Solved Can windows defender run with another anti virus program?

[nithig]

I've been warned often about not having two anti virus programs on one computer.
Avira has just been installed on this computer and I'm unable to find a clear definition of Windows Defender so am not sure whether it ought to run alongside Avira.

Should Windows Defender be run alongside another anti virus program?

 

[Brink]

Hello nithig,

Usually Windows Defender will automatically be disabled when you install a 3rd party AV program unless the AV program was designed to run along with Windows Defender.

Malwarebytes is one that you can install and run without it disabling Windows Defender.

 

[nithig]

Thank you Brink. And your advice about malwarebytes is very relevant as that is also on this computer for regular scanning.
I'll relax now,
cheers

 

[Brink]

You're most welcome.

 

[MoxieMomma]

Hi, @nithig:

I sheepishly post this, as I don't want to appear to be stepping on the toes of our fearless leader...

But, as you posted here in sevenforums.com, I assume you are running Windows 7???

If so, please be aware that Windows Defender ("WD") in Win 7 is NOT an anti-virus.
It's just a (rather weak) anti-spyware application.
Some AVs will disable it, but with others you need to do so manually to reduce the chance of possible clashes/conflicts.

(It is different from the "Windows Defender" of Win 8/8.1/10, which is a re-branded version of a true AV, Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE).)

Bottom line: under Win7 you *do* need a real, robust, realtime AV (either free or paid), even if you keep WD enabled and running. There are many fine choices, free and paid.

As for Malwarebytes, please be aware that the Free version is only a manual, on-demand scanner to remove infections that are already on the system. If you want to add layered, realtime, anti-malware protection to help prevent infection, then you will need the paid, Premium version. It is designed to run alongside all of the popular AVs.

<crawls back under rock>

MM

 

[Brink]

No problem MM. All helpful comments are welcomed.