How to uninstall and disable Windows Defender in Windows Server 2016/2019

roger — Sat, 22 Aug 2020 21:21:00 +0000

Hi! Windows Defender is the integrated security solution for Windows systems. In effect, it is the shield that protects the server from local or external threats. Specifically from network threats since they can harm the organization’s services. For that reason, Windows Defender is the ideal solution to safeguard the system. However, there are special circumstances where it is necessary to disable or even uninstall it. For example, in support tasks, configuration errors, or even the purchase of a firewall or external security system. Inattention to those cases, today we will see how to uninstall and disable Windows Defender in Windows Server 2016/2019.

How to disable Windows Defender from the Security settings

Windows Defender is integrated into the security section of the system. Therefore, you only have to access this section. With this intention, press the Win+Q combination and type Security in the search bar.

Launch the server security section

The security section will be deployed immediately. Please click on Virus & Thread protection settings. Specifically, in Manage settings.

Manage security options

Finally, you only have to deactivate the pin to remove the protection in real-time. This way, Windows Defender will be temporarily suspended.

Disabling Windows Defender from the security section of Windows Server

Disable Windows Defender from PowerShell

Next, we’ll use the PowerShell console to temporarily disable Windows Defender. With this in mind, launch the console and run the following command:

Set-MpPreference -DisableRealtimeMonitoring $true

Disables WindowsDefender temporally from PowerShell

Once the work is done, you can reactivate Windows Defender using this command:

Set-MpPreference -DisableRealtimeMonitoring $false

How to uninstall Windows Defender from PowerShell

Next we will see how to uninstall Windows Defender. For this we will use again the PowerShell console. Once there, please execute the following command:

Uninstall-WindowsFeature -Name Windows-Defender

After a few seconds, the uninstallation will be complete. Please reboot the server to complete the changes.

Uninstalling Windows Defender using PowerShell

A positive aspect of this method is that it is possible to reinstall the service. With this in mind, please execute the following command:

Install-WindowsFeature -Name Windows-Defender

How to uninstall Windows Defender from CMD

Next, we will use the Command Prompt to uninstall Windows Defender. Specifically, we will use the DISM command. In addition, this command allows you to manage the system image. Please proceed with caution, as you will be uninstalling the app and installation package. Consequently, it will not be possible to reinstall Windows Defender. Finally, If you are sure to proceed, run this command from CMD:

Dism /online /Disable-Feature /FeatureName:Windows-Defender /Remove /NoRestart /quiet

Permanently uninstalling Windows Defender with CMD

How to Uninstall Windows Defender from Server Manager

It is well known that the server administrator is a central console that allows managing multiple aspects. This time we will use it to uninstall Windows Defender. With this in mind, click on Manage. Then, select Remove Roles and Features

Removes roles and features.

In the next window, please click next.

Now select the server.

A list of installed features will follow. Please check the box corresponding to Windows Defender. Once you have made your selection, you are ready to begin. Finally, confirm the selection and press Remove to start the process.

Removing Windows Defender using the Server Manager

After a few moments, Windows Defender will be uninstalled from the system. Please note that to reinstall it, just repeat the process. However, in the wizard please select the Add Roles and Features option.

Conclusion

In the final discussion, we’ve seen numerous ways to disable and uninstall Windows Defender in Windows Server 2016/2019. As you could see, there are graphic and command-line options. The intention is that as an administrator, you have control over the system. Consequently, you will be able to better manage the interests of the company. Before I go, I invite you to see our post about disable automatic updates in Windows Server 2016/2019. Bye!

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