Turn Off Windows Security Notifications on Windows 11: Easy Steps

Windows Security notifications are generally important. However, if they are bothering you too much, you can turn off Windows Security notifications on Windows 11.

In general, Windows Security notifications can range from pop-up messages informing users of new updates, to warnings about potentially harmful downloads or suspicious activity on the system to notifications about protection lapses, like when the virus protection is turned off.

Though the notifications are useful, you can turn them off when needed. For example, if you are actively managing Windows Security or using third-party antivirus software, Windows Security notifications are redundant and often distracting. In those cases, it is better to disable or turn off Windows Security notifications on Windows 11.

In this quick and easy guide, let me show you how to turn off Windows Security notifications on Windows 11 operating system.

Table of contents:

1. Turn off Windows Security notifications
2. Turn on Windows Security notifications
3. Conclusion

Turn off Windows Security Notifications

To disable Windows Security notifications on Windows 11, you have to modify the Windows Registry or Group Policy. This is because, the Windows Security app does not have an option for the job.

One thing to remember is that the below process will turn off all notifications from the Windows Security app; this includes notifications for any virus or threat found on your computer, update notifications, scan notifications, etc. Though the notifications are disabled, Windows Security will follow its default behavior. i.e., remove or quarantine the threat.

Follow the below steps to turn off notifications from Windows Security.

Using Group Policy Editor

Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise users follow the below steps (find Windows 11 edition):

1. Use the Windows key + R to open the Run window.
2. Type gpedit.msc in the blank field.
3. Press the Ok button in the run window.
4. Go to the ‘Computer Configuration/Administrative Templates/Windows Components/Windows Security/Notifications‘ folder.
5. Open the Hide all notifications policy.
6. Select the Enabled radio option.
7. Press the Ok button to save changes.
8. Close the Group Policy Editor.
9. Reboot your computer.
10. Windows Security notifications are disabled completely.

Using Registry Editor

If you are using Windows 11 Home edition or simply wish to use Windows Registry Editor, follow the below steps.

First of all, open the Registry Editor. You can search for it in the Start menu or use the ‘regedit’ run command after pressing the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut.

After opening the Registry Editor, go to the below folder. Either navigate to it manually or paste the path in the address bar and press Enter on your keyboard.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Defender Security Center\Notifications

Once you are here, right-click on the Notifications folder and select the ‘New -> DWORD (32-bit) Value‘ option. Set the value name as ‘DisableNotifications.’

Next, double-click on the value, change the value data from ‘0‘ to ‘1‘, and click the ‘Ok‘ button.

After that, go to the below folder in the registry editor.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender Security Center\Notifications

Note: If you cannot find the Windows Defender Security Center -> Notifications folder, create them by right-clicking and selecting the ‘New -> Key’ option.

Here, right-click on the Notifications folder and select the ‘New -> DWORD (32-bit) Value‘ option. Set the value name as ‘DisableNotifications.’

Next, double-click on the value, change the value data from ‘0‘ to ‘1‘, and click the ‘Ok’ button.

After that, create a new value by right-clicking on the Notifications folder and selecting ‘New -> DWORD (32-bit) Value.’ Name value as ‘DisableEnhancedNotifications.’ Next, double-click on the value, change the value data from 0 to 1, and click the Ok button to save changes.

Finally, close the registry editor and reboot your computer.

With that, you’ve disabled all Windows Security notifications on Windows 11.

Turn on Windows Security Notifications

If you want to revert the changes or if Windows Security is your main antivirus software, then it is essential that you turn on Windows Security notification so that you are notified of any critical activities on your computer, like scan, threat, and update notifications.

Using Group Policy Editor:

1. Open the Group Policy Editor.
2. Go to the ‘Computer Configuration/Administrative Templates/Windows Components/Windows Security/Notifications‘ folder.
3. Double-click on the ‘Hide all notifications‘ policy.
4. Select the ‘Not configured‘ option.
5. Click the ‘Ok‘ button.
6. Close the Group Policy Editor.
7. Reboot your computer.
8. With that, you’ve enabled Windows Security notifications.

Using Registry Editor:

1. Open the Registry Editor.
2. Go to the ‘HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Defender Security Center\Notifications’ folder.
3. Select and delete the ‘DisableNotifications‘ value.
4. Go to the ‘HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender Security Center\Notifications’ folder.
5. Select and delete the ‘DisableNotifications‘ value.
6. Select and delete the ‘DisableEnhancedNotifications‘ value.
7. Close the Registry Editor.
8. Reboot your computer, and Windows Security notifications are enabled.

Disabling Windows Security Notifications — Conclusion

In conclusion, you have two ways to disable Windows Security notifications on Windows 11. If you are using Windows 11 pro or enterprise edition, follow the Group Policy method. On the other hand, Windows 11 home edition users can follow the Registry method. While following the registry method, don’t forget to create a backup so that it helps you reverse the changes if something goes wrong.

Also, remember that the methods shown above turn off all Windows Security notifications. If Microsoft Defender is your primary antivirus software, I recommend you don’t disable notifications from the Windows Security app unless you are sure and know what you are doing.

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I hope this simple and easy Windows how-to guide helped you.

If you are stuck or need help, email me, and I will try to help as much as possible.

If notifications are a problem for you, consider disabling all notifications on Windows 11.