Windows 10: Exclusions in Microsoft Defender Antimalware Service not working as expected

Microsoft Defender Antimalware Service consuming high CPU even if I added all possible related folders or process to the exclusion listAs an example, I added C:\ProgramData\docker folder to scan exclusions, but MsMpEng.exe tool shows Antimalware Service still scans files stored in this path. How can I make sure the "Exclusions List" work as expected?

:)

 

Antimalware Service Executable High Memory Usage

Antimalware service executable is taking much memory, I've tried to change windows defender's schedule and add antimalware service executable to windows defender exclusion list and none of those worked.

 

Antimalware Service Executable

Hello,

Currently I'm facing a problem with the antimalware service executable. It uses half of my memory, I did tried some solutions such as: Change Windows Defender’s schedule and Add Antimalware Service Executable to Windows Defender exclusion list. However, none of these solutions has yet fixed my issue. Any help is appreciated.

Should I install another antivirus program?

 

Why wont Antimalware Service Executable stop?

Hi



Welcome to Microsoft community.

I understand your frustration. The Antimalware Service Executable is a part of Windows Defender, and it's designed to run continuously in the background to protect your computer from malware. However, it should not be using as much memory as you've described.

Here are a few things you can try:

1. Change Windows Defender's Schedule:
   
   • Open Task Scheduler.
     
   • Go to Library/Microsoft/Windows/Windows Defender.
     
   • Disable all the tasks you find there.
     
   • This will stop Windows Defender from performing scans without your permission.
     
2. Add Antimalware Service Executable to Windows Defender's Exclusion List:
   
   • Open Windows Security settings.
     
   • Go to Virus & Threat Protection settings.
     
   • Exclusions, add or remove and add Antimalware Service Executable (MsMpEng.exe) to the list.
     
   • This will stop Windows Defender from scanning its own processes.
     
3. Check for Malware:
   
   • Your computer might be infected with malware that's causing the Antimalware Service Executable to use more resources than it should.
     
   • Use a reliable third-party antivirus software to scan your computer.
     
4. Install the Latest Updates:
   
   • Go to Settings, Update & Security, and click on Check for updates.
     

Remember that completely disabling your antivirus should be your last resort, as it can leave your PC vulnerable to threats. If none of the above solutions work, you might want to consider using a different antivirus program.

If you have more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask.



Best regards

Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist