How to Disable Windows Defender Permanently in Windows 11/10

Many users seek ways on how to disable Windows Defender permanently, especially if they find it impacts system performance or if they are installing a third-party antivirus solution. Windows Defender, now officially known as Microsoft Defender, is an essential security feature, but sometimes you might need to turn it off temporarily or ensure it stays disabled. This comprehensive guide, based on our recent tutorial, will walk you through both the quick temporary fix and the more robust, permanent method to disable Microsoft Defender Windows 11 or Windows 10.

Before we proceed, a word of caution: Microsoft highly recommends keeping Windows Defender active for baseline protection. Only proceed if you understand the risks or if you are immediately replacing it with another trusted security suite.

Watch the Full Tutorial: Disable Windows Defender Permanently

Step 1: Temporarily Disable Windows Defender via Settings

The quickest way to stop real-time protection is through the standard Windows Security settings. This method is usually temporary, as Windows often re-enables it after a reboot or system update. This is useful if you just need to quickly install a specific application.

Accessing Windows Security Settings

1. Right-click on the Start Button and navigate to Settings.
2. In the Settings window, select Privacy & security (Windows 11) or Update & Security (Windows 10).
3. Click on Windows Security.
4. Select Virus & threat protection.
5. Under “Virus & threat protection settings,” click on Manage settings.

Turning Off Real-time Protection

Here, you will find the toggle for Real-time protection. Turn this switch off. Windows will usually give you a warning pop-up. Closing the windows confirms this temporary action. If you are looking to permanently turn off Microsoft Defender on Windows 11, you must proceed to the next step.

Step 2: How to Permanently Disable Microsoft Defender on Windows 11 (Using DControl)

To truly bypass Windows Defender’s self-protection mechanisms, we utilize a third-party utility designed for this purpose. The video recommends using the dControl software. This tool helps enforce the disabling of Microsoft Defender when you want to disable Windows 11 Microsoft Defender for good.

Downloading and Preparing DControl

1. Open your web browser and search for “dcontrol” on Google, aiming for the official source (like sordem.org).
2. Locate the download button, usually a direct download link, and save the file.
3. Navigate to your Downloads folder and locate the downloaded zip file.
4. Extract the contents. You may find the archive is password-protected.
5. Look inside the extracted folder for a file named _password.txt. Open it.
6. The password is often listed as “sortem” (as shown in the video demonstration). Use this password to extract the second, inner zip file if necessary.

Executing DControl to Disable Windows Security

Once you have extracted the final files, you are ready to disable Windows Security Windows 11 controls.

1. Locate and double-click the dcontrol.exe file to run the application.
2. If a Windows SmartScreen prompt appears (mentioning “Windows protected your PC”), click More info, and then click Run anyway.
3. In the DControl interface, you will see a clear button: Disable Windows Defender. Click this button.
4. The software will process the changes, effectively locking the settings to keep Microsoft Defender turned off.

If you ever wish to reverse this action and enable Windows Defender anytime, simply open DControl again and click the Enable Windows Defender button. Remember, keeping security enabled is generally the best practice for the average user.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Disabling Defender

Is it safe to permanently disable Microsoft Defender on Windows 11?

If you install a highly reputable, actively running third-party antivirus solution, then yes, it is relatively safe. However, if you choose to disable Microsoft Defender permanently without an alternative, your system will be completely vulnerable to malware, viruses, and ransomware.

Does this method work for Windows 10?

Yes, the steps described for accessing settings and using tools like dControl often apply equally well to Windows 10 users looking to permanently disable Microsoft Defender on Windows 10.

Why does Windows Defender keep turning itself back on?

Windows is programmed to maintain baseline security. The temporary setting change is usually reverted upon system restart or major update. Tools like dControl override these automatic recovery features, which is why they are necessary for a permanent solution.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Successfully learning how to disable Windows Defender permanently gives you control over your system’s security posture. Whether you needed to turn off Microsoft Defender for troubleshooting or installing specialized software, using the DControl utility provides a reliable way to maintain that disabled state. Always prioritize security; if you disable Windows Defender, ensure another active security measure is in place. For more IT tips and tutorials, don’t forget to check out our other resources!