How to Enable or Disable Windows Security in Windows 10
The Windows Security app is a client interface on Windows 10 version 1703 and later that makes it is easier for you to view and control the security protections you choose and better understand the security features already protecting you on your Windows 10 device.
Windows Security has seven areas that protect your device and let you specify how you want your device protected:
- Virus & threat protection - Has information and access to antivirus ransomware protection settings and notifications, including the Controlled folder access feature of Windows Defender Exploit Guard and sign-in to Microsoft OneDrive.
- Account protection - Makes it easier for users to protect their identity when signing in to Windows with the new Account Protection pillar in Windows Security. Account Protection will encourage password users to set up Windows Hello Face, Fingerprint or PIN for faster sign in, and will notify Dynamic lock users if Dynamic lock has stopped working because their phone or device Bluetooth is off.
- Firewall & network protection - Has information and access to firewall settings, including Windows Defender Firewall.
- App & browser control - Windows Defender SmartScreen settings and Exploit protection mitigations.
- Device security - Provides access to built-in device security settings.
- Device performance & health - Has information about drivers, storage space, and general Windows Update issues.
- Family options - Includes access to parental controls along with tips and information for keeping kids safe online.
This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable the Windows Security app for all users in Windows 10.
Windows Defender AV and the Windows Security app use similarly named services for specific purposes.
The Windows Security app uses the Windows Security Service (SecurityHealthService or Windows Security Health Service), which in turn utilizes the Security Center service (wscsvc) to ensure the app provides the most up-to-date information about the protection status on the endpoint, including protection offered by third-party antivirus products, Windows Defender Firewall, third-party firewalls, and other security protection.
These services do not affect the state of Windows Defender AV. Disabling or modifying these services will not disable Windows Defender AV, and will lead to a lowered protection state on the endpoint, even if you are using a third-party antivirus product.
Windows Defender AV will be disabled automatically when a third-party antivirus product is installed and kept up to date.
Disabling the Windows Security Center service will not disable Windows Defender AV or Windows Defender Firewall.
It is highly recommended to not disable the Windows Security app.
This will significantly lower the protection of your device and could lead to malware infection.
EXAMPLE: Windows Security
Here's How:
The downloadable .reg files below will modify the DWORD value in the registry keys below.
(Windows Defender Security Center Service)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\SecurityHealthService
(Security Center service)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\wscsvc
Start DWORD
2 = Enable
4 = Disable
1 Do step 2 (enable) or step 3 (disable) below for what you would like to do.
This is the default setting.
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.
Enable_Windows_Defender_Security_Center.reg
Download
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.
Disable_Windows_Defender_Security_Center.reg
Download
4 Save the .reg file to your desktop.
5 Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.
6 When prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.
7 Restart the computer to apply.
8 You can now delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.
That's it,
Shawn Brink
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