How to Disable Antimalware Service Executable in Windows 10
Microsoft Antimalware, formerly known as Windows Defender, is an Antivirus software that can defend your computer against malware and other virus threats. It performs similar functions to that of different Microsoft Antivirus software. It is a valuable tool as it continuously scans and monitors your PC for threats like viruses, malware, etc.
Microsoft Antimalware can be found in the Task Manager as MsMpEng.exe. It installs many files on your computer, taking up much of your disk space. Even if you uninstall it, some files redundantly run in the background.
The Antimalware Service Executable process performs tasks such as potential scanning threats and self-updates and performs system scans on all files that open and download for threats.
The Antimalware Service Executable process is a background process that runs even after it has been deleted from the Microsoft Antivirus tool. Also, it uses a large number of resources which leads to high CPU usage and disk usage.
Is Antimalware Service Executable important; do I need it?
Any software that is protecting your system should stay. Suppose you do not have a third-party Antivirus program on your computer in such a case. In that case, the Windows defender Antivirus service protects your computer against harmful malware attacks and dangerous software.
If the Antimalware Service Executable process is not draining your CPU storage, it is better to leave it enabled. However, if it is causing an issue with too much resource usage, the Microsoft defender needs to be disabled.
Why am I getting Antimalware Service Executable high disk usage in Windows 10?
One of the significant concerns of several Windows 10 users is the high CPU usage, as well as high disk usage. The Antimalware Service Executable runs constantly and scans data and program files. It finds the issue and carries out appropriate actions to prevent any malware attack on the system. This can cause the Windows operating system to slow down.
Installing a third-party Antivirus program can help resolve the issue with Microsoft Defender.
Common problems caused by Antimalware service executable
#1- Memory leak
The Antimalware service executable process has been reported to have caused high memory usage and memory leak in Windows 10. So instead of losing data and memory, it is better to disable Antimalware Service Executable.
#2- High Disk Usage
The Antimalware service executable high disk usage can cause errors in your system, for which you need to install Antivirus tools.
#3- Effect on Windows
The Antimalware service executable can cause issues with Windows 7, 8.1, etc. It is better to disable Microsoft Defender in such cases.
#4- Constantly running
The Antimalware service executable process is constantly running on your computer because of the real-time feature, which is constantly scanning files and preventing viruses, malware, etc. This may cause high disk usage, forcing your computer to slow functioning.
#5- Cannot End Task
The Antimalware service executable may not allow you to end tasks on your computer; disabling the executable is a good resolve.
Temporarily disable the antimalware service executable
#1-Using Task Manager
The Antimalware Service Executable can be temporarily stopped by using the Task Manager. To do so, follow these steps.
Step#1– Press the Windows key and the letter X, then click on Task Manager from the list.
Step#2– Right-click on the Antimalware Service Executable from the Process tab, then click on End task.
This will disable the Microsoft defender temporarily. It will reset once you reboot your system.
#2- Using Windows Security
You can also temporarily disable Windows defender through the Settings app. this will stop the Antimalware Service Executable service until you reboot your system. But, again, this is just a temporary solution.
Follow these steps to disable Windows defender temporarily.
Step#1-
- Launch Windows Settings.
- Select Update and Security from the list.
- Now, select and open Windows security on the left side of the screen.
Step#2– Click on Virus and threat protection in the Windows security window.
Step#3– The Windows Security window will open with options. Here, click on Manage settings which is available under the Virus and Threat protection settings.
Step#4– Now, in the Windows Settings window, turn off the real-time and Cloud-delivered protection options.
Using the Group Policy editor, you should also permanently disable the Antimalware service executable permanently. Please note that you will not find it in your Windows 10 and 11 Home editions.
Disable Antimalware Service Executable
#1- Using Registry Editor
With the help of Registry Editor, Windows security can be disabled. This is more of a permanent fix to disable the Antimalware Service Executable. Follow the steps to do so.
Step#1– In the search bar of Windows, type Registry Editor and select Open.
When prompted, select Yes if you would allow the app to make changes.
Step#2– In the main Registry Editor pane, select HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE; this will expand, and from the list, select expand the Software option.
