Windows 7: MsMpEng.exe

seven2 · 02 Nov 2012

Hello Win 7 Home premiuim,i5,1T,3,30GHz

I noticed Windows Defener takes up a lot of CPU usage yet the program is turned off by default. I think it is a remnant of a previous os and not useful in Win 7.

I also noticed I have to check "show for all users" for it to be displayed.

I know it is part of Windows but can it be removed without harmful results?
Thank you

DavidW7ncus · 02 Nov 2012

What AntiVirus program do you use?
What is the path for MsMpEng.exe?

If you use MSE (MS Security Essentials), this exe may be for that.
Unfortunately MS has used the same file-names for some MSE and Windows Defender files...

I'm on a system right now without MSE or Windows Defender, so i'll have to get on a different system that uses MSE to confirm the file locations.

This system does not have an MsMpEng.exe running in Task Manager!

DavidW7ncus · 02 Nov 2012

I just turned on Windows Defender on this OS.
The running process i see for this is c:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe

I turn off Windows Defender with

Control Panel > Windows Defender
Tools > Options > Administrator > Use this program

I turned it off and MSASCui.exe is no longer running.

seven2 · 02 Nov 2012

You have to click, 'show processors from all users' to see this entry.

I have MSE and from what I read, it turns defender off when it installs.

That is why I wondered if I could remove it as it is off by default.

DavidW7ncus · 02 Nov 2012

I don't see that Windows Defender can be removed in Programs and Features.
I'm on a system now that has MS Security Essentials, and Windows Defender is turned off.

MsMpEng.exe is running, but that is for MS Security Essentials version 4 (not Windows Defender).
The folder for Security Essentials version 4 is C:\Program Files\Microsoft Security Client\

I always see all entries because i normally use Process Explorer (not Task Manager).

I think the process you see running is Security Essentials (not Windows Defender).

What is the folder for your MsMpEng.exe?

seven2 · 02 Nov 2012

I am not too proficient with technical maneuvering.
Does this prnt scrn help?

DavidW7ncus · 03 Nov 2012

OK, that is the Security Essentials folder and program.

How much CPU is MsMpEng.exe using for you?
What other real-time Security programs do you use?

You may have a conflict with Security Essentials and something else on your system if MsMpEng.exe is using a lot of CPU.

seven2 · 03 Nov 2012

It uses about 56,000 and I have only one real time protection running. I use MBAM occassionally(no real time) along with Secunia and FileHippo update checker.

Am I in the ball park with 56K?

DavidW7ncus · 03 Nov 2012

I think you're OK with that.
I'm guessing you looked at Working Set Memory, not CPU usage.

DavidW7ncus · 03 Nov 2012

fyi,
I also found this old SF thread about Windows Defender.
It can't be uninstalled in Windows 7.

Can you remove/delete Windows Defender

Windows 7: MsMpEng.exe

MsMpEng.exe problems?