How to Disable Windows Defender in Vista

One of the biggest complaints people had about Windows XP was its lack of security. With the introduction of Windows Vista, Microsoft seized the opportunity to kick computer security up a notch. Unfortunately, many users found these securities and protections to be a bit too obtrusive. Windows Defender protects computers from spyware and adware programs which infect millions of computers, but it is the Microsoft Works of the malware world. Defender comes free with the computer, but other programs are much better.

Instructions

Disable Windows Defender Quickly

1. Open the Windows Defender program in Vista by clicking "Start," "All Programs" and "Windows Defender." If you have Defender on your desktop, use the icon there to save time.

2. Look at the menu options at the top of the page and select "Tools."

3. Access all of the options for Windows Defender by clicking "Options" in the drop-down list.

4. Find and click "Administrator Options" to control how Defender protects your computer.

5. Remove the check mark from the box next to "Use Windows Defender" to disable Defender in Vista. You may see a warning screen referring to a lack of security created by this change. Windows Vista may ask for an administrator password to disable Defender.

6. Apply the change made to disable Defender by clicking the "Save" button.

Disable Windows Defender Real-Time Protection

1. Open Windows Defender and go to the "Options" page. Simply click on the following: "Start," "All Programs," "Windows Defender," "Tools" and "Options."

2. Scan down the list of options to select "Real-time Protection Options."

3. Select the "Use Real-Time Protection (Recommended)" box to choose the limitations you want to place on Windows Defender. Remove or place check marks next to the options you want Defender to follow.

4. Use the "Save" button to apply the changes you make to Windows Defender.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to go back and use Windows Defender again in the future, all you have to do is put the check mark back in the box next to "Use Windows Defender."

• If you aren't going to install a different spyware and adware protection program, run Windows Defender on at least a weekly basis to protect your computer. Spyware and adware slow PCs down to a crawl over time, because they take up valuable system resources. You may find it convenient to run system scans when you leave your computer for a lunch break.

• You should see a slight performance increase when you disable Windows Defender and/or stop real-time protection. Of course, the trade-off is less security against malware.