When and how to disable Windows Security on Windows 11

ZDNET writer Lance Whitney explains when you might want to turn off Windows Security on Windows 11 and provides step‑by‑step instructions for temporarily or permanently disabling the built‑in protection, along with advice to create a restore point before making changes. The guide emphasizes that Windows Security is a full‑featured first‑party suite that monitors downloads, blocks threats and quarantines malware, and that most users only need it alongside a secure browser and an ad blocker.

Still, people sometimes turn it off to install third‑party antivirus, niche open‑source software, or apps that Microsoft Defender flags as false positives — examples cited include GitHub projects and some video games. For a temporary pause, Whitney shows how to toggle Real‑time protection off in the Windows Security app; to permanently disable it on Windows 11 Pro he gives Group Policy Editor steps, and for Home editions he outlines the Registry Editor method of adding a DisableAntiSpyware DWORD set to 1.

Whitney warns that permanently disabling Windows Security should be limited to experienced users or those replacing it with another security suite, since doing so increases exposure to viruses, ransomware, spyware, phishing and trojans. "According to Microsoft," common infection vectors include malicious Office macros, infected software and compromised web pages.

Key Topics

Tech, Windows Security, Microsoft Defender, Group Policy Editor, Registry Editor, System Restore