Should you ever turn off Windows Security? It's tricky, but here's my rule of thumb

"Windows Security is a highly capable system guardian. In my "Best Antivirus for Windows 11" guide, I made the case that it isn't just a basic antivirus designed to be a stopgap; it's a full-blown first-party security suite that monitors downloads, blocks incoming threats, and instantly quarantines malware if it manages to bypass all defenses. As a Windows user, all you really need to be protected against online threats is the app, an ad blocker, and a secure browser like Brave."

"However, there are times when you may want to disable Windows Security. In this guide, I will show you how to turn off Windows 11's security suite both temporarily and permanently. I'll also go over what to keep in mind before messing with these settings, and how to create a System Restore point so you have a safety net in case anything goes wrong."

"One common reason a user may want to disable Windows Security is that they need to install third-party software that is blocked by the suite. This can include third-party antivirus programs, niche open-source software, or apps from small developers. Windows Security can also sometimes falsely flag safe programs as dangerous. If you visit GitHub, you'll find posts from people complaining about how Windows Defender (Windows' antivirus tool) flags certain project releases as trojans, even though they're safe."

Windows Security functions as a full first-party security suite that monitors downloads, blocks incoming threats, and quarantines malware that bypasses other defenses. Adequate protection often requires only Windows Security, an ad blocker, and a secure browser such as Brave. Disabling Windows Security may be necessary to install third-party antivirus, niche or less well-known software, or to avoid false positive blocks on legitimate programs and games. Guidance is provided for turning off Windows Security temporarily or permanently on Windows 11 Home and Pro. Creating a System Restore point is recommended to provide a safety net before changing security settings.

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