No, there is no way to truly disable a defender.
No, there is no way to truly disable a defender.
And extra level of bloat. Fine, I would recommend it for non-technical users, also because they wouldn't really even care if their system is running this slow. But I have seen many nerds, including me, running without an anti-virus just fine. Just look out for the files you download, and maybe the websites you visit (just normal surface web browsing won't have many threats). If you really do care about your data and want to stay from ransomware attacks, use a NAS with all the security. Though, I have never used a NAS so I am not sure about the reliability of this solution. also you can always switch to GNU/Linux and don't worry about anything.
What does this mean in today's context? On a modern platform this doesn't matter much. Seasoned pros aren't engaging in it. Newcomers fixating on the concept of "bloat" and thinking they're more intelligent than Microsoft don't stand out. Poor habits and they're failing to impress anyone.
It varies based on individual requirements and preferences. Not all users rely on contemporary platforms. The idea of "modern" changes depending on the situation. Some prioritize speed, while others focus on security. Personally, I understand the need for strong protection, but there are those who can avoid malware risks. For me, optimizing Windows is essential if I use it; otherwise, basic tasks suffice. My main needs are more memory and quicker storage—no pressure to upgrade unless necessary. Of course, when I start building a PC, I’ll create a solid setup and stop complaining about Windows, only to return when I realize what happens behind the scenes. Disabling certain features can significantly improve performance metrics like DPC latency, context switching, and IRQ handling. It really depends on how much effort you’re willing to invest. I won’t blame anyone for not being tech-savvy. So if you’re content with your setup, why fuss? And if someone wants changes for other reasons—beyond speed—what’s the point? You still have control over your system configuration.
This topic sparks debate. Determining whether a trojan or malware is harmless often changes over time. Once I had similar confidence, relying solely on caution proved insufficient; many years later I still learned from unexpected threats, even as a novice in the late 90s/early 00s. My own infections remind me how easily vigilance can be overlooked against issues like XSS attacks.
Disappointing perspective. Those who think they’re in control are often the ones most vulnerable to self-deception. It’s no surprise Jim Browning fell for scammers managing his YouTube channel, and it’s equally surprising that a tech YouTuber was taken over by crypto fraudsters. Eventually, you start ignoring risks and believe you can spot threats easily. Still, I wouldn’t expect much more from you right now.
Brother, it's not about downloading or those silly errors, it's all about deception and social manipulation. It occurs everywhere, including this forum and Discord, etc. For instance, a Discord group where verification is required—many servers do that, so even you might fall for it because we're used to it. Even some scammers and YouTubers have been caught off guard by scams. Sometimes the added security can protect you from mistakes. Keep this in mind.
This highlights the issue of overconfidence and underestimating potential dangers. People often assume they understand risks and dismiss warnings, thinking their actions are safe. Real protection matters, especially when safety measures aren't followed consistently. It's important to recognize when confidence becomes a barrier to proper precautions.
@Avocado Diaboli OP inquired about disabling defender, and I provided the information. You might be questioning the OP's choices, but your setup reflects your preferences. Performance matters to me, and I don’t possess top-tier hardware. I often tailor my OS for specific needs, which can make me seem odd. Why should I care about others’ devices? As long as I’m using what suits me, that’s enough. If anyone asks for help I don’t agree with, I’ll still assist them while clearly expressing my concerns. I respect my own system and its configuration. Being professional means not pushing others to adopt your views, whether they’re correct or not. The issue here is my passion for technology without a strong machine. Non-experts usually lack quality gear unless it’s expensive, while tech-savvy users prioritize performance. I’ve emphasized this often: I’m still a student with limited resources in my teens, and my parents’ access was minimal. My current setup isn’t impressive, but that’s okay. What should I do? Keep struggling until I have a better machine, or risk frustration? People at my level just use basic Windows 7 laptops, watch simple videos, while wealthier users opt for high-end MacBooks. I won’t engage further on this.
I never claimed concern for how you manage your setup. I reject the idea that experience or expertise makes you safer, especially when it comes to ignoring potential dangers. It’s clearly false. It’s risky to advise someone seeking help without warning them of possible downsides or minimizing those risks. As @tkitch pointed out, if someone needs guidance on disabling security, they likely lack the knowledge to do so safely. That’s why I keep criticizing you for offering what could be harmful advice. Whether you’re a student or a professional, your authority is questionable—your posts show you haven’t earned it.