How do I remove Microsoft Defender?

To remove Microsoft Defender, you need to uninstall it, especially if you have another antivirus solution like Webroot installed. However, it's important to note that Microsoft Defender Antivirus is integrated into Windows, and it typically runs in a disabled mode when a non-Microsoft antivirus is present. If you want to ensure that Microsoft Defender is fully disabled, you can do so by uninstalling the non-Microsoft antivirus product or by using PowerShell commands if you're on a Windows Server environment.

If you are using a non-Microsoft antivirus solution, Microsoft Defender should automatically switch to disabled mode. If you want to check the status of Microsoft Defender, you can use the PowerShell cmdlet Get-MpComputerStatus to see if it is running in active or passive mode.

If you are looking for a complete removal, you can use the following PowerShell command as an administrator on Windows Server:

Uninstall-WindowsFeature Windows-Defender

After running this command, restart your server to complete the removal process. On Windows 10 or 11, you typically do not need to uninstall Microsoft Defender, as it will not interfere with your Webroot installation if it is functioning correctly.

Make sure to check that your primary antivirus is functioning properly to maintain your device's security.