How to Disable Windows Defender Antivirus using Group Policy Editor

Summary: Learn how to disable Windows Defender Antivirus using Group Policy Editor when using third-party antivirus software.

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Instructions

    If you have third-party anti-virus software that is installed and active on your computer, you may want to disable Windows Defender Antivirus if it is not automatically disabled by the new software. This article walks you through disabling Windows Defender Antivirus using the Group Policy Editor within Windows.

    Disabling Windows Defender using Group Policy Editor

    Caution: It is recommended you follow these steps to disable Windows Defender ONLY if you are running a third-party anti-virus program on your computer.

    If you are running a third-party anti-virus and want to disable Windows Defender, you can do so using the Group Policy Editor in Windows following the steps below:

    1. Open a command prompt by pressing the Windows + R keys on the keyboard, type cmd in the search box, and click OK.
    2. Type gpedit.msc at the command prompt and press Enter.
    3. Confirm the UAC prompt to continue.
    4. Navigate through the following path to open the Windows Defender settings: Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Defender
      Windows Defender in Local Group Policy Editor
    5. Double-click the Windows Defender folder to open the settings and look for the Turn off Windows Defender policy setting
      gpedit.msc Turn off Windows Defender policy
    6. Select Enabled to enable this policy and turn off Windows Defender
      gpedit.msc Enable Turn off Windows Defender policy
    7. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
      Note: If you remove your third-party anti-virus and want to reenable Windows Defender on your computer, follow the steps above using the group policy editor. Select either Not Configured or Disabled for the Turn off Windows Defender policy.

    Affected Products

    Alienware, Inspiron, OptiPlex, Vostro, XPS, G Series, G Series, Alienware, Inspiron, Latitude, Vostro, XPS, Fixed Workstations, Mobile Workstations
    Article Properties
    Article Number: 000108754
    Article Type: How To
    Last Modified: 20 Aug 2026
    Version:  9
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