Avast and Windows Defender

Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security
1

In Windows 7 and XP i’ve used Avast and MBAM, with MS Windows Defender also installed, the anti-spyware type version not the antivirus version of Defender that comes with Windows 8.

If i use Avast on a Windows 8.1 machine, is there an anti-spyware version of defender which i can use along side Avast? (similar to how Defender works in Windows 7)

Many thanks

2

Just disable defender.
Use avast for real time protection and mbam for a (weekly?) periodic scan.

3

No, WD is a full grown AV in W8 and above.
Follow Eddy’s advice and install MBAM, if you need a second opinion.