How to quickly enable/disable windows 10 (defender) antivirus?

Question

I would like to be able to quickly enable/disable windows defender antivirus.
If you type 'Defender' in the search box (aka Cortana) you will see see a 'Windows Defender settings' item. How can I get a desktop shortcut to that program?

Answer 1

Follow these steps:

1. Create a shortcut on the desktop.

2. Open the shortcut properties and assign these values:

   • Target:

     "%WinDir%\Explorer.exe" "%LocalAppData%\Packages\windows.immersivecontrolpanel_cw5n1h2txyewy\LocalState\Indexed\Settings\en-US\AAA_SettingsPageWindowsDefender.settingcontent-ms"
     

     (Ensure to change "en-US" to your locale region code)

   • Working directory:

     %WinDir%
     

3. Have fun!.

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Here is a demo I made in my locale settings:

Note: Tested on Windows 10 build 10240 and 10565.

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Alternatively, I am also interested in the WinAPI command or the registry they that will enable/disable Defender.

Theorically the WDEnable Win32 function could toggle the state of Windows Defender:

• WDEnable function - MSDN

However, seems complicated because security reasons as pointed out in this question:

• How to enable Windows Defender in C# - StackOverflow

Answer 2

Open control panel, Right click on Windows Defender, select create shortcut.
It will pop a message saying it can not be created here would you like it on the desktop, select Yes.