Windows 10: Is Windows Defender an AV program, and is it enough?

Discus and support Is Windows Defender an AV program, and is it enough? in AntiVirus, Firewalls and System Security to solve the problem; When I google what Windows Defender is, it's sometimes referred to as an anti-spyware program, and other times it's called an anti-virus program. Is it... Discussion in 'AntiVirus, Firewalls and System Security' started by Delly10, Aug 24, 2019.

  1. Delly10 Win User

    Is Windows Defender an AV program, and is it enough?


    When I google what Windows Defender is, it's sometimes referred to as an anti-spyware program, and other times it's called an anti-virus program. Is it both? And is it good enough to use it instead of also getting something like Avast as an anti-virus?
    I would hope that Defender would be best since it is made by Microsoft, which also makes Windows. They would be most likely to know their system the best and how to protect it, right?

    :)
     
    Delly10, Aug 24, 2019
    #1

  2. Can't turn on Windows Defender, message that another AV program is running

    I only have windows defender on my computer. It still says that another AV program is running and I cannot turn on window defender's AV.

    Any suggestions??

    Matt

    Original title: windows defender
     
    Matt_H_2000, Aug 24, 2019
    #2
  3. Le Boule Win User
    3rd party AV program

    The message you are describing may be observed if another antivirus program is still installed or there are remnants of a third party antivirus program still installed.

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us...b59cebc4f24/how-to-protect-your-windows-10-pc
    Note the statement "If you want to use Windows Defender Antivirus, uninstall all of your other antivirus programs and Windows Defender Antivirus will automatically turn on. You may be asked to restart your device."

    Go to Security and Maintenance, look in 'Security' and see what program is listed under Virus Protection. Windows Defender will not be enabled and functioning properly if there is a program other than Windows Defender listed.

    For further information see the reply of quietman7 in Windows Defender

    You may want to try the steps recommended in Problems
    starting Windows Defender in Windows 8/8.1/10
    to include running SFC, scanning for malware with Malwarebytes and running the software removal tools for any security software (Avast,
    AVG, McAfee, Norton, whatever) that may have previously been on the computer followed by a reboot? List of
    anti-malware product removal tools


    And see Configure Windows Defender in Windows
    8, 8.1 and 10


    If you can't resolve this issue suggest you post back in this thread and provide additional information.

    Regards…

    Top 10 Ways PUPs Sneak Onto Your Computer. And How To Avoid Them. | Emsisoft | Security Blog
     
    Le Boule, Aug 24, 2019
    #3
  4. Is Windows Defender an AV program, and is it enough?

    Windows Bit Defender will not turn on "Handled by another AV Program

    Windows 10 Pro v 1606 Build 14393.693

    I had Bitdefender installed and uninstalled it with their uninstall tool.

    Then I ran CCleaner and fixed all registry errors AND manually deleted all left over folders/files from Bitdefender

    AND I edited the registry and deleted any Bitdefender hits

    I STILL get the Note (In Windows defender) Handled by another AV Program.

    When I click turn on it opens up Control Panel "Apps and features".

    But there does not seem to be any default AV app setting and there are no AV programs in the list of all programs

    I have looked over every post on this topic I can find and nothing works for me!
     
    CharlesAlexander, Aug 24, 2019
    #4
Thema:

Is Windows Defender an AV program, and is it enough?

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