Can't Install Bitdefender - Incompatible with Microsoft Security Client

Hi Isabel. I'm Greg, an installation specialist and 8 year Windows MVP, here to help you.

For best Windows performance and least issues I would run only built-in Defender which gives adequate protection, least issues, and is from Microsoft who knows how to protect their OS best. If you want the best on-demand scanners install and run Malwarebytes and AdwCleaner free scanners.

But if you insist then go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Defender > Open Security Center > Virus and Threat Protection Settings, turn off Real Time Protection. This should allow installing the 3rd party anti-virus, but expect issues and don't be surprised when they happen.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

________________________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

I ran BitDefender on Windows 10 for 8 months until the end of February, 2018, so I know it works and works well. I just didn't care for its user interface. I also didn't care for BitDefender's technical support, which consisted of hired contractors reading from scripts. No surprise to me that they were unable to help you.

The best way to remove an anti-malware product is with the developer's own removal tool. For BitDefender, the removal tool is here. I used it myself and it worked properly on the first try.

If you were previously using any other third-party anti-malware application, you should run that application's own uninstaller. Leftover bits of a previous anti-malware application are enough to interfere with the installation of a successor anti-malware application. That may even have been the original problem in your case.

Once BitDefender is removed, you have several choices:

1- Install BitDefender again, following BitDefender's instructions, which are here and again here.

It's always a good idea to temporarily disable your existing anti-malware application whenever you install software. In your case that means temporarily stopping Windows Defender while you are installing another anti-malware application.

2- Install another organization's anti-malware application. Search the web with this search term:

best windows 10 anti-malware 2018

Among the results you'll find many reviews of anti-malware applications. Read the reviews from professional organizations (vs. stoners on YouTube,) take advantage of the free trials, and choose a product that appeals to you.

3- Stick with Windows 10's own Windows Defender.

Whether or not to choose Windows Defender or a third-party product is strictly a matter of opinion. There's no correct answer, and everyone has their own ideas, which is why I'm not giving you my own opinion. Read the professional reviews and make your own decision. Any product near the top of reviewers' lists will take good care of you. Well ... good care of your computer  ;-)

When I tried to install Bitdefender, it stalls at the Compatibility Check screen because it is incompatible with Microsoft Security Client. I tried the Uninstall option through the Bitdefender screen and the MSC will pop up and configure and disappear while the Bitdefender screen just displays "Uninstalling...".

I tried the Microsoft tool for resolving install compatibility issues and Bitdefender does not show up on the list of programs for it to troubleshoot.

I contacted Bitdefender support and they said this was a Microsoft issue that they could not help me with.

Windows 10 Pro

x64

Isabel anything on this yet?