Policy
Allow antimalware service to remain running always
Windows 11 25H2
Policy overview
Key metadata and intent for this policy.
Supported OS tags: Windows10, Windows10RT, Windows11, Windows8, Windows81, WindowsRT, WindowsRT81, WindowsServer2012, WindowsServer2012R2, WindowsServer2016
This policy setting allows you to configure whether or not the antimalware service remains running when antivirus and antispyware security intelligence is disabled. It is recommended that this setting remain disabled. If you enable this setting, the antimalware service will always remain running even if both antivirus and antispyware security intelligence is disabled. If you disable or do not configure this setting, the antimalware service will be stopped when both antivirus and antispyware security intelligence is disabled. If the computer is restarted, the service will be started if it is set to Automatic startup. After the service has started, there will be a check to see if antivirus and antispyware security intelligence is enabled. If at least one is enabled, the service will remain running. If both are disabled, the service will be stopped.
Registry values
How enabled and disabled states update the registry.
| Registry location | Type | Enabled value | Disabled value |
|---|---|---|---|
| HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\ServiceKeepAlive | REG_DWORD | 1 | 0 |
Policy elements
Inputs and configuration options exposed by this policy.
This policy has no additional user input fields.
Other policies in this category
Explore related policies at the same level.
- ComputerAllow antimalware service to startup with normal priorityAt least Windows Server 2012, Windows 8 or Windows RT
- ComputerConfigure detection for potentially unwanted applicationsAt least Windows Server 2016, Windows 10 Version 1607
- ComputerConfigure local administrator merge behavior for listsAt least Windows Server 2012, Windows 8 or Windows RT
- ComputerConfigure scheduled task times randomization windowAt least Windows Server 2012, Windows 8 or Windows RT
- ComputerControl whether exclusions are visible to local usersAt least Windows Server 2016, Windows 10 Version 1607
- ComputerControl whether or not exclusions are visible to Local AdminsAt least Windows Server 2016, Windows 10 Version 1607
- ComputerDefine addresses to bypass proxy serverAt least Windows Server 2012, Windows 8 or Windows RT
- ComputerDefine proxy auto-config (.pac) for connecting to the networkAt least Windows Server 2016, Windows 10
- ComputerDefine proxy server for connecting to the networkAt least Windows Server 2012, Windows 8 or Windows RT
- ComputerDefine the directory path to copy support log filesAt least Windows Server 2016, Windows 10 Version 1607
- ComputerRandomize scheduled task timesAt least Windows Server 2012, Windows 8 or Windows RT
- ComputerSelect the channel for Microsoft Defender daily security intelligence updatesAt least Windows Server 2016, Windows 10 Version 1607