Yes, you can uninstall Windows Defender. Although it is not recommended to do so, as Windows Defender provides essential security features to protect your computer from malicious software and other potential threats.
Windows Defender is a pre-installed anti-malware software developed by Microsoft and is included in Windows 8 and later versions of the Windows operating system. It is the successor to Windows Defender Security Essentials (an earlier version of Windows Defender) that is available for Windows Vista and Windows 7 and does not require an additional license.
Windows Defender works by scanning your computer for any malicious software, such as viruses and spyware, and blocks them from doing any harm. It also monitors incoming and outgoing online traffic and prevents suspicious activities, such as hacking attempts, from executing. In addition, Windows Defender can detect and block malicious downloads, malicious email attachments and other malicious activities.
If you are going to uninstall Windows Defender, make sure you have installed a third-party antivirus program on your computer first. This is important because without Windows Defender, your computer may be vulnerable to malicious attacks.
To uninstall Windows Defender, you need to open the Settings app by clicking on the Start button and then select “Update & Security”. On the left side of the window, click on “Windows Defender” and then click on the “Uninstall” button. Confirm that you want to uninstall Windows Defender and the program will be removed. After the uninstallation is complete, you will need to restart your computer.
You should also know that uninstalling Windows Defender will not disable many of its features. Some of the features, such as real-time protection, will remain active even after the program is uninstalled. To completely disable Windows Defender and prevent it from running in the background, you need to disable it in the Windows Task Manager.
It is important to note that uninstalling Windows Defender does not provide any real security benefits and can leave your computer unprotected against malicious software and threats. If you decide to uninstall Windows Defender, we recommend that you install a third-party antivirus program as soon as possible to ensure that your data and system remain protected.