It will turn gray when Microsoft Defender is disabled. Click the toggle under Real-time protection to turn it off. In the Virus & threat protection settings section, click Manage settings. In the Windows Security tab, go to 'Virus & threat protection.'Ĥ. Then click Windows Security, and select Virus & threat protection. Click the Start button on your Windows computer, then click the Settings icon (it looks like a gear). Temporarily disable via Windows Securityġ. Important: When Microsoft Defender is turned off, the security of your computer may be at risk for malware attacks. Another reason to turn off Microsoft Defender is if you want to use another antivirus program.

You may want to temporarily disable Microsoft Defender if you're trying to install a third-party software or program onto your computer and the antivirus is blocking the installation. How to turn off Microsoft Defender in 3 ways Note that while this might seem contradictory, you're on the right track.ħ. Click on Disabled or Not configured (whichever one is visible on your device). Scroll down to the bottom of the list and look for Turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus. Click Windows Components, and then select Microsoft Defender Antivirus.Ħ. Click Computer Configuration, and then click Administrative Templates.ĥ.