Disabling Microsoft Antimalware service

I can't disable the Microsoft Antimalware service (MsMpSvc/MsMpEng.exe). I tried using services.msc, but the Startup Type drop-down is grayed out and I can't change it to Disabled nor stop the service. I also tried msconfig, but when I click Apply, the service gets enabled again. I even tried net stop msmpsvc and got system error 5 (access denied).

Any suggestions?

Solution 1:

Just in case someone will face the same questions on Windows 8/8.1 - there is now build-in option to stop both Windows Defender-related services:

• Windows Defender Network Inspection Service and
• Windows Defender Service:

Solution 2:

Another way to get around the protection:

1. Go to options and
2. Find where it says "Exclude files and folders"
3. Then just add the "C:\" drive.

This way even if you can't disable it outright, it can't scan your computer at all.

Also do this for both Windows Defender and Microsoft Essentials.