Microsoft has today released a statement announcing that it is deprecating a legacy registry calledDisableAntiSpyware. This is being done to further support tamper protection for Microsoft Defender Antivirus.

"Microsoft Defender Antivirustamper protectionis turned on by default for all consumerWindows 10devices," the Windows maker said. "This feature protects devices from cyber attacks thattry to disable built-security solutions, such as antivirus protection, in an attempt to gain access to your data, to install malware, or to otherwise exploit your data, identity, and devices."

Microsoft Defender antivirus has to automatically turn itself off when it detects another antivirus program. Microsoft said that the DisableAntiSpyware is "intended to be used by OEMs and IT admins to disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus for the purpose of deploying another antivirus product during deployment." However, it is "not applicable toconsumer devices and will be removed beginningwith Microsoft Defender Antimalware platform versions 4.18.2007.8 and higher."

This update removing the legacy registry setting will also be rolled out to devices running Windows Enterprise E3 and E5 at a future date.

Tamper Protection is supported on Windows 10 versions1709,1803,1809, or later together withMicrosoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection E5. It doesn't stop third-party programs from registering with the Windows Security application, but it does help in stoppingattacks thattry to disable security solutions.

Microsoft has a detailed guideup explaining tamper protection, FAQs, and setup.

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