Windows Defender/avast

[rsvp]

Hello - haven't been on here for ages - hope everyone is well. I have an HP laptop - Windows 10 and the free version of Avast. Windows Defender is built into my computer so do I really need Avast? If not I'll uninstall it - many thanks

[Buenchico]

You need ONE (and ONLY one) antivirus program actually running on your computer. If you've got BOTH programs running simultaneously they could slow your computer and potentially do more harm than good.

However Avast should deactivate Windows Defender when it's installed so, hopefully, you've only got one program (Avast) actually running at the moment.

Many people use Windows Defender without any problems and I'm confident that you'll see some posts on this thread from AB members who like it. However I prefer (and use) Avast because:

(a) Microsoft have stated that their own security products should only be used 'as a first line of defence' ;

(b) most of the reviews in the technical press seem to place Avast ahead of Windows Defender. (However it has to be admitted that no two computer magazines can ever agree on their test results for security programs; what one magazine rates as the best software might be denigrated in a different publication ;

and

(c) most importantly for me, I've repeated experienced problems, across several machines, with Windows security software slowing my computers to a crawl (when its updating element seems to get stuck in a loop and hogs all of the PC's resources).

[rsvp]

As ever, Buenchico rides in on his white horse to save this doddering maiden - many thanks for the very full yet understandable reply - both anti virus programmes appear to be running alongside each other without a problem so will go with the adage 'If it ain't broke don't fix it'. I really do appreciate your advice - thank you and stay well.

[Buenchico]

Thanks for your nice post, Rsvp, but I'll draw your attention to my first paragraph above. If both programs are actually running then they could damage your computer. (It doesn't matter how many anti-virus programs you've got installed. It's only those which are running which count).

So you should turn Windows Defender off. Ideally you should do it as shown in the video below (which will completely deactivate it) but, if that looks complicated to you, simply turning off 'Real time protection', as explained in this link, should suffice:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-ca/help/4027187/windows-turn-off-windows-defender-antivirus

[rsvp]

Oh, didn't realise that - when I open Windows Defender all the categories are ticked as being valid and no action required (firewall etc) however, it does say under the icon 'virus threat and detection' - another anti virus programme is running.
Thank you for pointing this out and will watch the demo video shortly.

[Togo]

It is the other way round I think. Avast is not running until you activate it and deactivate Defender. Plus you may find that Defender reactivates after a W10 update, meaning that you have to go through the rigmarole again. Defender is a built in W10 security facility and has a sophisticated sandbox feature for individual pages. It is perfectly good and trouble free. I run it on my HP lappie and a desktop. If the boxes are ticked showing that you hape Defender firewall and anti virus running yo wont need avast. Uninstalling it will stop the avast pop ups and emails that accopmpany it.

[gingejbee]

I just knew that Togo would jump to the defence of Windows Defender..."it's perfectly good". Many in the technical press disagree...even Microsoft doesn't rate it!

[Togo]

Ahh can you "share" this knowledge Gingejbee? It wasn't so long ago that Kaspersky the Russian outfit were being touted as the be all and end all of third party security. Hmmm that went a bit wrong. I have tried them all from Norton to Mcafee and Avast and back again. Same results every time. Plagued to death with pop ups, offers, dire warnings, driver recommendations, and emails with deadline one off "deals". No ta never again. Defendr is perfectly good for the responsible user. I await your link showing that Microsoft denigrate their own security system or independent reviews that do not automatically recommend their preferred( ie paid to do so) systems.

[HansUrbancka]

I am with Togo....... Defender is perfectly good for the responsible user.

I have tried Avast and Don't like it.

My advice is get shot of Avast and stay away from 'Dodgy Sites.

Hans.

[rsvp]

So much more info for 'the doddering maiden' to take in - thank you for the replies, it takes me a while to thoroughly get my head around techno stuff but I will eventually get there and report back. All replies are really appreciated - thank you

[Arksided]

I've being running windows defender and avast simultaneously for years.. absolutely no problems. albeit if it makes a difference on desk-top not laptop.

[TTG]

Additionally only use flash if absolutely necessary, don't use java (uan), access the net with a restricted user account, install an adblocker (white-listing theanswerbank!), careful about clicking on links in emails or social media. Happy surfing!

[rsvp]

Avast takes forever to do a scan - it seems to 'stick ' a lot - even doesn't move from O% scan to 2/3% after 30 mins or so -it also only finds a problem that can be fixed by upgrading to a paid version. If I uninstall it will windows defender automatically come into operation and protect my computer -I don't visit dodgy sites! Many thanks and apols if I don't get bacl immediately.