Windows Defender


  1. Posts : 1
    windows 10
       #1

    Windows Defender


    I have MCAfee security suite through Windstream. It has good spyware protection, but it don't protect against malware. I thought I would try Windows Defender because it does both, but I don't know how to turn off the MCAfee spyware part and turn on Windows Defender. Can someone please help?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 33
    Windows 10
       #2

    You should be able to remove McAfee via "program & features" in control panel. Defender along with occasional scans of Malwarebytes Free is adequate protection and will be much lighter on resources. Once McAfee is removed Defender should turn itself on, or you will be able to turn it on.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 2,799
    Linux Mint 20.1 Win10Prox64
       #3

    MickD said:
    You should be able to remove McAfee via "program & features" in control panel. Defender along with occasional scans of Malwarebytes Free is adequate protection and will be much lighter on resources. Once McAfee is removed Defender should turn itself on, or you will be able to turn it on.
    You cannot uninstall McAfee via "Programs & Features". You must use the Uninstaller software:
    Download McAfee Consumer Product Removal Tool - MajorGeeks
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 39,704
    Win 7 32, Win 7 64 Pro, Win 8.1 64 Pro, Win 10 64 Education Edition, Win 11 Pro
       #4

    Agreed, it's best to use a uninstaller since AV's tend to embed themselves into the OS deeply.

    After you have uninstalled it, suggest you d/l CCleaner (free version) & run it to clean out any leftover files or reg entries. CCleaner will give you the option to save the deleted reg keys in case the removal causes problems. Save the removed reg entries somewhere easily accessible so that if need be, you can double click to re-install them.

    CCleaner - Download
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  5. Posts : 32
    Windows 10 Home
       #5

    Getting rid of either Norton or McAfee is an all-day affair. You will have to purchase the premium edition of Revo Uninstaller and do an intensive removal. There will most likely be remnants even after that. For those I recommend Move on Boot (a free program) which can take care of what remains. Windows Defender is already in Windows 10 and operative but you can download and install if you need to do so.

    And one more thing. After each removal step, reboot your computer and scan again with Revo Uninstaller to make sure all is actually gone. Search for remnants with explorer or a free program like Find and Run Robot, remove and reboot again.

    Check youtube for videos on how to remove McAfee also.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 39,704
    Win 7 32, Win 7 64 Pro, Win 8.1 64 Pro, Win 10 64 Education Edition, Win 11 Pro
       #6

    ambimom said:
    Getting rid of either Norton or McAfee is an all-day affair.
    Unfortunately, you're right. They do dig in deeply. My system a couple years back came with McFubar & I was digging stuff out for a couple days.

    Be cautious when using Revo as you can easily hose your system. Hence the reason I suggested an uninstaller. I have used the free version to remove AV's before with good success.

    Be sure to read the documentation for using Revo. When presented with reg keys to delete, make sure to only remove the bolded back ones. Best bet would be to make a system image in case of an accident.

    Download Revo Uninstaller Freeware - Free and Full Download - Uninstall software, remove programs, solve uninstall problems


    Revo Uninstaller Pro - How To
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  7. Posts : 32
    Windows 10 Home
       #7

    @Borg....you are 100 percent correct about making sure that you only delete the bold items after Revo scans -- because the list of things to scan might be in the several hundreds and the scan list must be reviewed line-by-line, very, very carefully to delete only the bold items. It can take three or four hours to remove the McAfee items because they are all over the place; in every nook and cranny. The free version of Revo works best on 32 bit systems. If you have 64 bit, the paid version is a good investment, but maybe the later free versions also work satisfactorily on 64 bit.

    Through the years, I have found the premium Revo and Move-on-Boot invaluable tools to get rid of junque completely. I now use Windows Defender complemented by Hitman Pro, Adaware, and Malware Bytes to keep my computer clean....and they still have to quarantine. stuff every so often.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 39,704
    Win 7 32, Win 7 64 Pro, Win 8.1 64 Pro, Win 10 64 Education Edition, Win 11 Pro
       #8

    I've seen a few instances where people just clicked the whole reg file structure & ended up with a unworkable machine. Revo is good, but I always urge people to read the documentation. I've never had the paid version, but I have seen you get a lot more options with it. One thing I do like is the fact that Revo makes a restore point, which is very handy to have should problems arise.

    Actually, it was about 2 weeks after I thought I had gotten rid of McAfee that some random problems started popping up & after a thorough search, I found 3 orphan files related to the AV that were very deeply embedded & causing probs. Go figure...
      My Computer


 

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