Readers like you help support MUO. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More.

I have Microsoft Security Essentials on a Windows 7 system. How do I get rid of Windows Defender?

Tina
2011-02-16 21:17:00
2010-10-22 18:27:00
This is a good quick how-to for you: http://www.simplehelp.net/2009/03/11/how-to-disable-windows-defender-in-windows-7/
Tim Brookes
2010-10-15 17:58:00
To turn off Windows Defender you can either:1) Launch the program, click on Options, choose Administrator and uncheck "Use this program".Or2) Click Start, and search for "Run", then choose it when it pops up. Type "services.msc" and hit OK. Scroll down till you find Windows Defender, right click and choose Properties. In the dialog that pops up find "Startup Type" and in the drop-down box hit "Disabled".This won't remove it altogether, but it will be disabled and you will be able to use your favourite spyware buster.I recommend
MAKEUSEOF VIDEO OF THE DAY
SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT
Malwarebytes and Spybot S&D as two excellent free alternatives.