If you use a Windows 10 computer, then you know that it comes with a built-in antivirus. This antivirus sends samples of any suspicious files from your personal computers to Microsoft. Even though it is supposed to help boost system security, not everyone likes their data being sent over the internet. If you are someone who wishes to deactivate this feature, then you are at the right place. I am going to show you how to turn this option off.
Why Microsoft Needs The Submission And Why You Should Turn It Off?
Windows Security or Windows Defender is the built-in antivirus that comes with Windows 10. Any suspicious information is sent to Microsoft, and the company uses this information to learn more about the latest viruses and threats. These samples then help the company to equip its security system with new virus definitions.
If there is any file containing any personal data about you, Windows will ask you before sending Microsoft. However, even if the company tries to ensure that our privacy isn’t breached, it is always better to be careful.
How to Stop Windows 10 Antivirus Data Submission
Step-1: Go to the Start Menu and type Windows Security in the search bar. Click Open.
Step-2: When the Windows Security settings open, click on Virus & Threat Protection.
Step-3: There are two scenarios in this step.
a) There is a possibility that you are using some other Antivirus (in my case Avast), and you haven’t turned your Windows Security on. In this case, when you click on Virus & Threat Protection, this is what you will see:
When you scroll down a little more, you will see these options:
This means that your Windows Defender is not On, and you are only using your own installed antivirus. Since Windows Defender isn’t on, you don’t have to worry about any data sent to Microsoft.
b) But if you want extra security, you can always activate Windows Defender. Right below your current antivirus options, Click on the Microsoft Defender Antivirus options.
When you click on this, an On/Off toggle switch will appear. Turn it On.
Once you do, you will get a prompt, Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device, click Yes. Microsoft Defender has now been activated successfully.
If you followed Step-3(b) or if you already had Windows Defender activated, you will see that the options are slightly different than before. You will see the following settings now:
Click on Manage Settings under Virus & threat protection settings.
Step-4: Once the settings screen opens, scroll down a little, and you will see the toggle switch for Automatic sample submission. Turn this Off.
Once you do, you will again receive a prompt asking you, Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device. Click Yes.
Once the automatic sample submission is off, your device will no longer send samples to Microsoft.