Step#3– From the drop-down list, select Microsoft to expand it.
Step#4– From the Microsoft drop-down, scroll down and locate the Windows defender, and right-click it to see the Registry Editor pane.
Now, select New. Select the DWORD(32-bit) Value option from the following pop-up menu.
Step#5- Now, enter Disable Anti Spyware in the Value name field and 1 in the Value data field and click OK to save changes.
Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
#2- Disable Windows Defender’s Schedule Tasks
The Windows Defender schedules various tasks to work correctly. You can resolve the issue when you disable Windows Defender’s scheduling options.
Step#1– In the Windows search bar, type Task Scheduler. From the search results, select Task scheduler and click Open.
Step#2– On the window’s left pane, select Task Scheduler Library and Windows Defender.
Step#3– On the right pane, you will view four tasks; select all and right-click to disable them.
Disabling real-time protection or deleting Windows Defender’s scheduling options will resolve the Antimalware service executable issue.
#3- Use Command Prompt
You can use Command Prompt to disable Windows Defender quickly. As an advanced user, it will be easy for you to use this method.
Step#1– Type cmd in the Windows search bar and select Run as administrator.
When prompted for the app to make changes, select Yes.
Step#2– The command Prompt window will open; type in the command given below and hit the Enter key.
REG ADD "hklm\software\policies\microsoft\windows defender" /v DisableAntispyware /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /fRunning this command will modify your Registry and disable Windows Defender.
#4- Disable Real-time protection / Disable Microsoft Defender using Group Policy Editor
Step#1– Press the Windows key and the letter R to launch the Run dialog box. Type in gpedit.msc and click Ok or Enter.
Step#2– Now, on the left side of the window, click the Computer Configuration option to expand and select Administrative Templates.
From the right side, select Windows Components.
Step#3– From the Windows Components drop-down, scroll down and select Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
Step#4– Now, select Real-time Protection from the Microsoft Defender Antivirus drop-down.
Step#5– Double-click Turn off real-time protection on the Real-time Protection drop-down.
Step#6– The turn-off real-time protection window will open, select the Enabled option and on the bottom of the window, click Apply to save changes and click OK.
Disabling the real-time protection feature by disabling Windows Defender will reduce the load on the Windows defender process.
#5- Delete the Windows Defender folder
You will permanently delete the folder from your system by deleting the Windows Defender folder from File Explorer.
Step#1– Press the Windows icon key and the letter E together to initiate File Explorer.
Step#2– Select the Local disk C, Program Files directory.
Step#3– Locate the Windows Defender folder and remove the Windows Defender directory by deleting it.
Just by deleting this folder, you have resolved the issue.
It must be noted Windows Defender is an essential cog of Windows, and deleting it could raise more issues.
It is always wise to back up your essential files before deleting a system software, preferably at a system restore point where you can restore it to your computer.
By deleting the Windows Defender folder, you have successfully disabled the Antimalware service executable.
It should be kept in mind that whenever there is a system update regarding the Windows Defender service, the system will automatically install and update Windows defender. Therefore, you may have to repeat the process of deleting the folder whenever you see the need.
#6- Stop Windows Defender
Step#1– Press the Windows icon key and the letter R to launch the Run dialog box. Type in services. msc and click OK.
Step#2– Select Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection Services from the list of services and double-click on it.
Step#3– In the next window, check if the Startup type is Automatic and click on the Stop button. This will stop the Antimalware Service Executable.
Select OK to save the changes.
#7- Install a third-party Antivirus
Due to the Antimalware service’s high CPU and disk usage, you can always install an Antivirus tool if your computer has slowed down.
Windows defender cannot work with any other Antivirus tools. Therefore, a third-party Antivirus will disable the Antimalware service executable.
It s important to note that there are many brands of Antivirus out there. Choose the reliable one that has the most negligible impact on resources and is compatible with your operating system.
The ESET Internet Security is an example of an excellent third-party Antivirus that can protect your computer from malware, cyber theft, system hacking, etc.
Conclusion
After adopting the above steps explained in this article, you can disable and delete the Antimalware service executable or disable Windows defender; this will have your computer running at full speed in no time.
