Disable & Remove Windows Defender Security Center Icon in Taskbar System Tray (Notification Area)
In Windows 10 Creators Update v.1703 (Build 15063) or later, a Windows Defender Security Center icon always appear in the notification area of Taskbar (system tray), even though you are relying on third party antivirus solution to protect against virus and threats, and have not been using Windows Defender. When hovering the mouse over the icon, most of the time the tooltip will pop up stating no actions needed, as your own comprehensive security software takes care of most protection needs.
Windows Defender Security Center is not to be confused with Windows Defender which automatically disabled itself when you install any supported antivirus software. Windows Defender Security Center hopes to make you more informed and easier to view and control the security protections you choose and better understand the security features already protecting you on your Windows 10 device in five pillars, namely virus & threat protection, device performance & health, firewall & network protection, app & browser control and family options.
This tutorial will show you how to disable Windows Defender notification icon so that it doesn’t appear in the Taskbar tray.
Select Windows Defender notification icon and hit the Disable button so that its autostart “Status” is Disabled.
The Windows Defender Security Center icon won’t appear again on next logon.
Note
To make the Windows Defender Security Center icon goes away immediately, go to Processes tab in Task Manager.
Locate the Windows Defender notification icon (MSASCuiL.exe) process, and right click on it and select End task to terminate the process. You still need to perform steps above so that the icon won’t come back on next restart.
LK is a technology writer for Tech Journey with background of system and network administrator. He has be documenting his experiences in digital and technology world for over 15 years.Connect with LK through Tech Journey on Facebook, Twitter or Google+.
