🛡️Anti-Virus

🛡️ How to Disable or Uninstall Antivirus Software

Removing antivirus software will make your system more vulnerable to malware, viruses, and other threats. Only do this if you have a good reason (e.g., testing, gaming performance, or using your own security setup).

🛡️ Step 1: Identify Your Antivirus Software

Antivirus
Common Source

Windows Defender

Built into Windows

Avast / AVG

Free/paid AV software

McAfee

Often pre-installed on PCs

Norton / Symantec

Subscription-based AV

Bitdefender

Paid AV with system control

Kaspersky

Strong security, controversial in some regions

Trend Micro, ESET, Sophos, etc.

Less common, but still effective

To check:

  • Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl, and press Enter to view all installed programs.

  • Also check the System Tray (bottom-right of screen) for icons.

  • Open Task Manager > Startup tab to spot antivirus-related items.

🛡️ Step 2: Uninstall Third-Party Antivirus Software

  1. Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl, and press Enter.

  2. Locate any of the following (examples):

    • Avast Antivirus

    • McAfee LiveSafe

    • Norton Security

    • Bitdefender

    • AVG Antivirus

    • Kaspersky

  3. Select each one, then click Uninstall.

  4. Follow the uninstaller’s instructions — some may require a reboot.

  5. Repeat this for all antivirus software found.

🛡️ Step 3: Disable Windows Defender (Microsoft Defender Antivirus)

Microsoft Defender automatically reactivates if no other antivirus is installed. You’ll need to disable it manually if you want zero antivirus on the system.

Option 1: Disable via Windows Security Settings

  1. Press Windows + I → Privacy & Security → Windows Security → Virus & threat protection.

  2. Under Virus & threat protection settings, click Manage settings.

  3. Turn Real-time protection to Off.

  4. (Optional) Disable Cloud-delivered protection and Tamper Protection.

Option 2: Disable via Group Policy (Windows Pro)

  1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.

  2. Navigate to:

    Copy

    Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Microsoft Defender Antivirus

  3. Double-click Turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus.

  4. Set it to Enabled → Click OK.

  5. Restart your PC.

Option 3: Disable via Registry Editor (Any Windows Edition)

⚠️ Use with caution.

  1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, press Enter.

  2. Navigate to:

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    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender

  3. Right-click in the right pane → New > DWORD (32-bit) → Name it DisableAntiSpyware.

  4. Set its value to 1.

  5. Reboot your PC.

🛡️ Step 4: Confirm Everything Is Disabled

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

  2. Check the Processes and Startup tabs for any antivirus-related tasks.

  3. Open Windows Security again to verify Defender status.

  4. You can also use msinfo32 → Look under System Summary → Look for any mention of active AV.

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