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KB / Windows / How to Turn On or Off Windows Defender in Windows 8 and 8.1

How to Turn On or Off Windows Defender in Windows 8 and 8.1
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Views: 360
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Posted: 23 Jul, 2017
by: Lordthong T.
Updated: 05 Sep, 2017
by: Lordthong T.
How to Turn On or Off Windows Defender in Windows 8 and 8.1

information   Information
Windows 8 comes with a new version of Windows Defender which is the re-branded "Microsoft Security Essentials" (MSE). When Windows Defender is on, you're notified when viruses, spyware, malware (malicious software), or potentially unwanted software try to install or run on your PC.

This tutorial will show you how to turn on or off Windows Defender in Windows 8, Windows RT, Windows 8.1, and Windows RT 8.1.

You must be signed in as an administrator to be able to do the steps in this tutorial.
 
Note   Note
In order for Windows Defender to run, it will require that the Windows Defender Service remain "Started" (running) and set to "Automatic".

How to Start, Stop, and Disable Services in Windows 8
 
warning   Warning
Some 3rd party antivirus (AV) programs may turn off Windows Defender when they are installed to be used instead, and will not allow Windows Defender to be turned back on until the 3rd party AV has been completely uninstalled.
 
 


CONTENTS:
 

  • Option One: To Turn On or Off Windows Defender using Group Policy
  • Option Two: To Turn On or Off Windows Defender using a REG file




EXAMPLE: Windows Defender Turned Off
Name: Windows_Defender_OFF.jpg Views: 13594 Size: 28.1 KB




 

Windows Defender - Turn On or Off in Windows 8 OPTION ONE Windows Defender - Turn On or Off in Windows 8
To Turn On or Off Windows Defender using Group Policy

Note   Note
Local Group Policy Editor is only available in the Windows 8 Pro and Enterprise editions.

All editions can use Option Two below.
 

1. Open the Local Group Policy Editor.

2. In the left pane of Local Group Policy Editor, navigate to the location below. (see screenshot below)

 Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Windows Defender

Click image for larger version

3. In the right pane of Windows Defender in Local Group Policy Editor, double click/tap on the Turn off Windows Defenderpolicy to edit it. (see screenshot above)

4. Do step 5 (on) or step 6 (off) below for what you would like to do.


5. To Turn On Windows Defender

A) Select (dot) Not Configured or Disabled, click/tap on OK, and go to step 7 below. (see screenshot below)

NOTE: Not Configured is the default setting.


6. To Turn Off Windows Defender

A) Select (dot) Enabled, click/tap on OK, and go to step 7 below. (see screenshot below)

Click image for larger version

7. When finished, you can close the Local Group Policy Editor if you like.

8. If you are turning on Windows Defender, then open Windows Defender, and click/tap on Start now.

Click image for larger version






 

Windows Defender - Turn On or Off in Windows 8 OPTION TWO Windows Defender - Turn On or Off in Windows 8
To Turn On or Off Windows Defender using a REG file

Note   Note
The .reg files below will add and modify the DWORD values in the registry keys below.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender

DisableAntiSpyware DWORD

(delete) or 0 = On
1 = Off
 

1. Do step 2 (on) or step 3 (off) below for what you would like to do.


2. To Turn On Windows Defender
NOTE: This is the default setting.

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.

Turn_On_Windows_Defender.reg

download


3. To Turn Off Windows Defender

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.

Turn_Off_Windows_Defender.reg

download

4. Save the .reg file to your desktop.

5. Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.

6. If prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.

7. If you are turning on Windows Defender, then open Windows Defender, and click/tap on Start now if needed.

Click image for larger version

9. If you like, you can now delete the downloaded .reg file.

Credit : https://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/21962-windows-defender-turn-off-windows-8-a.html
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