Can/ should "Bitdefender and Windows Defender both [be] active at the same time" ?

[gregkagirawatson]

"Bitdefender and Windows Defender both active at the same time" Was a previous post, no one answered this question, whether one should and how to disable Windows Defender if it interferes with Bitdefender.

 

[Mark RM]

Generally when you install a known AV product, Windows Defender turns itself off since it's no longer the default AV application. It might start as a system service but it doesn't runs scan etc once something else is registered as the AV product on that installation.

"However, on endpoints and devices that are protected with a non-Microsoft antivirus or antimalware app, Windows Defender AV will automatically disable itself. You can then choose to enable an optional, limited protection feature, called limited periodic scanning."

So basically it does nothing unless you ask it to when you have another AV product.

 

[gregkagirawatson]

Generally when you install a known AV product, Windows Defender turns itself off since it's no longer the default AV application. It might start as a system service but it doesn't runs scan etc once something else is registered as the AV product on that installation.

"However, on endpoints and devices that are protected with a non-Microsoft antivirus or antimalware app, Windows Defender AV will automatically disable itself. You can then choose to enable an optional, limited protection feature, called limited periodic scanning."

So basically it does nothing unless you ask it to when you have another AV product.

 

[gregkagirawatson]

Thank you very much. Is it advisable, then, to turn on "limited periodic scanning"... and if so, how? Where?

 

[Mark RM]

https/docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/threat-protection/windows-defender-antivirus/limited-periodic-scanning-windows-defender-antivirus

The above is the method you use when Windows Defender is in "passive mode" ie, when you have another AV product enabled as the default.

I guess whether it's advisable is up to how much you believe in the primary product you are using.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Thank you very much. Is it advisable, then, to turn on "limited periodic scanning"... and if so, how? Where?

This is perfectly fine to do , that is how I use defender.

 

[Avast-Team]

Wanted to back up what SR-71 and Mark said -- if you install a 3rd party AV, Windows Defender should still be able to run in passive mode for periodic scanning. It's not adviseable to run two active scanners at once.

On the flipside, Avast also has a Passive Mode so it will work alongside Defender or 3rd party AV if desired