[Maximum]

1. Open Command Prompt (as admin) and type: gpedit.msc
2. Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Defender
3. Double click on "Turn Off Windows Defender" and select "Enabled" then click "Apply"

Note: You may not be able to enable it afterwards.

[mothered]

It's best to mention that the Group Policy Editor Is not available In the "Home" edition of Windows 10. Those who are running Windows 10 Home, you can simply disable Windows Defender by stopping the "Windows Defender service".

Anyway, thanks for this.

[snowbird]

There is a tool that makes things easily
http://dws.wzor.net/

[mothered]

There is a tool that makes things easily
http://dws.wzor.net/

It's Interesting to see exactly what changes are made to disable a given feature, In this case, particularly Windows Defender.

Time permitted, I fully test It on my VM.

[CPU]

The Group Policy Editor is not available in Windows 10 Home Edition, so an alternative way for Windows 10 Home would be appreciated.

[mothered]

The Group Policy Editor is not available in Windows 10 Home Edition, so an alternative way for Windows 10 Home would be appreciated.

Exactly what I posted In my first reply above.

Have a read and you'll find that you can disable the Windows Defender service, hence Windows Defender Itself will not run.