How to Disable Windows Defender Permanently on Windows 10 & 11 (2026)

Tired of Windows Defender automatically deleting your files or blocking software you trust? In this tutorial, I'll show you exactly how to disable Windows Defender permanently on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. Whether you're trying to install a specific program or just want full control over your PC, this step-by-step guide is the quickest way to get it done safely. Key Takeaways How to turn off Real-time protection temporarily. he secret trick to disabling Windows Defender permanently using Registry Editor or Group Policy. How to prevent Windows from automatically turning it back on after a restart. Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction 0:17 – Disable Tamper Protection in Security Settings 1:00 – Accessing the Registry Editor 1:23 – Navigating to Windows Defender Policies 2:42 – Adding Registry Entries (DisableAntiSpyware & More) 4:48 – Creating Real-Time Protection Key & Entries 6:07 – Creating Signature Updates Key & Entry 6:43 – Creating Spynet Key & Entry 7:14 – Restarting PC & How to Restore Windows Defender 8:01 – Outro & Subscription Registry Entries to Disable Windows Defender: 1. Under Windows Defender folder (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender): DisableAntiSpyware — Value: 1 DisableAntiVirus — Value: 1 DisableSpecialRunningModes — Value: 1 DisableRoutinelyTakingAction — Value: 1 ServiceKeepAlive — Value: 0 2. Create Key: "Real-Time Protection" (under Windows Defender folder): DisableOnAccessProtection— Value: 1 DisableScanOnRealtimeEnable — Value: 1 DisableRealTimeMonitoring — Value: 1 3. Create Key: "Signature Updates" (under Windows Defender folder): ForceUpdateFromMU — Value: 0 4. Create Key: "Spynet" (under Windows Defender folder): DisableBlockAtFirstSeen — Value: 1 Note: Restart your PC after applying these changes. To restore Windows Defender, simply delete these entries or keys. If this video helped you take back control of your PC, please hit the LIKE button and SUBSCRIBE for more tech tutorials, Michael's digital world! Safety Disclaimer Note: Disabling your antivirus can leave your computer vulnerable to threats. Only do this if you have an alternative security solution or know exactly why you need it off.