Windows 10: Should I leave real time anti virus scanning on?

So the main antivirus software I use is McAfee SecurityCenter that I downloaded from att.net. I can choose to leave real-time virus scanning (where it scans a file every time I use it) on or turn it off. McAfee highly recommends leaving it on and gives me a big red warning screen if I turn it off.


However, since I just got a brand new gaming laptop that runs as quick as a cheetah, I don't want it to run anything but as fast as it can. I looked in Task Manager and the scanning processes don't seem to take up much CPU power, but I don't know if it could hinder the performance of games or web browsing. I already changed the power plan to high performance (so it will perform optimally but use more battery power) and the speed blows my old one away.


In short, my question is if I should turn off real-scanning to favor performance but risk malware and viruses. I will probably run a full scan weekly.

:)

 

Defender will only do periodic scanning, no real time protection

Hello,

This issue may happen if other security software, such as antivirus, anti-spyware, or anti-malware programs, are fully or partially installed on the computer. Windows Defender automatically turns off if you install another antivirus app.

Let us uncheck security messages for Virus Protection and Spyware, kindly follow the steps below:

• Press the Windows key + X, then select Control Panel.
• Click on Security and Maintenance.
• Click the Change Security and Maintenance Settings.
• Uncheck Spyware and unwanted software protection and Virus Protection.
• Click OK.
• Restart the device for the changes to take effect.

After the device restarted, make a full system scan using Windows defender.

To turn on real-time protection, do the steps below:

• Select the Start button, then select Settings.
• Click on Update & Security > Windows Defender.
• Turn on Real-time protection.

Update us on the results.

Regards.

 

Scanning a ISO File and Bootable Anti-Virus


You would be much safer to download it on another computer which is not infected. You can also run these 'online' scanners to help.
Scan with Kaspersky TDSSKiller:
Anti-rootkit utility TDSSKiller

Anti-rootkit utility TDSSKiller
ESET online scanner:
Free Virus Scan | ESET Online Scanner ESET
Free Online Virus Scanner | ESET
Superantispyware
SUPERAntiSpyware | Remove Malware | Remove Spyware - AntiMalware, AntiSpyware, AntiAdware!
Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes | Download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free
When installing, uncheck the start trial real time scanning and just use it as an on demand scanner

 

Microsoft Exclusion List for Anti-virus

Apparantly, Microsoft posted a list of files that can be "Excluded" from any Anti-Virus that you use to help with scanning performance.

You can read about here:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/822158