How to disable Windows Defender

Sun, 09/09/2007 - 20:25 — Ciprian

Even if Windows Defender is offered for free and it has decent protection features, some people might prefer other applications to secure their system from spyware and other threats. In this case there is no point in having two similar applications running at the same time, both of them consuming system resources. This is why disabling Windows Defender can be a good idea.

This is how you do it:

Launch Windows Defender and go to Tools -> Options.

Windows Defender

Here you will find a lot of configuration options. Scroll down to the end of the list. You will find there a section called Administrator options. Deselect the Use Windows Defender box and press the Save button.

If UAC is turned on, you will need to confirm that you want to continue with the change.

Windows Defender

Now you will receive a notification saying that "Windows Defender is turned off". Click on Close and you are done.

Windows Defender

Comments

Wed, 07/08/2009 - 21:20 — Anonymous (not verified)

I am using the AT&T Mcafee

I am using the AT&T Mcafee Internet Security Suite, do I need to disable the windows defender?

Sun, 07/12/2009 - 19:05 — Anonymous (not verified)

Disabling Window Defender

I have McAfee VirusScan Enterprise 8.5 on my computer. For the Spyware protection I have SuperAntiSpyware and Window Defender oth turned on. Would it be a good idea to disable Window Defender. Does two or more firewalls running at the same time present a conflict with each other, and if so is it a good idea to disable Window Defender?

Tue, 07/14/2009 - 19:41 — Anonymous (not verified)

i have the same problem like

i have the same problem like the others...i keep getting that pop-out error about windows defender..but when i tried to open windows defender to turn it off, it won't allow me to open the program..it says "a problem caused this program to stop"..is there any other way to turn it off?

Wed, 07/22/2009 - 17:00 — Anonymous (not verified)

If you disable windows

If you disable windows defender how can you manage applications that run at start up as you no longer have access to software explorer.Is there another way of enabling/disabling applications that run at start up.

Wed, 07/22/2009 - 22:04 — Ciprian

Edit Startup Programs

Yes there is. You can find it here:
http://www.vista4beginners.com/System-Configuration-Utility

Fri, 07/24/2009 - 18:59 — Anonymous (not verified)

Windows defender failed to initialize

Hi,
I am running Window Vista SP1 for my laptop. I am getting an error "windows defender failed to initialize........" it gives some address. I think it occured because I tried to turn off Windows defender. Now I am not able to run Windows defender.
How I can repair this error?
Thank You
K C D Thampan

Sat, 07/25/2009 - 00:12 — Evie (not verified)

Windows defender error

I have McAfee and since updating it I get error code 0x800106ba every time I switch on my computer. I have tried sfc /scannow which didn't help, the only other advice seems to be to disable Windows Defender as it isn't necessary with McAfee anyway. But WD will not launch at all, so how do I disable it to stop the annoying error messages every time I turn on?

Thu, 07/30/2009 - 18:52 — Anonymous (not verified)

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