Remove Windows Defender from Vista System Startup
Sep 10th, 2007 by MrGroove
Recently I discussed how to Disable Windows Defender for Microsoft Vista. Going along with that topic, this groovy How To will show the simple step by step process for removing Windows Defender from the Windows Vista Startup process.
UPDATE - Since I wrote this article, I’ve written YET ANOTHER another article on the subject which works for both Vista and Windows Server 2008. I find it’s a little simpler as well. Take a look at it here: Disable Windows Defender Service.
Ok…. Back to the original article…
1. Click Windows Start button, Type MSCONFIG in the Start Search box and Press the Enter key
2. Click Startup tab, Scroll down and UnCheck Windows Defender Startup Item. Click OK to Save config change
3. No need to reboot, Click Exist without restart
Additional Information (on next boot):
Windows Vista monitors the use of MSCONFIG. After you reboot and login, Vista will prompt you with a box explaining that you recently made a change and explaining how to back-out the changes if desired. Below is my recommended response to this Vista System Configuration Prompt.
4. Check box Don’t show this message or start System Configuration when Windows starts and Click OK
All done! GROOVY 
Tags: client, howto, vista, security, windows defender
what if windows defender opens and everything is aready disabled???
1st - Welcome to the site Kelly!
From what I can tell, if Windows Defender is already disabled, you will gain little system resources from removing it from your Startup. You should be fine by just following the steps outlined here: http://www.groovypost.com/howto/microsoft/vista/disable-windows-defender-for-microsoft-vista/
So, you can disable it, but you can’t uninstall the dang thing?! :s
-Beavis
@ Beavis
Um… Yeah…..
Ha. Disableing Defender is easy and any idiot knows how to use msconfig. Tell us how to get rid if it and then you have yourself an article worth posting.
@Pft - Welcome to the site
Probably the next best thing: http://www.groovypost.com/howto/microsoft/vista/disable-windows-defender-service-in-windows-server-2008-or-vista/
Thanks!
I tried everything you have outlined but the run programs tab only shows the program being blocked and doesn’t show system configuration utility??Help!!!
to mr pft, well o great genius contrary to popular belief, there are a whole lot of people who dont know how to use ms config. so this article is just fine. who are you to just insult people you dont even know that this article helped, yea i can use ms config, i even finally figured out how to remove defender but ill be damned if ill put the post here where some moron like you has the nerve to insult people who have never said a word to or about you, its people like you who reaffirm my belief in hateing most people in general cause they think they are so smart or better than others. Have a nice day you jerk.
souls
I HAVE NEVER EVER USED MSCONFIG BEFORE AND I AM VERY GRATEFUL FOR THIS GUIDE.
Hmmm, sure it is easy to disable it if it actually shows - But there is nothing that sayed Window Defender in the system and it is blocking my Anti Virus software…
Did you disable the Defender Service - http://www.groovypost.com/howto/microsoft/vista/disable-windows-defender-service-in-windows-server-2008-or-vista/
?
THANK YOU! This was driving me crazy and screwing up my ability to access my school work online. I appreciate they’re trying to protect me mind you BUT it really was working my last good nerve. I used both sets of instructions just to make sure it was really dead. I didn’t want to do an uninstall since I’ve read where people had MORE issues after doing that than if they had just disabled it. Really happy to be getting it out of the way of my homework! Thanks again.
thanks mate,, i got rid of this windows defender that does`t defend anything just mess with my system,,thank you
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Thanks,
-MrGroove