How to Permanently Disable Windows Defender in Windows with Group Policy Editor

Summary: Discover how to disable Windows Defender when using a third-party antivirus. Follow these steps to permanently disable Defender in Windows using the Group Policy Editor.

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Instructions

Affected Platforms:

  • OptiPlex
  • Latitude
  • Precision Workstations
  • Inspiron
  • XPS
  • Vostro
  • Dell G-Series
  • Alienware

Affected Operating Systems:

  • Windows

If you have a third-party anti-virus that is installed and active on your computer, you may want to disable Windows Defender. This article walks you through disabling Windows Defender 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: 31 Jul 2025
Version:  7
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