Windows 7: Does Windows Security Essentials Conflict with Other Security Tools?

JMH · 29 Jul 2011

Quote:

Whether you're using Windows Security Essentials with other security suites or simply doubling up a free and premium tool for added protection when online, you need to be sure that the utilities won't conflict with each other!

It is pretty vital these days to make sure your computer is suitably protected against the various online threats that exist. As such, having a firewall installed and configured is pretty useful. Windows has a built-in firewall that is pretty basic but easy to use, and for some people this is all they need.

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Gornot · 02 Aug 2011

As I remember, we already had many posts on SF saying that MSE can work completely fine with some security tools, though we mostly mentioned AVs. Avast and MSE work fine, that's all I've cared to test on my machine.

Dave76 · 06 Aug 2011

This is true, although some members here are clinging on to the old only one AV on your system at a time recommendation.

I found this quote from the above linked article interesting,

Quote:

For instance, you might have Microsoft Security Essentials installed already, and might be (wisely) considering adding some dedicated anti-virus software (Microsoft Security Essentials is designed to catch malware rather than old-fashioned viruses) to bolster your security. In this situation you should be thinking about installing the third party software and then checking Windows Update for any fixes that are required to help MSE run with the new security suite installed.

I have copied this for reference, for the un-believers.

Airbot · 06 Aug 2011

Unfortunately what the author fails to realize and misinterpret like a huge majority of others is - "malware" includes viruses. It's a generic term (mal/malicious ware/software) for any and all malicious code/software.

Dave76 · 06 Aug 2011

I've heard similar conflicting statement on several sites, So you're saying MSE is an anti-virus?

Good to hear, thanks Airbot.

Still good to see further confirmation that you can run more than one AV, as some people say you absolutely can not, even though I have been doing it for quite some time with no ill effects.

Airbot · 06 Aug 2011

One only has to look at the definitions on MSE to know it catches viruses, as well as other stuff.

Browse the malware encyclopedia - Learn more about malware - Microsoft Malware Protection Center

Yes, it is an antivirus. They say so themselves.

Does Windows Security Essentials Conflict with Other Security Tools?-jk.jpg

There is no universal law stating you can't run more than one AV program on one system. More than likely it can possibly be counter-productive and cause conflicts you may or may not see on the surface, or it may even work great together. Not set in stone one way or the other.

Windows 7: Does Windows Security Essentials Conflict with Other Security Tools?

Does Windows Security Essentials Conflict with Other Security Tools? problems?