Windows 7: Windows Defender - Turn On or Off

   Information

This will show you how to turn Windows Defender On or Off in Windows 7. When Windows Defender is on, you will be alerted when spyware and other potentially unwanted software tries to install itself or run on your computer. By default, Windows Defender is turned on in Windows 7.

   Note

If you installed Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE), then it will disable Window Defender by default, and MSE will be used by instead. You will not be able to turn on Windows Defender as long as you have MSE installed.

The release of the Microsoft Safety Scanner has resulted in confusion about the available anti-malware tools provided by Microsoft and questions about when they should be used.

Read more at: Understanding Microsoft Anti-Malware Software ~ Security Garden

   Warning

It's important to run antispyware software whenever you're using your computer. Spyware and other potentially unwanted software can try to install itself on your computer any time you connect to the Internet. It can also infect your computer when you install some programs using a CD, DVD, or other removable media. Spyware or potentially unwanted software can also be programmed to run at unexpected times, not just when it's installed.

OPTION ONE

Turn Off Windows Defender

1. Open the Control Panel (icons view), and click on the Windows Defender icon.

2. Click on Tools on the toolbar at the top. (see screenshot below)

3. Under Settings, click on Options. (see screenshot below)

4. In the left pane, click on Administrator. (see screenshot below)

5. Uncheck the Use this program box. (see screenshot below step 4)

7. Click on the Save button. (see screenshot below step 4)

8. If prompted by UAC, then click on Yes.

9. Click on the Close button. (see screenshot below)

   Note

If you continue to get a Windows Defender pop-up after turning it off, then you can disable the "Windows Defender" service to stop it.

OPTION TWO

Turn On Windows Defender

1. Double check to make sure that the "Windows Defender" service is enabled and set to Automatic (Delayed Start).

2. Open the Control Panel (icons view), and click on the Windows Defender icon.

3. Click on the click here to turn it on link. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: This will take a moment to finish.

4. When finished, close the Windows Defender window. (see screenshot below step 2 in OPTION ONE)
NOTE: To help prevent spyware and other potentially unwanted software from running on your computer, it is recommended that you also turn on Windows Defender real-time protection and select all real-time protection options.