Dismiss Microsoft Defender Review Files Notification Permanently

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Are you constantly bugged by the “Review files that Microsoft Defender will send to Microsoft” notification in Windows 11? Guys, it can get pretty annoying, especially when it pops up repeatedly. This article dives deep into why this notification appears and, more importantly, how you can permanently dismiss it. We'll explore several methods, from tweaking your Microsoft Defender settings to diving into the registry editor. So, let's get started and silence those pesky notifications for good!

Understanding the “Review Files” Notification

Before we jump into solutions, let's understand why you're seeing this notification in the first place. Microsoft Defender, your built-in antivirus, has a feature where it can send suspicious files to Microsoft for further analysis. This helps Microsoft improve its malware detection capabilities and keep everyone safer in the long run. The “Review files” notification is a prompt asking you to okay the submission of these files. Think of it as a safety net – but one that can sometimes feel a little too eager to get your attention.

This notification usually appears when Defender detects something it considers potentially harmful, but isn't entirely sure about. It wants to send the file to Microsoft's experts for a second opinion. While this is a good thing in theory, the constant notifications can be disruptive, especially if you're confident in your own file handling and security practices. That’s why you might want to disable these notifications, which we’ll cover in detail. Keep in mind that doing so means you're opting out of this extra layer of scrutiny for potentially suspicious files.

Ultimately, deciding whether to disable these notifications is about finding the right balance between convenience and security. If you're someone who frequently downloads files from various sources, or you simply prefer erring on the side of caution, you might want to keep the notifications enabled. On the other hand, if you're a more experienced user with robust security habits and a good understanding of file safety, disabling the notifications might be a reasonable choice to streamline your workflow and reduce interruptions. Remember, you can always re-enable them later if you change your mind.

Method 1: Adjusting Microsoft Defender Settings

The easiest way to get rid of this notification is by tweaking Microsoft Defender settings directly. This method is user-friendly and doesn't involve any complex steps. Let's walk through it:

  1. Open Windows Security: You can find it by searching in the Start Menu or clicking the shield icon in your system tray.
  2. Navigate to Virus & Threat Protection: In the Windows Security window, click on “Virus & threat protection”.
  3. Manage Protection Settings: Under “Virus & threat protection settings”, click on “Manage settings”.
  4. Disable Automatic Sample Submission: Look for the “Automatic sample submission” option. This is the key! Toggle this switch to the “Off” position. By disabling this, you're telling Defender not to automatically send files to Microsoft for analysis.
  5. Turn Off Cloud-Delivered Protection (Optional): While you're here, you might also want to consider turning off “Cloud-delivered protection”. This setting allows Defender to use Microsoft's cloud services for faster and more effective protection. However, it also contributes to the need to send files for analysis. If you disable it, Defender will rely more on its local definitions, which might slightly reduce its effectiveness against the very latest threats, but it will also significantly reduce the number of notifications you receive. Weigh the pros and cons carefully!

By turning off these settings, you're essentially telling Defender to rely more on its local analysis and less on sending files to Microsoft's cloud. This should significantly reduce, if not eliminate, the “Review files” notifications. However, remember that you're also reducing the level of scrutiny applied to potentially suspicious files. It's a trade-off between convenience and an extra layer of security. Always ensure you practice safe browsing habits and keep your system updated to maintain a strong security posture.

Method 2: Using the Registry Editor (Advanced)

For those who are comfortable with a more hands-on approach, the Registry Editor offers a way to permanently disable these notifications. But heads up, guys – this method requires extra caution, as incorrect modifications to the registry can cause system instability. So, proceed with care and follow the instructions precisely.

  1. Open Registry Editor: Press the Windows key, type “regedit”, and press Enter. You’ll likely be prompted by User Account Control; click “Yes”.
  2. Navigate to the Defender Key: In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender You can paste this path into the address bar at the top of the Registry Editor window for easy navigation.
  3. Create a Key (If Necessary): If you don't see a key named “SpyNet” under “Windows Defender”, you’ll need to create one. Right-click on “Windows Defender”, select “New”, and then click “Key”. Name the new key “SpyNet”.
  4. Create a Dword Value: Now, right-click in the right-hand pane of the “SpyNet” key, select “New”, and then click “DWORD (32-bit) Value”.
  5. Name the Value: Name the new DWORD value “SubmitSamplesConsent”.
  6. Modify the Value: Double-click on “SubmitSamplesConsent” to open its properties. In the “Value data” field, enter “3” (without the quotes) and click “OK”. This value tells Defender to never send samples.
  7. Create Another Dword Value (Optional): For additional control, you can create another DWORD value. Repeat steps 4 and 5, but this time name the value “SpynetReporting”.
  8. Modify the Value (Optional): Double-click on “SpynetReporting”. In the “Value data” field, enter “0” (without the quotes) and click “OK”. This disables reporting to Microsoft.
  9. Restart Your Computer: To ensure the changes take effect, restart your computer.

By modifying the registry, you're making a system-level change that directly affects how Microsoft Defender handles sample submissions. Setting “SubmitSamplesConsent” to “3” explicitly tells Defender that you never want to submit samples. Remember, backing up your registry before making changes is always a good idea. If anything goes wrong, you can restore the registry to its previous state. This method is more permanent than simply changing settings in the Windows Security interface, but it also carries a higher risk if not done correctly. So, tread carefully, guys!

