If Microsoft Defender (previously known as Windows Defender) is slowing down your computer, you can disable Microsoft Defender temporarily and see if this helps in fixing the issue.
Disable Microsoft Defender in Windows 10
Windows 10 comes pre-loaded with its own version of Antivirus and Security program known as Microsoft Defender (previously known as Windows Defender).
However, many PC users are used to Third Party Antivirus Programs and do not want two Antivirus Programs taking up resources on their computer.
Also, some users have reported the problem of computer being slowed down or getting stuck due to High RAM & CPU usage by Microsoft Defender program.
Hence, we are providing below both temporary and permanent methods to disable Windows Defender on your Windows 10 computer.
1. Temporarily Disable Microsoft Defender In Windows 10
Follow the steps below to Temporarily Disable Windows Defender using the Settings App on your Windows 10 Computer.
1. Go to Settings > Update & security.
2. Select Windows Security in the left-pane. In the right-pane, click on Virus & threat protection.
3. On the next screen, click on Manage Settings Link located under “Virus & threat protection settings”.
4. On the next screen, turn OFF Real-Time Protection, Cloud Delivered Protection and Automatic Sample Submission.
This method disables Windows Defender for a temporary period. Windows 10 will Automatically turn ON Real Time protection, the next time you login to the computer.
This method of disabling Microsoft Defender for a limited period is suitable in case you only want to stop Microsoft Defender for a limited time, to deal with the performance issues on your computer.
2. Permanently Disable Windows Defender in Windows 10
In case you want to, it is possible to Disable Windows Defender permanently on your computer using the Registry Editor.
It is recommended that you create a system restore point before making any Registry Edits on your computer.
1. Right-click on the Start button and click on the Run.
2. Type Regedit in the Search box and click on OK.
3. On the Registry Editor Screen, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender and see if you can find a DWORD named as “DisableAntiSpyware”.
4. Double-click on DisableAntiSpyware > on the Edit DWORD Pop-up, change Value Data from 0 to 1.
This will Permanently Disable Windows Defender on your computer.
However, at any time you can Enable Windows Defender on your computer by changing Value Data from 1 to 0.
Cannot Find DisableAntiSpyware
If you do not find DWORD named “DisableAntiSpyware”, you will have to create a New DWORD and name the DWORD as “DisableAntiSpyware”.
Right-click on an empty area in the right pane > select New and click on DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Name the new Key as DisableAntiSpyware > Enter 1 in the Value Data field.
Note: It is recommended not to disable Windows Defender without having a Third Party Antivirus Program protecting your computer.
