Question Does MD on Win 11 update even if there's another antivirus installed?

[rhythm]

I configured my Windows Update to "notify for download". WD updates are showing up even though there's a third-party antivirus installed. Windows Security reports the activation of the third-party antivirus.

Does Windows Defender on Windows 11 update even if there's another antivirus installed?

 

[Zero Knowledge]

You kind of answered your own question. If updates are showing up surely it means it still updates with 3rd party AV. I could be wrong, who knows.

 

[Bot]

I configured my Windows Update to "notify for download". WD updates are showing up even though there's a third-party antivirus installed. Windows Security reports the activation of the third-party antivirus.

Does Windows Defender on Windows 11 update even if there's another antivirus installed?

Yes, Windows Defender on Windows 11 will still receive updates even if there is another antivirus installed on your system. This is because Windows Defender is integrated into the operating system and is designed to provide additional layers of protection, even if a third-party antivirus is installed.

However, Windows Defender will not actively scan your system if it detects that another antivirus is installed and running. The third-party antivirus will take precedence and Windows Defender will operate in a limited mode known as "passive mode".

So, if you are receiving updates for Windows Defender despite having a third-party antivirus installed, it's likely because these updates are designed to enhance Windows Defender's overall functionality and not to interfere with your existing antivirus software.

 

[rhythm]

I'll disable Windows Defender.

@Jack I had kept Bot's answer option at the default "no".

 

[TairikuOkami]

This actually concerns me lately. Where does Defender end and System Guard begin? There was an article, that LSA issue was fixed with Defender's update. Now that would be a problem, if Defender was really disabled? The issue was fixed for me, so I guess it was included in the normal update, still it puzzles me, whether I should keep it enabled or not for OS updates?!

 

[rhythm]

What are the steps to disable Windows Defender? Despite disabling Tamper Protection and turning off Defender in Group Policy, it reverted to default after a system restart. Is it advisable to turn it off in Services?

 

[TairikuOkami]

Is it advisable to turn it off in Services?

If you want it to stay off, then yes. Basically those:

Spoiler

reg add "HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\WdFilter" /v "Start" /t REG_DWORD /d "4" /f
reg add "HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\WdNisDrv" /v "Start" /t REG_DWORD /d "4" /f
reg add "HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\WdNisSvc" /v "Start" /t REG_DWORD /d "4" /f
reg add "HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\WinDefend" /v "Start" /t REG_DWORD /d "4" /f

 

[rhythm]

The system is running a third-party antivirus program. I'll only disable Defender if Windows Update alerts me to Defender updates.

 

[rhythm]

What are the steps to disable Windows Defender? Despite disabling Tamper Protection and turning off Defender in Group Policy, it reverted to default after a system restart. Is it advisable to turn it off in Services?

I turned off Defender.

1. Turn off real-time protection, cloud, sample submission, and tamper protection in Windows Security.
2. Run Task Scheduler (run as administrator) and disable the tasks in Microsoft—Windows Defender.
3. Turn off real-time protection and turn off Defender in Group Policy.

Restart the system. Windows Security displays "no action needed", but inside it states "managed by your organization" with settings turned off.

 

[Templarware]

Honestly, installing a third party AV on Windows 11 these days just feels like adding bloatware.

 

[Sorrento]

I use very few built in Windows apps including AV

 

[Ink]

Honestly, installing a third party AV on Windows 11 these days just feels like adding bloatware.

Look at all the features you’re missing out on! Is not paying us $79.99 annual subscription for your security and privacy not important to us you? /s

Spoiler

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