Uninstalling Windows Defender permanently is a straightforward procedure and can be done with a few simple steps.
1. First, open the Control Panel in your Windows operating system. Depending on your version of Windows, you can either navigate to the Settings/Control Panel/Programs and Features section, or enter “Control Panel” into the Start Menu search.
2. Once the Control Panel has opened, select “Uninstall a program” from the Programs section.
3. Scroll through the list of installed programs until you find Windows Defender. Right-click on it and select “Uninstall”.
4. A confirmation window will appear. Click “Yes” to confirm that you would like to uninstall Windows Defender.
5. You may be required to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
6. If Windows prompts you to install a replacement security suite, this means that Windows Defender was removed along with its associated components. In such cases, you can choose to install another antivirus or security suite from a third-party vendor.
7. The last step is to remove any remaining traces of Windows Defender from your computer. To do this, open the Registry Editor (type “Regedit” in the Run dialog box), and use the search function to locate any references to “Windows Defender” or “MSE”. Delete them, and restart your computer once again.
These steps should ensure that Windows Defender is completely uninstalled from your computer and that it will not be re-activated. However, it is important to remember that uninstalling Windows Defender can leave your system vulnerable to malicious software, so it is a good idea to install a different security suite as a replacement. It is also wise to regularly scan your computer for any malicious files using an antivirus tool.