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Questions tagged [windows-defender]

In Windows 8 and later versions of Windows, Windows Defender is a built in antivirus software product that replaces Microsoft Security Essentials. Before Windows 8, Windows Defender featured antispyware capabilities and was not offering antivirus protection.

In Windows 8 and newer versions of Windows, Windows Defender is a built in antivirus software product that replaces Microsoft Security Essentials. Before Windows 8, Windows Defender featured antispyware capabilities and did not offer antivirus protection.

More information: Windows 8 Defender

Windows Defender Software

387 questions
81
votes
11 answers

Disabling Microsoft Antimalware service

I can't disable the Microsoft Antimalware service (MsMpSvc/MsMpEng.exe). I tried using services.msc, but the Startup Type drop-down is grayed out and I can't change it to Disabled nor stop the service. I also tried msconfig, but when I click Apply,…
Italo
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61
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3 answers

Bye Windows Defender, I need to turn you back off again

I am running Windows 10 on a fairly recent laptop. I'm using Avast (free version) as antivirus and before the update, Windows Defender was turned off as it should be in case a third party antivirus is installed. Yesterday I received a notification…
mickkk
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59
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8 answers

How to permanently disable Windows Defender Real Time Protection with GPO?

I like to disable Windows Defender Real Time Protection via GPO on Windows 10 Pro. When I configure GPO, Real-Time Protection is shown as off. However after a reboot the Protection is magically enabled again. GPO settings have not changed. I am…
joe-jeff
42
votes
10 answers

How to turn off Windows Defender permanently

Windows Defender keeps blocking a third-party program that I know isn't a threat. All my attempts to disable Windows Defender have failed. I've tried to: Go in the Windows Defender option and disable it from there. Edit the group policies, find the…
WizLiz
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40
votes
4 answers

Why has Windows Defender started removing shortcuts on 13 January 2023?

All of a sudden, Windows Defender has removed loads of shortcuts (.lnk files) from our Windows 10 and 11 computers. Dozens of computers affected. Shortcuts have disappeared from both the desktop folder and the taskbar - with most disappearing…
Matty Brown
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3 answers

Does an Excluded Directory in Windows 10 Defender Also Include the Sub Directories?

I know how to exclude a file or folder (directory) from Windows Defender in Windows 10. What I'm not sure about is whether this exclusion applies to all sub directories within that directory? It seems to me like it should, but I couldn't find…
Nick DeVore
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26
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4 answers

How to monitor Windows Defender real time protection?

I love how Microsoft made third party anti virus protection obsolete with Defender - it just works. Unfortunately for me as a developer this sometimes means it works a bit too well, and slows down processes I know are secure - for example Gradle…
janpio
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23
votes
4 answers

Windows 10 Creators Update - Ignore specific "performance & health" recommendations?

Since the recent "Creators Update," I have this icon my system tray: Turns out it's because I have my laptop set to never sleep while plugged in. How can I set it to not "warn" me about this specific setting? It's part of Windows Defender and I…
THE JOATMON
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20
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4 answers

How do I turn off Windows Defender from the command line?

I am searching for a command to temporarily turn off Windows Defender. Any suggestions?
darkore0
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19
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3 answers

Your IT administrator requires a security scan of this item - *what* item?

I'm working in Visual Studio 2019 on Windows 10 and from time to time I've been getting this notification: I don't use any 3rd-party antivirus or antimalware programs, so I gather it's coming from Windows Defender. The trouble is.. It doesn't…
user9528
17
votes
2 answers

Automatic Windows Defender Updates with Manual Windows/Microsoft Updates

I've got Windows/Microsoft Update on my Windows 7 laptop set to notify me when updates are available but not to do anything automatically. I also have Windows Defender running and it seems to have daily or semi-daily updates for its signature…
wag2639
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16
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11 answers

Can't disable Windows Defender via Group Policy or the Registry

I wish to disable Windows Defender on Windows 10 Pro, and I know I have to enable the policy Turn off Windows Defender Antivirus via: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Defender Antivirus This didn't…
Morgan
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15
votes
2 answers

Windows Defender: Disable real-time; keep scheduled and on-demand scanning

I just upgraded to Win 10 (RTM build). I have disabled the built-in AV's (Defender) real-time protection because I do not run it, never did and have never gotten a virus (and I've had a computer for 30 years). I was able to disable real-time scans…
Gaia
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15
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6 answers

Uninstall Windows Defender in Windows 7

Can Windows Defender be permanently uninstalled/removed from my current Windows 7 installation, it can't be done through the Add/Remove Programs Wizard.
rzlines
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14
votes
1 answer

How can you turn Core Isolation Memory Integrity back off again in Windows 10 build 17127 and later

In Windows 10 Insider Preview builds, in Windows Defender Security Center, after the Fall Creators Update, Windows Insiders will see a new feature Core Isolation. It's possible to turn the Memory Integrity switch on in the GUI so that part is easy.…
Warren P
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