Windows Defender is Microsoft's antispyware which is already installed on Windows Vista and Windows 7 and acts in the background protecting the computer. Unfortunately, like many other tools integrated in the system, it cannot be uninstalled but, if anything, only deactivated.
It must be said that uninstalling a security program that integrates into Windows and protects the computer is wrong, it is worthwhile to leave it always installed, even if deactivated, and reactivate it in case it is needed.
Deactivating Windows Defender can be done safely if, on your computer, it is already installed or you plan to put another anti-malware program, such as Malwarebytes or Spybot Search & Destroy.
If you prefer to use one of these you can then turn off Windows Defender so as not to waste computer resources (avoiding downloading updates every 2 days)
Another reason why disabling Windows Defender might be recommended is incompatibility with another antivirus.
Turning on some forums I found people complaining about conflicts between their antivirus and Windows Defender.
In general, the program should disable itself (or at least give a warning) when other similar software is detected.
Windows Defender disables itself if you use Microsoft Security Essentials as an antivirus but, in other cases, it remains in the background.
To disable Windows Defender just search for it on the Start menu or in the Control Panel, open the tools interface and access the options.
In the left panel, click Administrator and uncheck the box that says to use this program.
To prevent it from reactivating on its own, you have to go to the list of Windows services and disable it there too.
Then write, from the Start menu -> Run -> services.msc .
In the list, look for Windows Defender, right click on it to open the properties and disable startup.
Finally, it is recommended to check and verify that Windows Defender is not set to launch automatically when the computer starts.
Still from the Start menu -> Run, write this time msconfig to access the Windows configuration panel.
In the Startup tab, check if the Windows Defender entry is present and, if necessary, deselect it.
I repeat again that, if you do not have other antimalware in your computer, you absolutely must not give up this Windows security tool which, however simple, does its dirty but necessary work.
READ ALSO: How to disable or remove Windows Defender Antivirus in Windows 10 and 8
