Why does Microsoft Defender block your third-party antivirus software?

You may suspect that this is a desperate move by Microsoft to make users use its own antivirus service.

Actually, its not.

toggle on the button of Tamper Protection

This scenario pops up if two different security tools attempt to do your system similar antivirus services.

It can jeopardize the overall protection of your Windows system.

Fix 1.

choose Folder from the list

Therefore,disabling Tamper Protectionis an available way to stop the blocking thing.

Heres how to do it.

InWindows search, typesecurityand opt for best match.

Fix Windows Defender Exclusions Not Working Windows 11/10

Then scroll down to findTamper Protectionand toggle it off.

When receiving a confirmation window, click onYesto confirm.

Disable Microsoft Defender

How to disable Windows Defender if theres another anti-virus?

you might turn off Microsoft Defender temporarily while using the third-party antivirus software on your machine.

Here we will show you how todisable Microsoft Defenderusing the Command Prompt app.

PressWin + Rto open theRundialog box.

Typecmdinto the text input bar and then pressCtrl + Shift + Entersimultaneously to launchCommand Promptwith admin privileges.

In theCommand Promptwindow, copy and paste the following command and hitEnterto execute it.

Then exit the window and reboot your PC to verify if the issue has been worked out.

Fix 3.

Windows 11 and 10 share the same steps.

Here we take Windows 10 as an example.

Go toSettings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.

UnderVirus & threat protection prefs, click onManage prefs.

Slide down to the end and youll see theExclusionssection.

Click onAdd or remove exclusionsandYeswhen theUACwindow pops up.

Step 4. tap on theAdd an exclusionbutton and chooseFolderfrom the drop-down list.

This will open a window for you to pick the folder that contains your third-party antivirus software.

Then clickSelect Folderto add.

After adding, exit all the windows and kickstart your gear to see if the third-party anti-virus works.

Are Windows Defender exclusions not working?

This article offers you several useful tips to help you fix it.

Fix 5.

If none of the methods above works, the last resort is to reinstall your third-party antivirus program.

This can clear up any files or tweaks that could potentially conflict with Windows Defender.

Also see:Is Windows Defender Enough?

How to Enhance the PC Security?

This post lists five methods to help you stop Microsoft Defender blocking third-party alternative.