Desktop machine
Windows 7 Pro. 64b.
The OS comes with Windows Defender
Avast free version is to be installed.
How should Windows Defender be handled?
Does it cause conflict with Avast if it is left along?
Thanks.
It doesn’t conflict but it isn’t necessary and has poor detection rates so best off disabled.
Also, many users have chosen to install Malwarebytes to run realtime or use as an on-demand scanner after disabling Windows Defender. 
I have it enabled,but to be honest, I don’t know why.
I guess I like to see it updating itself through Windows Updates every 2-3 days,so I know
everything is fine with Windows Updates.
Otherwise, Windows Defender in Windows 7 is pretty much useless.
Thank you, all of you!
Based on what you all have said, the Windows Defender is actually of little help in terms of security.
I’ll take your advice to have it DISABLED.
HOW TO GET IT DISABLED OR EVEN REMOVED, PLEASE?
Thanks!
Open Defender and click on tools/ options /administrator and untick use this program then click save, you can’t uninstall defender as it’s part of your operating system.
Thank you for the instructions on disabling Windows Defender.
May I ask a question about Malwarebytes, free version, please?
I have been enjoying this software for a few years. Just a few months ago, it changed its interface and became very slow, slow on updating and slow on scanning.
Have you heard the same from other users?
Is there another program that can be just as good and may be used as a replacement?
(Please pay no attention to these questions if they are improper on this forum.)
Thanks.
If you want the Malwarebytes quick scan ( Hyper Scan ) then you’d need to purchase a license, the full scan ( Threat Scan ) takes longer to complete than previous versions because it scans more areas than before.
IMO there is no replacement for Malwarebytes, it’s the leader in it’s area speciality.
Thank you very much!
All of my questions have been answered and I appreciate your help very much.
Thanks.
Your welcome