How to Disable Windows Security Protection
In some cases, Windows Security (Windows Defender) may block proxy software or support tools from working properly. This guide shows you how to disable Windows Security protection on Windows 10/11.
Warning!
Disabling Windows Security protection may make your computer vulnerable to malware. Only disable when necessary and remember to re-enable it after completing your work.
Method 1: Disable Real-time Protection via UI (Temporary)
The quickest method. Windows will automatically re-enable it after some time or after restarting.
Open Windows Security
Press Windows + I to open Settings → select Privacy & Security → select Windows Security → select Open Windows Security.
Or click the shield icon on the taskbar.
Go to Virus & threat protection
Select Virus & threat protection → click Manage settings (under Virus & threat protection settings).
Disable Real-time protection
Toggle Real-time protection to Off.
Note
If the toggle is greyed out (locked), you need to disable Tamper Protection first — see Method 2.
Method 2: Disable Tamper Protection (When Locked)
Tamper Protection prevents changes to security settings — including disabling Real-time Protection via UI, PowerShell, or Group Policy. You must disable this first.
Open Windows Security
Settings → Privacy & Security → Windows Security → Open Windows Security.
Go to Virus & threat protection settings
Select Virus & threat protection → click Manage settings.
Disable Tamper Protection
Scroll down to Tamper Protection → toggle to Off → confirm Yes when prompted.
Go back and disable Real-time Protection
After disabling Tamper Protection, go back and disable Real-time protection as in Method 1.
Method 3: Disable via PowerShell (Temporary)
For users comfortable with the command line. Same effect as Method 1 but faster if you prefer the terminal.
Requirement
You must disable Tamper Protection first (Method 2), otherwise the command will be silently ignored.
Open PowerShell as Admin
Right-click Start → select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
Disable Real-time Protection
Set-MpPreference -DisableRealtimeMonitoring $true
Verify the status
Get-MpComputerStatus | Select-Object RealTimeProtectionEnabledResult should return False if successful.
To re-enable
Set-MpPreference -DisableRealtimeMonitoring $falseSummary
| Method | How to | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Method 1: UI | Settings → Windows Security | Temporary | Quickest, auto re-enables |
| Method 2: Disable Tamper Protection | Settings → Windows Security | Temporary | Required if Method 1/3 is locked |
| Method 3: PowerShell | Run as Admin | Temporary | Requires Tamper Protection off first |
Important Notes
- On Windows 10 (2004+) and Windows 11, the Registry method (
DisableAntiSpyware) has been disabled by Microsoft. - CMD command (
sc stop WinDefend) returns “Access is denied” even when running as Admin. - Group Policy (
gpedit.msc) is also blocked by Tamper Protection — must disable it first, and only available on Pro/Enterprise. - Most reliable approach: Disable Tamper Protection (Method 2) → Disable Real-time Protection (Method 1 or 3).