Antivirus Question

paulyjustin · 22 Feb 2017

Have windows 10 laptop. I know windows defender is preinstalled on it. I noticed it was basically microsoft essentials. I had avast and malwarebytes installed as well since i read these are recommended. Both are free version though. I read that however you are really suppose to only use 1 antivirus and using more than 1 can cause problems. First off, is this true/false? And what would you recommend me uninstall? The thing is does having windows defender/microsoft essentials enough to protect you from viruses? I always felt like it was very light and isn't strong like avast etc.

I had installed malwarebytes because i read that was good as well. I dont remember where but somewhere mentioned download avast and malwarebytes.

Which antivirus should i use for my laptop? Would you recommend only using 1 or 2 and if so which one. I assume you should never remove windows defender from it? The reason why i like avast is i would get messages like this site is a threat etc so i felt it does more than say windows defender.

lx07 · 22 Feb 2017

If you like Avast and Malwarebytes then use them.

Malwarebytes is not a Antivirus and can run along side one. I use Defender and Malwarebytes personally. If you prefer Avast to Defender then use that alongside Malwarebytes by all means. Avast will automatically disable Defender when you install it as, as you say, you should only run one AV.

Bobby Phoenix · 22 Feb 2017

Windows Defender is much more than MSE, and yes you should only have one AV, but you can use AV and malware software at the same time. Defender is all you really need. Check this article out.

Ex-Mozilla Engineer: Don't use third-party antivirus software

Jeddie · 22 Feb 2017

This question gets asked all the time. And there is no right or wrong answer. If there was one AV that suits everyone, then we would all be using it.

pparks1 · 22 Feb 2017

Use whichever you like. I use Defender, with an occasional Malwarebytes scan.

simrick · 23 Feb 2017

lx07 said:

If you like Avast and Malwarebytes then use them.

Malwarebytes is not a Antivirus and can run along side one. I use Defender and Malwarebytes personally. If you prefer Avast to Defender then use that alongside Malwarebytes by all means. Avast will automatically disable Defender when you install it as, as you say, you should only run one AV.

OldMike65 · 23 Feb 2017

lx07 said:

If you like Avast and Malwarebytes then use them.

Malwarebytes is not a Antivirus and can run along side one. I use Defender and Malwarebytes personally. If you prefer Avast to Defender then use that alongside Malwarebytes by all means. Avast will automatically disable Defender when you install it as, as you say, you should only run one AV.

Well the new version of Malwarebytes 3.0 seems to think they are a Antivirus

.... (This version still has a few bugs thou )

Announcing Malwarebytes 3.0, a next-generation antivirus replacement

I am thrilled to announce the launch of our next-generation product, Malwarebytes 3.0! This product is built to provide comprehensive protection against today’s threat landscape so that you can finally replace your traditional antivirus.

Our engineers have spent the last year building this product from the ground up and have combined our Anti-Malware, Anti-Exploit, Anti-Ransomware, Website Protection, and Remediation technologies all into a single product which we simply call “Malwarebytes.” And it scans your computer 4 times faster!

lx07 · 23 Feb 2017

OldMike65 said:

I am thrilled to announce the launch of our next-generation product..

Do you work for them Mike or was that supposed to be a quote?

TairikuOkami · 23 Feb 2017

lx07 said:

If you like Avast and Malwarebytes then use them.

Those 2 products fall into the category of 4 products, which managed to remove all infections.

12-Month Endurance Test Reveals the Best Malware-Removal Antivirus for Windows

Overall, Microsoft’s Security Essentials got a total system repair score of 90.6 percent, which is far worse than the next lowest score of 97.4 percent obtained by Bitdefender Internet Security.

“Eight times, Microsoft Security Essentials proved either totally or partially ineffective against the malware,” AV-TEST explained in the test results.

MSE uses the same signatures as WD, so the detection is pretty much the same.

OldMike65 · 23 Feb 2017

lx07 said:

Do you work for them Mike or was that supposed to be a quote?

That is a quote from Their Webpage Hali :) I'm retired, I don't work for anybody. :)