Method 3: Using Group Policy Editor (For Windows Pro Users)

If you're running Windows 11 Pro, you have access to the Group Policy Editor, a powerful tool that allows you to configure various system settings, including those related to Microsoft Defender. This method offers a more centralized way to manage settings, especially if you're administering multiple computers. Let's see how to use it to dismiss the “Review files” notification.

  1. Open Group Policy Editor: Press the Windows key, type “gpedit.msc”, and press Enter. This will open the Local Group Policy Editor.
  2. Navigate to Microsoft Defender Antivirus Settings: In the left-hand pane, navigate to the following path: Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Microsoft Defender Antivirus\MAPS
  3. Configure Sample Submission: In the right-hand pane, find the setting named “Send file samples when further analysis is required” and double-click on it.
  4. Disable Sample Submission: In the settings window, select the “Disabled” option. This will prevent Defender from sending files for analysis.
  5. Apply the Changes: Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
  6. Configure Spynet Reporting (Optional): You can also disable Spynet reporting for extra measure. In the same MAPS folder, find the setting named “Join Microsoft MAPS” and double-click on it.
  7. Disable Spynet Reporting (Optional): Select the “Disabled” option and click “Apply” and “OK”.
  8. Update Group Policy (Optional): To ensure the changes are applied immediately, you can run the following command in Command Prompt (as administrator): gpupdate /force. This forces a refresh of the group policy settings.

The Group Policy Editor provides a more structured way to manage Defender's sample submission settings. By disabling the “Send file samples” policy, you’re effectively telling Defender to never send files for analysis. The optional step of disabling “Join Microsoft MAPS” further reduces the likelihood of notifications related to sample submission. Remember that Group Policy settings override local settings, so this method provides a more consistent and centrally managed configuration. This is particularly useful in environments where you need to manage security settings across multiple machines.

Method 4: Disable Notifications from Windows Security

If you're primarily bothered by the notification itself rather than the sample submission process, you can selectively disable notifications from Windows Security. This allows Defender to continue functioning in the background without constantly prompting you. Here's how you can do it:

  1. Open Settings: Press the Windows key, type “Settings”, and press Enter. This will open the Windows Settings app.
  2. Navigate to Notifications: Click on “System” and then click on “Notifications”.
  3. Find Windows Security: Scroll down to the “Notifications from apps and other senders” section and find “Windows Security”.
  4. Disable Notifications: Toggle the switch next to “Windows Security” to the “Off” position. This will disable all notifications from Windows Security. However, this might be too drastic, as you'll miss other important security alerts.
  5. Selective Notifications (Recommended): For a more selective approach, click on “Windows Security” itself. This will open a page with more granular notification settings. You can then disable specific types of notifications while keeping others enabled. For example, you can disable notifications related to file submissions while keeping notifications for critical threats enabled. This gives you more control over what you see and what you don't.

Disabling notifications from Windows Security is a simple way to reduce the noise and avoid the constant prompts. However, it's important to be mindful of what you're disabling. Turning off all notifications might mean missing important security alerts. Using the granular notification settings allows you to customize your experience and strike a balance between staying informed and avoiding unnecessary interruptions. Consider carefully which notifications are most important to you and disable only the ones that are truly disruptive.

Re-enabling Notifications and Sample Submission

If you ever decide that you want to re-enable the “Review files” notifications or automatic sample submission, it's easy to revert the changes you've made. The process depends on which method you used to disable them in the first place.

  • For Method 1 (Microsoft Defender Settings): Simply go back to the Virus & Threat Protection settings in Windows Security and toggle the “Automatic sample submission” and “Cloud-delivered protection” switches back to the “On” position.
  • For Method 2 (Registry Editor): Open Registry Editor, navigate to the “SpyNet” key under “Windows Defender”, and change the “SubmitSamplesConsent” value back to “2” (Send safe samples automatically) or remove the value altogether. If you created the “SpynetReporting” value, you can change it back to “1” or remove it as well. Remember to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
  • For Method 3 (Group Policy Editor): Open Group Policy Editor, navigate to the MAPS settings under Microsoft Defender Antivirus, and change the “Send file samples” and “Join Microsoft MAPS” policies back to “Not Configured” or “Enabled”. You can also run gpupdate /force in Command Prompt to apply the changes immediately.
  • For Method 4 (Disable Notifications): Go to the Notifications settings in Windows Settings and toggle the switch for “Windows Security” back to the “On” position. If you disabled specific notifications, you can re-enable them on the Windows Security notification settings page.

Re-enabling these settings is as simple as reversing the steps you took to disable them. This flexibility allows you to adjust your security posture as your needs and preferences change. If you find that you're missing important security alerts or you want the added assurance of automatic sample submission, you can easily restore the default settings. Always be mindful of your security needs and adjust your settings accordingly.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, guys! Several ways to permanently dismiss the “Review files that Microsoft Defender will send to Microsoft” notification in Windows 11. Whether you prefer the simplicity of adjusting Defender settings, the control of the Registry Editor, the power of Group Policy, or simply silencing the notifications, you now have the knowledge to take control of your system. Remember to weigh the pros and cons of each method and choose the one that best suits your needs and comfort level. And always prioritize your security by practicing safe browsing habits and keeping your system up to date.

By understanding why these notifications appear and how to manage them, you can create a more streamlined and less intrusive computing experience. You're no longer at the mercy of constant prompts; you're in charge of your security notifications. So go ahead, silence those pesky messages, and enjoy a more peaceful and productive Windows 11 experience!