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12 changes: 11 additions & 1 deletion DisableAntimalwareExecutable.reg
Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
Expand Up @@ -3,9 +3,19 @@ Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
; Disable Windows Defender Antimalware Service Executable
; WARNING: This disables real-time malware protection
; Ensure you have alternative antivirus software installed and active
;
; IMPORTANT: Before using this file, you MUST replace [YOUR_VERSION] below
; with your actual Windows Defender version folder name.
;
; To find your version:
; 1. Open File Explorer
; 2. Navigate to: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Platform\
; 3. Find your version folder (e.g., 4.18.24090.1-0)
; 4. Replace [YOUR_VERSION] below with that folder name
; 5. Save this file before double-clicking to apply

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\WinDefend]
"Start"=dword:00000003

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\WinDefend]
"ImagePath"="C:\\ProgramData\\Microsoft\\Windows Defender\\Platform\\disabled\\mpextms.exe"
"ImagePath"="C:\\ProgramData\\Microsoft\\Windows Defender\\Platform\\[YOUR_VERSION]\\mpextms.exe"
28 changes: 28 additions & 0 deletions README.md
Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
Expand Up @@ -18,6 +18,8 @@ This guide provides step-by-step instructions for disabling the Antimalware Serv
- Press `Windows + R`, type `rstrui.exe`, and press Enter
- Click "Create a restore point"
- Name it "Before disabling Windows Defender" and create it

![Create System Restore Point](pictures/Picture1.png)

2. **Install Alternative Security Software:**
- Ensure you have a reputable third-party antivirus installed and active
Expand All @@ -43,12 +45,30 @@ This guide provides step-by-step instructions for disabling the Antimalware Serv

2. **Download the registry file:**
- [DisableAntimalwareExecutable.reg](./DisableAntimalwareExecutable.reg)

⚠️ **IMPORTANT**: Before using the registry file, you MUST update the Windows Defender version path:
- Open File Explorer and navigate to: `C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Platform\`
- Find your Windows Defender version folder (e.g., `4.18.24090.1-0`)
- Open `DisableAntimalwareExecutable.reg` with a text editor (Notepad)
- Replace `[YOUR_VERSION]` in the ImagePath line with your actual version folder name
- Save the file

Example: If your version folder is `4.18.24090.1-0`, change:
```
"ImagePath"="C:\\ProgramData\\Microsoft\\Windows Defender\\Platform\\[YOUR_VERSION]\\mpextms.exe"
```
to:
```
"ImagePath"="C:\\ProgramData\\Microsoft\\Windows Defender\\Platform\\4.18.24090.1-0\\mpextms.exe"
```

3. **Enable Safe Mode:**
- Press `Windows + R`, type `msconfig`, and press Enter
- Navigate to the **Boot** tab
- Check **Safe boot** and select **Minimal**
- Click **OK** and restart your computer

![Enable Safe Mode in System Configuration](pictures/Picture2.png)

4. **Apply Registry Changes:**
- Once in Safe Mode, double-click the downloaded `.reg` file
Expand Down Expand Up @@ -80,12 +100,16 @@ This guide provides step-by-step instructions for disabling the Antimalware Serv
- Navigate to the **Boot** tab
- Check the box for **Safe boot** and select **Minimal**
- Click **OK** and restart your computer

![Enable Safe Mode in System Configuration](pictures/Picture2.png)

### Step 2: Access Registry Editor in Safe Mode
1. **Open Registry Editor:**
- Once in Windows Safe Mode, press `Windows + R`
- Type `regedit` and press Enter to open **Registry Editor**
- Click **Yes** if prompted by User Account Control

![Open Registry Editor](pictures/Picture3.png)

### Step 3: Navigate to Windows Defender Service
1. **Find the Service Key:**
Expand All @@ -101,6 +125,8 @@ This guide provides step-by-step instructions for disabling the Antimalware Serv
- Note the current value (typically `2` for Automatic)
- Double-click and change to `3` (Manual) or `4` (Disabled)
- **Recommended**: Use `3` (Manual) instead of `4` (Disabled) for easier recovery

![Modify Start Value to 4](pictures/Picture4.png)

2. **Modify ImagePath (Optional but Recommended):**
- Locate the `ImagePath` key (String value)
Expand All @@ -110,6 +136,8 @@ This guide provides step-by-step instructions for disabling the Antimalware Serv
C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Platform\[version]\mpextms.exe
```
- This prevents the service from starting even if re-enabled

![Modify ImagePath Value](pictures/Picture5.png)

### Step 5: Exit Safe Mode
1. **Disable Safe Mode:**
Expand Down
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