How to Turn On or Off Dev Drive Protection in Windows 11
This guide will help you easily turn Dev Drive Protection on or off in Windows 11.
Open Windows Security, go to Virus & threat protection, then Manage settings, and toggle Dev Drive protection on or off. You can also use the Registry Editor for advanced control.
What is Dev Drive?
Dev Drive is a special storage space in Windows 11 made to help your computer run faster, particularly for people who develop software.
By default, Dev Drive is set up for best speed and works nicely with Windows security tools like antivirus.
How Does Dev Drive Protection Work?
Dev Drive Protection works by letting your antivirus check files in two different ways: either right away when you open them, or a little later in the background.
| Protection Mode | Scan Type | What Happens | Simple Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Off | Synchronous (Real-time) | Every time you open a file, your antivirus scans it immediately. | Open the file now, scan it now. |
| On | Asynchronous | Files open quickly, and scanning happens in the background after. | Open the file now, scan it later. |
Want to learn more about how this affects your computer’s speed? Check out this official Microsoft page about Dev Drive performance.
How to Turn Dev Drive Protection On or Off Using Windows Security App
You can easily turn Dev Drive Protection on or off using the Windows Security app by opening it, going to Virus & threat protection, and then managing settings.
- Open the Windows Security app: Click the Start menu (Windows icon in the corner) and type Windows Security. Click the app when it shows up.
Search Windows Security app in Start menu - In the Windows Security app, click Virus & threat protection on the left menu.
Windows Security Virus and threat protection - Scroll down and click Manage settings under Virus & threat protection settings.
Windows Security Virus & Threat Protection Manage Settings link. - Find the Dev Drive protection option and toggle it On or Off as you want.
Toggle Dev Drive Protection On or Off - Close the app when you’re done.
Note: If Real-time protection is off, the Dev Drive protection option will be greyed out. You need to have Real-time protection on to control Dev Drive protection.
How to Turn Dev Drive Protection On or Off Using the Registry (Advanced Users)
For advanced users, you can turn Dev Drive Protection on or off by changing a specific setting in the Windows Registry Editor.
- ⚠️ REQUIRES ADMIN PRIVILEGES: Open Registry Editor by pressing
Windows + R, typingregedit, and hitting Enter. - Go to this folder path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Real-Time Protection - If the Real-Time Protection folder is missing, right-click on Windows Defender, select New > Key, and name it Real-Time Protection.
- Inside Real-Time Protection, right-click on the right side and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Name the new value
DisableAsyncScanOnOpen. - Double-click on
DisableAsyncScanOnOpenand set the value:0to turn ON Dev Drive protection1to turn OFF Dev Drive protection
- Click OK and close the Registry Editor.
Summary
You can turn Dev Drive Protection on or off easily through the Windows Security app or use the Registry Editor for more advanced control.
If you want more control or prefer advanced settings, you can use the Registry Editor.
Remember, Dev Drive Protection helps balance speed and security on your Windows 11 PC.
For more details, see the official Microsoft page: Microsoft Defender Endpoint Performance Mode.
What is dev drive protection in 🪟 Windows 11?
And they don't interfere with the often disintensive. Work that goes with software. Development. So if you have Windows 11 you can try out Dev Drive right now to do this you go to the disks.
Should I use Dev Drive?
Um so it'll help you more easily identify um um what applies to you and help you make those changes. So for more information um go to our learn documentation. And check out Dev Home.
How to remove dev drive 🪟 Windows 11?
You can remove or delete a Dev Drive in Windows 11 by going to System Settings, then Storage, and then Disks & volumes.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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