How to Remove Windows Defender in Windows Vista

How to Remove Windows Defender in Windows Vista

1. Run Windows Defender from Start Menu.
2. Click on Tools button.
3. Then click on Options link under “Tools and Settings” section.
4. Scroll down the “Options” page, and uncheck the check boxes of the following two settings:
a. Use real-time protection (recommended) under “Real-time protection options”
b. Use Windows Defender under “Administrator options”

Note that both options MUST be unchecked for the Windows Defender service in Windows Vista to be completely stopped. Else, only real-time protection is disabled.

5. Click on Save button.

6. A “Windows Defender is turned off” dialog message will appear, confirming that Windows Defender no longer runs.
Once the Windows Defender is disabled, it’s sort of been uninstalled too, as any attempt to run the program will bring up “Windows Defender is turned off dialog window and unable to proceed to Windows Defender main window anymore.

To re-enable or to reinstall Windows Defender in Vista, run Windows Defender from Start Menu and turn it on again when prompted.