Not sure if this needs a new topic or ad to something like "Keygen and Cracked plugins vs viruses and malwares ?" ?

I need a way to easily disable/enable Windows Defender, when downloading & unpacking certain .rars .zips, so they don't get blocked during d/l or deleted when unrar'ing.

Is there a way ?
Thanx.

 

It's totally a legit topic to make.
I always recommend the same little app from Sordum website. "Defender Control". Free, portable, no ads:

https://www.sordum.org/9480/defender-control-v2-1/

I encourage everyone to take a look at all the other little gems on that site. Really convenient.

For instance, very relevant for this case too. "Defender Exclusion Tool":

https://www.sordum.org/10636/defender-exclusion-tool-v1-4/

 

Turn Off or Disable Windows Defender in Windows 11/10 (2023)

In this video, we'll show you the best way to turn off or disable Windows Defender in Windows. Windows Defender is a built-in antivirus software that comes with Windows 10, but sometimes it can interfere with other antivirus programs or cause performance issues. We'll walk you through the steps to disable Windows Defender temporarily or permanently, depending on your needs. We'll also discuss the pros and cons of disabling Windows Defender and provide some tips on how to stay protected without it. Whether you're a gamer, a power user, or just looking to optimize your system, this video will help you make an informed decision about Windows Defender. So, let's get started

 

I second this program. I shut Defender down with this for years. Never a problem. Prog hasn't been updated since 2022...but neither has Windows in any architecturally meaningful fashion.

Hmmm...never looked at this one before. Edit: Just read and downloaded for girlfriends' work laptop that enjoys the 'Full' M$ experience, except for a few of my own convenience related fixes. Good tool.

 

there is a script on github that uninstalls defender.
I never had any antivirus. it does not help, just annoys. when i want to scan something I upload it to jotties malware scanner.
https://github.com/ionuttbara/windows-defender-remover

 

Sordum Defender Control is just the ticket. And, it's PORTABLE and [FREE]

https://www.sordum.org/9480/defender-control-v2-1/

 

No. Because defender is a ms POS. The best solution is to remove it from the system (the fw as well) and install a proper 3rd party a/v that is controllable. I shit-canned defender FW and A/V - I run SEP for a/v on internet boxen and have a set of quick enable/disable cmd scripts sitting on the desktop for just those occasions where it needs to be shutdown for a few minutes then reactivated. Defender is always on no matter if the real time toggle is OFF, it's still on. Learned that the hard way a while ago. Now on all new builds defender A/V and FW are the first things I make certain are removed from the system.

 

Last edited: Mar 6, 2025