Once opened, go to Virus & threat protection > Manage settings > Real-time protection.
Toggle the Real-Time Protection switch. 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 toggle Real-Time Protection off again. The tool will immediately resume scanning your files.
Comparing this to the permanently disabling process below (in Windows 11 Pro), it is not clear why one is temporary and the other permanent…? (Since in each case we describe how to re-enable)
Afik, the important thing about the temporary option is that the reboot automatically turns Windows protection back on. We should mention this.
How to Disable Windows Security Permanently
The process to permanently disable Windows Security depends on whether you’re running Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro. If you’re not sure which version you have, open the Settings app, navigate to System > About, then check Windows specifications. Next to Edition, it will say 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 through 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 in the command prompt, then press 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 Enable > 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 does not provide access to the Group Policy Editor by default. It’s safer to disable Windows Protection by toggling Real-Time Protection for a momentary pause, but you can disable the tool permanently through the Registry Editor.
,
Rewrite above:
Windows 11 Home does not provide access to the Group Policy Editor by default; As mentioned above, it is safer to temporarily disable Windows Security. However, you can disable the tool permanently through 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 in the command prompt, then press Enter to launch the Group Policy Editor.
- Copy and paste the following path into the navigation bar at the top:
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows 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 Registry Editor, return to the same value, set its data to 0 and reboot.
Is it dangerous to permanently disable Windows Security?
As long as you follow these steps, you will be comfortable disabling Windows Security permanently. That said, this is not something you should take lightly. Doing so will allow you to customize the OS to meet your needs, although there are risks involved.
The biggest risk is that it exposes you to almost every type of online threat. I’m talking about viruses, ransomware, spyware, phishing attempts and Trojans, just to name a few. Without defensive software running in the background, you’re only as safe as your habits, and even then, you’re still vulnerable. According to MicrosoftSome 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 to Windows 12, and you won’t like it
I’d also like to urge caution when venturing into the Registry Editor. This tool provides access to low-level system settings that are not accessible through surface-level apps. However, Modifying the Registry May cause system instability, resulting in random crashes or broken features.
Reinstalling Windows 11 may solve this problem, but still Microsoft accepts It cannot guarantee the resolution of problems arising from incorrect use of the Registry Editor. If you’re unsure, I recommend not doing this.
How to create a restore point
If you still plan to edit the registry, I highly recommend backing up Windows 11 beforehand. You have a couple of options. ZDNET contributing writer Ed Bott has a guide to creating a Windows recovery drive, a useful lifeline in case Windows 11 becomes unstable. On the other hand, I suggest creating a restore point. This does not require a recovery drive.
So are we okay with our contributors offering different advice on this issue? just asking
Open Windows Search, type “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 brief description, such as “Restore Windows 11 to an earlier state”. Note that you are limited to 63 characters.
Select Create > (wait for the process to finish) > Close > OK. To restore that old point, launch the restore tool again, click System Restore > Next > Choose a restore point > Next > Finish.
Should you ever turn off Windows Security?
There are some instances where you can and probably should turn off Windows Security, such as when downloading software from GitHub (that’s why I do it). Still, you should do it temporarily whenever possible. Windows Security is a strong defense system that actively protects your PC from dangerous malware. Disabling it increases the chances of infection as well as degrades performance.
If you plan to disable Windows Security temporarily or permanently, do so with caution. Follow the steps I mentioned. Keep a restore point and reactivate protection as soon as you’re done.
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I’ve spent nearly a decade reviewing hardware, software, troubleshooting Windows systems, and helping people get the most out of their PCs. Over those years, I’ve worked extensively on 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 regularly work with tools like the System Recovery Tool and Group Policy Editor as part of my normal stress tests when reviewing products, but just as importantly, I also write guides.
Also: How to get free Windows 10 security patches on your PC – from now until 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 caution against one), it’s based on direct 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 will be able to make the adjustments you want while keeping your system safe.
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