Windows Security/defender not activating after puting avast in passive mode.

Question

I am currently using windows 10 and like to use avast for weekly deep scans and use windows default securit/defender for real time protection. Even after puting avast in passive mode it still claims avast is the main defender and gives me no option to change it. Even after going into windows defender/security there was no option to enable it except for periodic scans. Afetr I put avast into passive mode a notificaation popped up saying there was nothing protecting my computer. After I clicked the message it said avast was protectting me but avast claimed it wasn't protecting me.

Answer 1

Hi Samuel. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, here to help you.

No expert in Forums - where we see the most cases, by the thousands - recommends Avast, AVG. Norton or McAfee, except to uninstall them. For over a dozen years in forums, I have solved many problems by having them removed. Avast bloated up ten years ago and started causing issues, they recently bought CCleaner and all experts have now stopped recommending it.

I would uninstall any 3rd party antivirus in Settings > Apps > Apps & Features and try running only built-in Defender which gives adequate protection, best Windows performance, least issues, and is from Microsoft who knows how to protect their OS best.

After uninstalling run the cleanup tool for the AV here:

https://www.itechtics.com/download-antivirus-re...

Restart the PC, then type Security in Start Search, open Windows Defender and Firewall Settings, there and in Windows Defender Security Center fix anything that's flagged.

Next download, install and run a full scan with the best on-demand scanner Malwarebytes from https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download/

In it's Settings > Protection > Scan Options enable Scan for Rootkits.

Then on Scan tab choose Threat Scan and Run Scan.

Clean up anything found, restart PC and then run again until it comes up clean.

Download, install and run a full scan with the AdwCleaner from http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/adwcle.... Clean up anything it finds and restart PC.

Next check for damaged System Files by running System File Checker from Step 10 in this checklist:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/wiki...

If this is not enough then move to Step 11 to do a Repair Install which saves your files, apps and settings while reinstalling Windows, solves most problems.

If you want to keep Malwarebytes as an on-demand scanner then you can disable its Real Time trial version in it's Settings > Accounts tab.

Feel free to ask back any questions. Based on the results you post back I may have other suggestions if necessary.

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