Windows 10: Windows 10 Defender v 8.1 Defender

Morning All, I wonder if someone could help me out. On 8.1 I've always used a paid for alternative to Defender, but on 10 I only run Defender (with Malwarebytes as a back up). Are both versions on Defender the same or is there some very real differences between them. Renewal time is coming up and if Defender is just as good on 8.1 as it is on 10 I'll stick with that.

Many Thanks

:)

 

Good alternative to Windows Defender on 8.1

I had to do a format and reinstall on my main rig, and thought I may as well upgrade to 8.1. My only real gripe is my Downloads folder lagging like hell, which I've read is due to Windows Defender. Now I really like MSE/Windows Defender because it's unobtrusive and lets me do what I want to do without pissing me off. Several attempts to try another antivirus program have always resulted in me going back to MSE (either due to viral infection or general annoyance). The lagging, while not an issue per se, is annoying the hell out of me. So I'd like suggestions for a good, free alternative that will be unobtrusive, not try to block everything I want to do (I'm smart enough to know what I'm doing), and not make my PC lag even when running a schedules scan.

Thanks.

 

Windows 10 Defender - How to make it default to task bar?

Windows Defender Notification Area Icon - Hide or Show in Windows 10

 

Good alternative to Windows Defender on 8.1

An easy way to see if Defender is the cause of the slow folder loading is to just disable Defender and open the folder. If it still does it, then it is Explorer being stupid, if it opens quickly then it is Defender.