Is Windows Defender adequate enough for overall security protection?


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jimhow4545

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I have premium malwarebyte and free advast running and wondering if these are necessary.
 

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Wind 11 Pro 24H2 (Dev Channel)/23H2Beta (offl...2 Intel Xeon 5680120 GbMSI(Nvidia) GeForce GTX 970
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Wind 11 Pro 24H2 (Dev Channel)/23H2Beta (offline)
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DELL T7500
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Premium Malwarebyte, AdwCleaner (Malwarebyte)
I asked the same question for a relative a while ago, there are some good answers in this thread that would answer YES to your question regarding Microsoft Defender being adequate:

What does Windows Defender lack, what can’t it do?

Halo. I have a friend that has no money and cannot renew their antivirus Software. (Norton 360) Normally I would just buy it for him as I buy software for other friends but this person is broke due to a fetish with tattoos and as a result his family goes without. I will not invest in his...
www.elevenforum.com www.elevenforum.com

Malwarebytes was mentioned a bit, being a positive inclusion to run side by side with Microsoft Defender.
 

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    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 Build 26200.8655Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770K CPU @ 3.50GHz32.0 GB of I forget and the box is in storage.Gigabyte nVidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB
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    ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 Build 26200.8655 (Wifes)13th Generation Intel® Core™ i5-1340P Process...16GB LPDDR5-52001x Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 Build 26200.8655 (Wifes)
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    LENOVO Yoga 7 14IRL8 - Type 82YL
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  • Windows 11 Pro 25H2 Build 26200.8655 (Wifes)

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    Ports: 1 x HDMI 2.1 TMDS; 1 x Novo Button; 1 x Combo Audio Jack
    2 x USB-C (USB 4.0)
    1 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1

    Camera: 1080P FHD IR Hybrid with Dual Microphone

    Graphics: Intel® Arc™ Graphics

    Monitor: 14" 2.8K

    ...Where's my horse?

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    Windows 11 Pro
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    ASUS ROG Strix

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    Windows 11 Pro
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
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    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS VivoBook
  • ASUS VivoBook 'Lite' ~ Windows 11 Home
Defender and MWB Premium run great together. It's all you need. The AV part of Avast has always been quite good. But they stack too much other stuff on so I'm not a fan of it anymore. It uses a lot of resources. If you decide to shuck Avast, I suggest you use its removal tool in safe mode.

Using the Avast Uninstall Tool | Official Avast Support

Instructions to use the Avast Uninstall Tool on Windows.
support.avast.com support.avast.com
Then restart. Both MWB premium and Defender should be active in task manager. You may have to go iinto Windows Security and turn on Defender. If you can't turn it on, go in to MWB settings and toggle off "Always register Malwarebytes with Windows Security Center."
Restart again. That should allow you to turn on Defender to run alongside MWB.
 

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System One System Two

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 26200.8655i9-10900 10 core 20 threads32 gbnone-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 26200.8655
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    2x1tb Solidigm m.2 nvme /External drives 512gb Samsung m.2 sata+2tb Kingston m2.nvme
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    #1 Edge #2 Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26200.8457AMD Ryzen 7 6800U32 gbintegrated
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26200.8457
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Beelink Mini PC SER5
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 6800U
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics card(s)
    integrated
    Sound Card
    integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Crucial nvme
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    still too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    System 3 is non compliant Dell 9020 i7-4770/24gb ram Win11 PRO 26200.8457
Thanks. Another question. Why WD is disabled when running 3rd party anti-virus software like malwarebyte or advast?
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Wind 11 Pro 24H2 (Dev Channel)/23H2Beta (offl...2 Intel Xeon 5680120 GbMSI(Nvidia) GeForce GTX 970
OS
Wind 11 Pro 24H2 (Dev Channel)/23H2Beta (offline)
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Manufacturer/Model
DELL T7500
CPU
2 Intel Xeon 5680
Memory
120 Gb
Graphics Card(s)
MSI(Nvidia) GeForce GTX 970
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell S2719DGF
Screen Resolution
2560 x 1440 (155Hz)
Hard Drives
Samsung 2TB 870 (24H2 Device)
Samsung 1TB 860 (23H2 Beta)
PSU
Dell 1100W
Antivirus
Premium Malwarebyte, AdwCleaner (Malwarebyte)
jimhow4545 said:
Thanks. Another question. Why WD is disabled when running 3rd party anti-virus software like malwarebyte or advast?
Click to expand...

To prevent conflicts. Also don't want/need two AV apps running at once.

Also found this review.

www.safetydetectives.com

Is Windows Defender Good Enough in 2026? Full Guide

Windows Defender offers some great features, but is it enough to keep you protected? I compared it with top competitors on the market, and here are my results.
www.safetydetectives.com www.safetydetectives.com

The review summarised issues with WD.
  • Malware detection rates are lower than many third-party competitors (especially when offline).
  • Content filters are limited to the Microsoft Edge browser.
  • The main user interface is clunky and hard to navigate.
  • PC system health report is basic (no performance-boosting or system cleanup).
  • Lacks additional tools that third-party antiviruses have, like anti-theft protections and a password manager.
  • Ransomware protections are intrusive and turned off by default.
 

