Windows Defender has been annoying the hell out of me right from the start and one of the first things I do when setting up a new computer with Vista is to disable it. Of course you need some decent spy ware protection, but generally I wouldn’t trust Microsoft with it.

The option to disable Windows Defender is also pretty well hidden:

• Start Windows Defender (from the system tray or “All Programs” and go to Tools -> Options.
• Here you will find a lot of configuration options. Scroll down to the end of the list (many people miss that you can scroll down in this dialog). At the end of the list you will find a section called Administrator options.
• Deselect the Use Windows Defender box and press the Save button.
• If UAC is turned on, you will need to confirm that you want to continue with the change.
• Now you will receive a notification saying that “Windows Defender is turned off”. Click on Close and you are done.

Disable Windows Defender

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