How to Remove Windows Security Permanently

Windows Security (previously known as Windows Defender) is Microsoft’s built-in antivirus and protection suite for Windows 10 and Windows 11. It includes features like virus scanning, ransomware protection, firewall management, SmartScreen filtering, and more. While it’s generally a reliable and lightweight solution, many users still prefer third-party security tools—or they simply want more control over which background services are running on their system.

Now, since you’re here reading about permanently removing Windows Security, we’re guessing you’ve already tried disabling it through the Settings app and realized that Windows automatically turns it back on. Microsoft designed Windows Security to be deeply integrated into the operating system, which makes disabling or removing it far more challenging than removing typical apps.

But don’t worry—you’re in the right place. In this in-depth guide, we’ll walk you through the best and safest methods for completely disabling (or effectively removing) Windows Security on your PC.

Important Warning Before Proceeding

Microsoft does not allow Windows Security to be fully uninstalled because it is a core system component. However, you can completely disable its real-time protection, background services, tamper protection, and security enforcements using advanced settings and tools.

Removing or disabling Windows Security leaves your system vulnerable to viruses, malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. Only proceed if you fully understand the risk and have a trusted third-party antivirus installed.

If you already understand this, feel free to continue to the methods.

Why You Might Want to Remove Windows Security

Here are some common reasons users choose to disable Windows Security:

• Conflict with third-party antivirus software
• Better performance for gaming or heavy tasks
• Removing unwanted background processes
• Privacy concerns about telemetry or scanning
• Using a minimal Windows configuration for testing or benchmarking

Whatever your reason, we’ve outlined the safest way to disable Windows Security permanently.

Best Way to Permanently Disable Windows Security

To permanently disable Windows Security on Windows 10 and Windows 11, you need to turn off multiple components:

1. Tamper Protection
2. Real-time Protection
3. Cloud-Delivered Protection
4. Behavior Monitoring
5. SmartScreen
6. Microsoft Defender Antivirus Service
7. Windows Security Center Service
8. Firewall (optional)

You cannot uninstall it normally, but you can stop it from running with a combination of System Settings, Group Policy, and the Registry Editor.

Method 1: Disable Windows Security Using Group Policy

(Works on Windows Pro & Enterprise edition)

This method cleanly disables Windows Defender Antivirus without causing system instability.

1. Press Windows + R, type:

gpedit.msc

2. Navigate to:

Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Microsoft Defender Antivirus

3. Double-click Turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
4. Set it to Enabled.
5. Click Apply → OK.

Disable Real-Time Protection Policies

Go to:

Microsoft Defender Antivirus → Real-time Protection

Enable the following:

• Turn off real-time protection
• Turn off behavior monitoring
• Turn off on-access protection
• Turn off IOAV protection

After applying all policies, restart your PC.

Windows Defender will remain disabled permanently unless you reverse the settings.

Method 2: Disable Windows Security Using Registry Editor

If you’re using Windows Home edition, you won’t have Group Policy Editor by default. Instead, you can disable Windows Security through Registry tweaks.

1. Press Windows + R → type regedit → press Enter.
2. Navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender

If the folder doesn’t exist, create it.

3. On the right side, right-click → New → DWORD (32-bit):

DisableAntiSpyware

4. Set value to 1.

Add Additional Keys to Disable All Components

Inside the same folder, create these DWORDs:

DisableRealtimeMonitoring        = 1
DisableBehaviorMonitoring        = 1
DisableIOAVProtection            = 1
DisableOnAccessProtection        = 1
DisableScanOnRealtimeEnable      = 1

5. Restart your PC.

Windows Security services will stop running after reboot.

Method 3: Turn Off Tamper Protection

Windows Security has a feature called Tamper Protection, which prevents apps and scripts from disabling Defender.

You must turn it off first.

1. Open Settings → Privacy & Security → Windows Security → Virus & threat protection.
2. Click Manage settings under Virus & threat protection settings.
3. Turn off Tamper Protection.

Without this step, Windows will re-enable Defender automatically.

Method 4: Disable Windows Security Services Using PowerShell

You can prevent Defender services from starting using PowerShell.

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator.
2. Run:

Set-MpPreference -DisableRealtimeMonitoring $true

Then disable scheduled tasks:

schtasks /Change /TN "\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Defender\Windows Defender Scheduled Scan" /Disable
schtasks /Change /TN "\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Defender\Windows Defender Cache Maintenance" /Disable
schtasks /Change /TN "\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Defender\Windows Defender Cleanup" /Disable
schtasks /Change /TN "\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Defender\Windows Defender Verification" /Disable

3. Restart your PC.

Method 5: Use a Third-Party Antivirus

Windows automatically disables Defender when a recognized third-party antivirus is installed.

Supported antivirus solutions:

• Bitdefender
• Kaspersky
• Avast / AVG
• Norton
• ESET
• McAfee
• Trend Micro

Once installed, Defender’s real-time scanning is automatically turned off to avoid conflicts.

This is often the easiest and safest approach.

Method 6: Disable Windows Firewall

If you also want to disable Windows Firewall:

1. Go to Control Panel → System and Security → Windows Defender Firewall.
2. Click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.
3. Disable on both private and public networks.

Only do this if you have a third-party firewall or router-level protection.

How to Confirm Windows Security Is Fully Disabled

After applying the methods, check:

1. If you see “Your virus & threat protection is managed by your organization” — it’s disabled.
2. Open services.msc, confirm: Windows Defender Antivirus Service and Security Center Service are stopped or disabled.
3. No background Defender or Security processes should be running.

Wrapping Up

And that brings us to the end of our comprehensive guide on the best way to remove Windows Security permanently. While Microsoft makes it intentionally difficult to uninstall Defender, you can still fully disable it using Group Policy, Registry edits, and advanced scripting. Combined with turning off Tamper Protection, these methods ensure Windows Security stays disabled for good—giving you full control over your system.