Disabling Windows Defender avoids some I/O operations to the file system and can reduce the growth of an instant clone's or a linked clone's virtual disk.

If Windows Defender is the only anti-spyware installed on the virtual machine, you might prefer to keep Windows Defender active on the desktops in your environment.

The following steps apply to Windows 7 and Windows 8. The steps might vary on different Windows operating systems.

Procedure

  1. In vSphere Client, select the parent virtual machine and select Open Console.
  2. Log in as an administrator.
  3. Click Start and type Windows Defender in the Search programs and files box.
  4. Click Tools > Options > Administrator.
  5. Deselect Use this program and click Save.