Windows Server 2016 Disable Antivirus

On the details pane of windows defender antivirus node locate and double click turn off windows defender antivirus policy.

Windows server 2016 disable antivirus.

Due to changes from microsoft in the server 2016 architecture windows defender antivirus will not disable itself when other antivirus products are detected. Enable the user interface on windows server 2016 or 2019. This was a design choice by microsoft to maximize protection in server 2016. Whether you have security software or antivirus running you still need a strong yet suitable business or enterprise antivirus for windows server.

In windows 10 windows defender has an api that allows other antivirus programs to disable it to prevent issues. When remove features page opens. When the policy opens for editing click enabled. The user interface gui is installed by default on some skus but is not required because you can use powershell or other methods to manage microsoft defender antivirus.

The need for high level security is one of the priority concerns for it experts and professionals today as emerging new threats coupled with successful and high profile security breaches continue to hit the headlines. Microsoft has also removed api s for other antivirus software to cleanly stop and disable windows defender av. Unfortunately microsoft decided to remove that api option in windows server 2016 so even if you install another antivirus product windows defender will still be enabled.