Can You Run Windows Defender and Avast at the Same Time?

Is it okay to run Windows Defender and Avast at the same time?

It’s not good to run Windows Defender and Avast together for real-time protection. You can have both tools installed, and even run scans with the tools consecutively. However, Windows Defender automatically disables when it detects another antivirus is working, so running manual scans at the same time won’t work.

Real-time protection works by constantly scanning things in the background. Antivirus protection requires full, behind-the-scenes access to your computer to function properly. If you have two different tools competing for full access to your PC at the same time, they’ll interfere with each other’s functionality.

Windows Defender is the built-in antivirus for Windows 10 and 11. It offers real-time virus protection as well as web protection, ransomware protection, and a basic firewall. Its official name is Microsoft Defender Antivirus, but many still call it by its previous name, Windows Defender.

By contrast, Avast Free Antivirus is an award-winning tool that was built specifically with cybersecurity and real-time threat protection in mind. There are also versions for other operating systems too, so you can count on the same level of protection for your other devices — not just Windows.

Does Windows Defender interfere with Avast Free Antivirus?

Windows Defender may interfere with Avast Free Antivirus in several ways if they’re forced to run together. You technically can turn both on, but it’s redundant at best and dangerous at worst. Running both tools simultaneously may result in your computer crashing, which can be dangerous for your system if there’s an active threat.

Avast Free Antivirus and Windows Defender can also conflict with each other by trying to quarantine or block malware at the same time, resulting in neither being able to complete the task. Other protective features may also be disabled or blocked in one or both apps, leaving you helpless if there’s a threat to be dealt with.

Running both tools simultaneously can also reduce the overall performance of your system, because these apps are constantly scanning files in the background, taking up valuable resources. Your computer runs slower if it’s got two apps performing the same tasks — combined with competing functionalities, it’s a perfect recipe for system instability.

Using two antiviruses at once can affect system performance and trigger conflicts.

Not only does running two antivirus apps at the same time make your computer a pain to use, but also compromises your protection. Even the best internet security tools can’t perform effectively when forced to compete with each other.

You should periodically make sure you’re not running Avast and Windows Defender together, especially when troubleshooting a slow computer. Remember though, if Windows Defender detects another antivirus running, it should disable itself automatically.

Should I run Windows Firewall with Avast Free Antivirus?

No, you should only run one firewall at a time. Firewalls aren’t meant to be compatible with other firewalls. They can disagree on which traffic to block and lead to unpredictable, even dangerous, outcomes. You’ll block security breaches much more effectively with just one cook in the kitchen.

So, do I really need Windows Defender?

Windows Defender isn’t necessary if you’re running Avast. Avast Free Antivirus effectively replaces Windows Defender when it comes to real-time protection and then some. You can have Windows Defender and Avast installed at the same time — just make sure that real-time protection is only enabled in one of them.

While Windows Defender can scan and remove known malware from your system, Avast has a more extensive virus database. Not to mention, Avast’s advanced features make it the more preferable option overall.

Let’s take a look at Avast Free Antivirus vs. Windows Defender from the latest AV Comparatives test:

^¹ Email protection only available for Microsoft Defender Antivirus for Office365
^² Port scan alerts only available for Microsoft Defender Antivirus for Endpoint

Avast focuses their browser-based threat prevention on the most popular browsers like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox, while Windows Defender favors SmartScreen, mostly used for Microsoft Edge. This means that, for users who prefer to browse outside of Microsoft Edge, Avast offers wider protection against browser threats like adware, scareware, phishing, and spyware.

So, you don’t need Windows Defender once you’ve got Avast, one of the most comprehensive, all-in-one internet security suites on the market. It’s one of the most proficient apps out there at removing viruses and blocking malware.

Avast also boasts more features overall, in addition to more granular scanning options. Windows Defender comes pre-installed on Microsoft computers, and is a good lightweight option. In the end, it all depends on your preference and level of security you need.

In your ongoing fight against cybercrime, no measure is as important as using a good antivirus correctly.

Get complete protection with Avast

Avast Free Antivirus offers the antivirus security you need, and it does so in the form of comprehensive, real-time threat protection, all for free. Its easy-to-use interface means you won’t be scratching your head trying to get the app working the way you want.

And the slew of extra features, like AI-powered scam detection, help shield your PC from hackers’ trickier tactics. Get Avast Free Antivirus today to boost your Windows protection.