Revision: 2025-05-12
Windows Defender is a antivirus solution built into Windows,
MillBox is an advanced dental CAD/CAM software used for designing and milling dental restorations. It demands substantial system resources and interacts with various system components to operate efficiently. Occasionally, Windows Defender may disrupt MillBox's functionality, causing performance issues, false positives, or even blocking critical processes.
Disabling Windows Defender ensures that MillBox can run smoothly without interruptions, providing a seamless experience for dental professionals.
This guide will walk you through the steps to disable Windows Defender using Group Policy, ensuring that your MillBox software operates efficiently and without interference.
Requirements:
Your PC must be running Windows Professional. Windows Home Editions do not provide access to Group Policy, which is typically used for commercial applications.
Before You Begin:
Ensure Windows Defender is running. Check the system tray for the Defender icon or click the Start Menu and type "Defender." If the program opens, it is enabled.
Important Note:
If you are not comfortable making changes to your Windows settings, consult your IT administrator.
In commercial environments, these settings may need to be managed by your IT team, and you may require prior approval to make changes.
Steps to Disable Windows Defender via Group Policy (Windows 10 Professional):
Close any open applications.
Open the Run dialog:
Right-click on the Start button (the Windows logo at the bottom-left corner of your screen) and select "Run," or
Left-click on the Start button and type “run” in the search box, then click on the "Run" app that appears.
Type gpedit.msc and click OK.
Navigate to the following path:
Double-click on "Computer Configuration" to expand it.
Double-click on "Administrative Templates" to expand it.
Double-click on "Windows Components" to expand it.
Click on "Microsoft Defender Antivirus."
Disable Windows Defender:
Double-click on “Turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus.”
In the dialog window, select "Enabled" to turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
Click Apply, then OK.
Adjust Real-time Protection Settings:
Under the "Real-time Protection" folder, adjust the following entries:
Turn off real-time protection: Enabled
Turn off behavior monitoring: Enabled
Restart Windows:
Close the Local Group Policy Editor.
Restart your PC by clicking on the Start button, selecting the Power icon, and choosing "Restart."
Verify Windows Defender is Disabled:
After rebooting and logging in, attempt to open Windows Defender (Windows Key + Type "Defender").
If disabled correctly, you will receive a message indicating that Windows Defender is turned off.
Steps to Disable Windows Defender via Group Policy (Windows 11 Professional):
Close any open applications.
Open the Run dialog:
Right-click on the Start button (the Windows logo at the bottom-left corner of your screen) and select "Run," or
Left-click on the Start button and type “run” in the search box, then click on the "Run" app that appears.
Type gpedit.msc and click OK.
Navigate to the following path:
Double-click on "Computer Configuration" to expand it.
Double-click on "Administrative Templates" to expand it.
Double-click on "Windows Components" to expand it.
Click on "Microsoft Defender Antivirus."
Disable Windows Defender:
Double-click on “Turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus.”
In the dialog window, select "Enabled" to turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
Click Apply, then OK.
Adjust Real-time Protection Settings:
Under the "Real-time Protection" folder, adjust the following entries:
Turn off real-time protection: Enabled
Turn off behavior monitoring: Enabled
Additional Step for Windows 11:
Disable Tamper Protection:
What is Tamper Protection?
Tamper Protection is a feature that helps prevent malicious apps from changing important Microsoft Defender Antivirus settings. This includes settings such as real-time protection and cloud-delivered protection. By ensuring these settings remain unchanged, tamper protection helps maintain the integrity of your device's security configuration and prevents malicious apps from disabling critical security features.Why It Needs to Be Disabled:
Blocking Changes: With Tamper Protection enabled, any attempt to disable Windows Defender or modify its settings will be blocked.
Required for Configuration: To successfully disable Windows Defender via Group Policy or other methods, Tamper Protection must be turned off to allow these changes to take effect
You can turn tamper protection On or Off using the toggle button.
Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection.
Click on "Manage settings" under Virus & threat protection settings.
Turn off Tamper Protection
Restart Windows:
Close any open folder
Restart your PC by clicking on the Start button, selecting the Power icon, and choosing "Restart."
Verify Windows Defender is Disabled:
After rebooting and logging in, attempt to open Windows Defender (Windows Key + Type "Defender").
If disabled correctly, you will receive a message indicating that Windows Defender is turned off.