Thursday, April 27, 2023 – Safely shop online by paying with a virtual credit card – Q&A: Is there an easy way to disable Microsoft Defender?

Q&A: Is there an easy way to disable Microsoft Defender?

Question from Marcus:  I just bought a new HP desktop computer with Windows 11 from Best Buy. The salesman recommended that I disable Microsoft Defender and install Webroot instead. He said I’d need to disable Defender to prevent the two antivirus apps from conflicting with one another.

I looked online for instructions for disabling Defender but the only instructions I found were for disabling it involved a Registry edit.

I’m not too keen on editing the Registry because I’ve heard one simple mistake can trash your system.

Do you know of a simple way to disable Microsoft Defender that doesn’t involve a Registry change?

Rick’s answer:  What you heard about the dangers of editing the Windows Registry is correct, Marcus. If you aren’t careful one little mistake really can render your PC either unstable or completely unusable.

There are several ways to greatly reduce that risk, but I have some great news for you…

There’s actually a very simple way to disable Microsoft Defender that doesn’t involve the Registry at all. All you have to do is install Webroot (or any other third-party antivirus app) and Microsoft Defender will automatically disable itself with no further action required on your part.

Yep, it really is that simple. After you install Webroot (or whichever antivirus you end up going with), Microsoft Defender will detect the presence of another antivirus app and immediately disable itself. Problem solved!

And by the way, if you ever decide to uninstall the third-party antivirus app, Microsoft Defender will detect that too and immediately re-enable itself.

The latest from Rick’s Daily Tips Tech Blog…

• Safely shop online by paying with a virtual credit card

This is a great way to virtually eliminate the risks.

• Tips for protecting your personal data from phishing scams

Most online hacks are the result of successful phishing attempts. This post explains how to protect yourself.

• Click here to see today’s ‘Picture of the Day’.

Every morning I post a new photo that I find inspiring, intriguing, or just plain beautiful to look at. Jumpstart your day by checking it out.

Rick’s Daily Pick…

ExpertPower 5KWH 12V Solar Power Kit

Do you have a small cabin, outbuilding or RV that you’d like to equip with off-grid solar power?

Or perhaps your house has a couple of rooms that you’d like to keep powered up during grid power outages?

This kit contains everything you need to install a basic 5KWHR solar power system in the structure of your choice.

Today’s post from ‘My Daily Smile’…

Time-lapse video: The incredible beauty of the American Southwest

Take a video tour of some of the most incredible landscapes on planet Earth.

Tech news that caught my eye…

• Microsoft rolls out tool that connects your iPhone to your PC

• Hackers are breaking into AT&T email accounts to steal cryptocurrency

• Bipartisan Senate bill would require parental consent for teens to use social media

• New SSD claims to be smart enough to thwart ransomware attacks

• This new Edge feature seems to be sending all the URLs you visit to Bing

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Thanks so much, and have an amazing day.

Your tech buddy,

Rick Rouse
https://www.ricksdailytips.com