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    Windows 11 Pro 25H2Intel Core i9 13900KCorsair Dominator Platinum 64gb 5600MT/s DDR5...Sapphire NITRO+ AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX Vapor-...
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    Intel Core i9 13900K
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    Microsoft Edge Chromium
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    Bitdefender Total Security
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    Windows 11 Pro 25H2Intel® Core™ i9-13900H32GB DDR4-3200 Dual channel*Intel Iris Xᵉ Graphics G7
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    Windows 11 Pro 25H2
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    Laptop
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    Asus Vivobook X1605VA
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    Intel® Core™ i9-13900H
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    Asus X1605VA bios 309
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    32GB DDR4-3200 Dual channel
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    *Intel Iris Xᵉ Graphics G7
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    Realtek | Intel SST Bluetooth & USB
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    16.0-inch, WUXGA 16:10 aspect ratio, IPS-level Panel
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    1920 x 1200 60hz
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    Logitech MX Ergo Trackball
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    Bitdefender Total Security
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    720p Webcam
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glasskuter said:
Defender and MWB Premium run great together. It's all you need. The AV part of Avast has always been quite good. But they stack too much other stuff on so I'm not a fan of it anymore. It uses a lot of resources. If you decide to shuck Avast, I suggest you use its removal tool in safe mode.

Using the Avast Uninstall Tool | Official Avast Support

Instructions to use the Avast Uninstall Tool on Windows.
support.avast.com support.avast.com
Then restart. Both MWB premium and Defender should be active in task manager. You may have to go iinto Windows Security and turn on Defender. If you can't turn it on, go in to MWB settings and toggle off "Always register Malwarebytes with Windows Security Center."
Restart again. That should allow you to turn on Defender to run alongside MWB.
Click to expand...
Thanks. I am going to uninstall AV per your recommendation and run MWN and WD.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Wind 11 Pro 24H2 (Dev Channel)/23H2Beta (offl...2 Intel Xeon 5680120 GbMSI(Nvidia) GeForce GTX 970
OS
Wind 11 Pro 24H2 (Dev Channel)/23H2Beta (offline)
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Manufacturer/Model
DELL T7500
CPU
2 Intel Xeon 5680
Memory
120 Gb
Graphics Card(s)
MSI(Nvidia) GeForce GTX 970
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell S2719DGF
Screen Resolution
2560 x 1440 (155Hz)
Hard Drives
Samsung 2TB 870 (24H2 Device)
Samsung 1TB 860 (23H2 Beta)
PSU
Dell 1100W
Antivirus
Premium Malwarebyte, AdwCleaner (Malwarebyte)
glasskuter said:
Defender and MWB Premium run great together. It's all you need. The AV part of Avast has always been quite good. But they stack too much other stuff on so I'm not a fan of it anymore. It uses a lot of resources. If you decide to shuck Avast, I suggest you use its removal tool in safe mode.

Using the Avast Uninstall Tool | Official Avast Support

Instructions to use the Avast Uninstall Tool on Windows.
support.avast.com support.avast.com
Then restart. Both MWB premium and Defender should be active in task manager. You may have to go iinto Windows Security and turn on Defender. If you can't turn it on, go in to MWB settings and toggle off "Always register Malwarebytes with Windows Security Center."
Restart again. That should allow you to turn on Defender to run alongside MWB.
Click to expand...
Toggle OFF “Always register….” ?
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Wind 11 Pro 24H2 (Dev Channel)/23H2Beta (offl...2 Intel Xeon 5680120 GbMSI(Nvidia) GeForce GTX 970
OS
Wind 11 Pro 24H2 (Dev Channel)/23H2Beta (offline)
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Manufacturer/Model
DELL T7500
CPU
2 Intel Xeon 5680
Memory
120 Gb
Graphics Card(s)
MSI(Nvidia) GeForce GTX 970
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell S2719DGF
Screen Resolution
2560 x 1440 (155Hz)
Hard Drives
Samsung 2TB 870 (24H2 Device)
Samsung 1TB 860 (23H2 Beta)
PSU
Dell 1100W
Antivirus
Premium Malwarebyte, AdwCleaner (Malwarebyte)
Yes, it sounds backwards, I know. When an AV "registers" with Windows security, it makes the 3rd party AV the only realtime running one and turns defender off. Since MWB and Defender play so well together, you want both of them running in realtime. I've done it many years and wouldn't consider any other protection.
 

My Computers My Computers

System One System Two

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 26200.8655i9-10900 10 core 20 threads32 gbnone-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 26200.8655
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    2x1tb Solidigm m.2 nvme /External drives 512gb Samsung m.2 sata+2tb Kingston m2.nvme
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    #1 Edge #2 Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26200.8457AMD Ryzen 7 6800U32 gbintegrated
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26200.8457
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Beelink Mini PC SER5
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 6800U
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics card(s)
    integrated
    Sound Card
    integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Crucial nvme
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    still too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    System 3 is non compliant Dell 9020 i7-4770/24gb ram Win11 PRO 26200.8457
glasskuter said:
Yes, it sounds backwards, I know. When an AV "registers" with Windows security, it makes the 3rd party AV the only realtime running one and turns defender off. Since MWB and Defender play so well together, you want both of them running in realtime. I've done it many years and wouldn't consider any other protection.
Click to expand...
Got it! Thank a lot !
Both are now running simultaneously and AV is gone.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Wind 11 Pro 24H2 (Dev Channel)/23H2Beta (offl...2 Intel Xeon 5680120 GbMSI(Nvidia) GeForce GTX 970
OS
Wind 11 Pro 24H2 (Dev Channel)/23H2Beta (offline)
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Manufacturer/Model
DELL T7500
CPU
2 Intel Xeon 5680
Memory
120 Gb
Graphics Card(s)
MSI(Nvidia) GeForce GTX 970
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell S2719DGF
Screen Resolution
2560 x 1440 (155Hz)
Hard Drives
Samsung 2TB 870 (24H2 Device)
Samsung 1TB 860 (23H2 Beta)
PSU
Dell 1100W
Antivirus
Premium Malwarebyte, AdwCleaner (Malwarebyte)
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