How to Enable or Disable Virus & Threat Protection in Windows 11 Security app

This guide explains how to hide or show the Windows Security app Virus & Threat Protection section in Windows 11.

The Windows Security app is built into Windows 11. It shows you the security status of your computer. Sometimes, you may want to hide this section to stop other people from changing your security settings. Other times, you may need to show it again if it has disappeared.

Why hide or show this section?

Hiding this section helps prevent unauthorized users from messing with your antivirus settings. Showing it ensures you can easily check your security status when needed.

What happens when done?

Once you finish these steps, the Virus & Threat Protection icon will either appear or disappear from your Windows Security dashboard.

Method 1: Using Local Group Policy Editor

Note: This method requires admin privileges.

First, open Local Group Policy Editor by clicking the Start Menu and searching for “Edit group policy.” Select it to open the tool.

In the left window, go to this path:

Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Security > Virus and threat protection

On the right side, double-click the setting that says “Hide the Virus and threat protection area.”

A window will pop up with these options:

• Not Configured: This is the default setting.
• Enabled: This hides the Virus and threat protection area.
• Disabled: This shows the Virus and threat protection area.

Method 2: Using the Windows Registry

Note: This method requires admin privileges.

If you cannot use the Group Policy Editor, you can use the Windows Registry. Open the Windows Registry and go to this path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender Security Center\Virus and threat protection

If you do not see the “Virus and threat protection” folder, right-click the “Windows Defender Security Center” folder to create the missing keys.

Right-click in the empty space on the right, select New, then DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name it UILockdown.

Double-click UILockdown and change the Value data:

• Enter 0 to show the section.
• Enter 1 to hide the section.

Restart your computer to see the changes.

Summary

You can manage the visibility of the Virus & Threat Protection area using the Local Group Policy Editor or the Windows Registry. Both methods allow you to lock or unlock these settings to keep your computer secure. Always restart your PC after making changes in the Registry.

Reference: Microsoft.com