Microsoft has been shipping Windows Defender (now rebranded as Windows Security) on Windows PCs for a while now. The tool has quickly evolved into a definitive suite for basic virus protection on Windows machines. The internet is full of bad stuff, and you don't want your data hijacked. But if you have no choice, here's how to disable Microsoft Defender in Windows 11.

Windows Security is good to have and we don't recommend disabling it if everything on your PC is working fine. But sometimes users have no choice but to eliminate programs that take up system resources and make their computer painfully slow.

Users with low-end hardware may find that Windows Defender takes up some of their limited system resources. Whether you're trying to reduce system workload, speed up Windows 11, or just want to get rid of Microsoft's security solution, here's how to disable Defender in Windows 11.

There are three ways to disable Windows Defender (Windows Security) in Windows 11. Although the easiest way is through Settings, it is a temporary measure, and Microsoft will automatically enable Windows Security after a restart. If you want to permanently disable Windows security, check the Group Policy Editor and Registry Editor instructions.