How to disable and re-enable Windows Defender on Windows 10 using Windows Security However, there are some edge cases where you may need to disable Defender to accomplish some task or the other that your PC isn’t letting you do. It is the best and most easily recommended anti-virus available - that is t say - if you don’t use Windows, you don’t need another. Microsoft’s Windows 10 Defender offers real-time virus and malware protection to keep your PC safe.