Windows 10 comes with a built-in antivirus called Windows Defender. It is a powerful tool that helps protect your computer from malware and other security threats. However, there may be times when you need to disable Windows Defender, such as when you want to install a third-party antivirus or troubleshoot a problem. Here's how to disable Windows antivirus in Windows 10:

Method 1: Disable Windows Defender using the Security Center

The easiest way to disable Windows Defender is through the Security Center. Here are the steps:

1. Click on the Start menu and select "Settings."
2. Click on "Update & Security."
3. Click on "Windows Security" in the left pane.
4. Click on "Virus & threat protection."
5. Click on "Manage settings" under "Virus & threat protection settings."
6. Toggle off "Real-time protection."

Once you've turned off real-time protection, Windows Defender will no longer actively scan your computer for threats.

Method 2: Disable Windows Defender using the Group Policy Editor

If you're using Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education, you can use the Group Policy Editor to disable Windows Defender. Here's how:

1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type "gpedit.msc" and press Enter.
3. Navigate to "Computer Configuration" > "Administrative Templates" > "Windows Components" > "Windows Defender Antivirus."
4. Double-click on "Turn off Windows Defender Antivirus."
5. Select "Enabled" and click "OK."

Once you've enabled this policy, Windows Defender will be disabled on your computer.

Method 3: Disable Windows Defender using the Registry Editor

If you're using Windows 10 Home, you won't have access to the Group Policy Editor. However, you can use the Registry Editor to disable Windows Defender. Here's how:

1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type "regedit" and press Enter.
3. Navigate to "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender."
4. Right-click on an empty space in the right pane and select "New" > "DWORD (32-bit) Value."
5. Name the new value "DisableAntiSpyware."
6. Double-click on the new value and set the value data to "1."

Once you've created and set the value of the "DisableAntiSpyware" registry key to 1, Windows Defender will be disabled on your computer.

Conclusion

Disabling Windows Defender can be useful in certain situations, but it's important to remember that it leaves your computer vulnerable to malware and other security threats. If you do decide to disable Windows Defender, make sure you have another antivirus program installed and that it's up to date. Hopefully, this guide has helped you disable Windows antivirus in Windows 10.

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