How to Enable or Disable Windows Defender in Windows? [Guide]
Windows Defender is the default antivirus protection provided by Microsoft. In most cases, it runs automatically when no other antivirus is installed. However, it may get disabled if you install another antivirus program or if certain settings are changed manually.
Enabling Microsoft Defender Antivirus ensures your computer stays protected from real-time threats and suspicious activity. The process is simple and can be done directly from Windows settings.
In this guide, you will learn how to enable Windows Defender in Windows using simple and easy steps. You will also learn how to disable it safely if needed.
Let’s master Microsoft Defender Antivirus!
How to Enable Windows Defender in Windows?
To enable Windows Defender in Windows, open Windows Security from the Start menu, go to Virus and threat protection, select Manage settings, and turn on Real-time protection and other security options. If Defender is disabled due to another antivirus, uninstall the third-party antivirus first and restart your computer to enable Microsoft Defender automatically.
Follow the steps below carefully to enable Windows Defender on Windows 11 or Windows 10.
Step 1: Open Windows Security
The first step is to access the Windows Security dashboard, where all protection settings are available.
Click on the Start menu and type Windows Security in the search bar. Once you see the Windows Security app in the search results, click on it to open. This will launch the main security panel that shows the status of virus protection, firewall, device security, and more.
You can also open it through Settings by pressing Windows + I, selecting Privacy and Security, and then clicking on Windows Security. From there, choose Open Windows Security.
Step 2: Go to Virus and Threat Protection
Once inside the Windows Security dashboard, locate the section called Virus and threat protection. This section manages antivirus settings, scan options, and protection updates.
Click on Virus and threat protection to open its detailed settings page. Here, you will see the current protection status of your system. If Windows Defender is disabled, you may see a warning message stating that protection is turned off or managed by another antivirus.
Step 3: Turn On Real Time Protection
Under the Virus and threat protection settings page, find the option labeled Manage settings. Click on it to open the configuration panel.
Inside this panel, locate Real-time protection and switch it on. This feature monitors your system continuously and blocks threats as they appear. You should also turn on other important options, such as Cloud-delivered protection and Automatic sample submission, for better security.
Once enabled, Windows Defender will begin protecting your system immediately.
Step: 4 Remove Third-Party Antivirus if Needed
If the Real-time protection option is greyed out or cannot be enabled, it usually means another antivirus program is installed on your computer. Windows automatically disables Defender when it detects third-party antivirus software.
To enable Microsoft Defender, uninstall the third-party antivirus from the Control Panel or Apps and Features in Settings. After uninstalling, restart your computer. Windows Defender should activate automatically once no other antivirus software is detected.
Step 5: Update Windows Security
After enabling Defender, it is important to update the virus definitions to ensure maximum protection. Go back to Virus and threat protection and click on Protection updates. Select Check for updates to download the latest security intelligence updates.
Keeping Defender updated ensures that your system is protected against the newest threats and vulnerabilities.
How to Disable Windows Defender in Windows?
To disable Windows Defender in Windows, open Windows Security, go to Virus and threat protection, click Manage settings, and turn off Real-time protection. For a permanent solution, install another antivirus program, as Windows automatically disables Defender when third-party antivirus software is detected.
Follow the steps below to disable Windows Defender safely.
Step 1: Open Windows Security
Begin by opening the Windows Security app from the Start menu. You can search for it directly or access it through the Settings app under Privacy and Security.
Once opened, you will see the main dashboard with various security options. Click on Virus and threat protection to continue.
Step 2: Access Manage Settings
Inside the Virus and threat protection window, scroll down until you find Virus and threat protection settings. Under this section, click on Manage settings.
This will open a page where you can control all Microsoft Defender antivirus features, including real-time scanning and cloud protection.
Step 3: Turn Off Real-Time Protection
Locate the Real-time protection option and toggle it off. Windows will display a warning asking for confirmation since turning off antivirus protection can expose your system to threats.
Confirm the action to disable Real-time protection. This will temporarily turn off Windows Defender. You can also turn off Cloud-delivered protection and Tamper protection if needed for specific tasks.
Keep in mind that Windows may automatically turn Defender back on after a system restart if no other antivirus is installed.
Step 4: Install Third-Party Antivirus for Permanent Disable
If you want to disable Defender permanently, install a reliable third-party antivirus program. Once installed, Windows will detect it and automatically disable Microsoft Defender to avoid conflicts.
You can verify this by opening Windows Security and checking the protection provider. It will show the third-party antivirus as the active protection instead of Defender.
Faqs
Is Windows Defender enough for protection?
Yes, Windows Defender provides strong real-time protection, firewall integration, and regular updates. For most users, it is sufficient for daily security needs if kept updated.
Why is Windows Defender turned off automatically?
It may turn off automatically when a third-party antivirus is installed. Windows does this to prevent conflicts between multiple antivirus programs.
Can I use Windows Defender with another antivirus?
In most cases, Windows disables Defender when another antivirus is active. However, some versions allow limited scanning features alongside third-party software.
How do I know if Windows Defender is working?
Open Windows Security and check the Virus and threat protection section. If you see a green checkmark and no warnings, Defender is active and protecting your system.
Is it safe to disable Windows Defender?
Disabling Defender is safe only if another trusted antivirus program is installed. Running a system without any antivirus protection is not recommended.