How to Stop Windows 10’s Antivirus from Sending Files to Microsoft


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By default, Windows 10’s built-in antivirus instantly sends samples of suspicious documents from your personal computer to Microsoft. Even though this helps increase safety, you can choose to disable this possibility, if you like. In this article, we’ll demonstrate you how to switch this possibility off on your Pc.

Why Windows 10’s Antivirus Sends Information to Microsoft

Windows 10’s crafted-in antivirus plan, acknowledged as Home windows Stability or Home windows Defender, sends suspicious information to Microsoft so that the business can learn about new viruses and other threats.

These sample data files submitted from your computer assist Microsoft equip its antivirus with new virus definitions. That way, the next time this virus or malware is located on someone’s Personal computer, the created-in Home windows 10 antivirus can block that file straightaway.

Microsoft tries not to incorporate any particular information and facts in these submitted documents. If there is a file that probably has any knowledge about you—for example, a Microsoft Word doc with a suspicious-seeking macro—Windows will ask you for permission in advance of sending the file.

Similar: How Do Windows Defender’s “Automatic Sample Submission” and “Cloud-Dependent Protection” Perform?

How to Stop Automated Sample Submission

You can quit Home windows 10’s antivirus from sending documents to Microsoft if you really don’t feel snug with this feature. The decision is yours.

To disable the option, open up the “Start” menu, research for “Windows Security,” and simply click the app in the outcomes.

When the Home windows Protection window opens, click on “Virus & risk security.”

Scroll down and glimpse for the “Virus & menace safety settings” portion. Click the “Manage settings” connection.

Right here, uncover the “Automatic sample submission” possibility and switch it off.

You are all established.

Although computerized file submission is now disabled, you can nevertheless manually post samples of probable threats to Microsoft. Simply click the “Submit a sample manually” solution on the monitor previously mentioned to go to the web-site where by you can add your suspicious files.


If you’ve mounted an antivirus that isn’t Windows Stability, it may perhaps routinely be uploading precise files to that other antivirus’ servers as well. The selection in Home windows Protection only controls Windows 10’s created-in antivirus, not any third-bash antivirus plans you’ve mounted. Look at your antivirus program’s options for more data.

Similar: Comprehension Home windows 10’s Privateness Options

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