Advice Request Windows defender uses 15% of the CPU

[Hadden]

Actually Windows defender is off (Realtime/Cloud) but I still have on its malware protection.
As realtime AV I use Panda, as cloud I often go with Zemana.
Same for Windows firewall which is off (as I use Comodo Firewall).

It's a too high value or a pretty regular one?
CPU: FX8320

Keeping on the WD malware protection on is somehow redundant?

 

[Libera Milanesi]

If you're already using Panda for real-time protection then you don't need Windows Defender as well; you only need one Anti-Virus at once.

You could always disable Windows Defender real-time protection (since you're already using Panda for real-time protection) and still use Windows Defender for features like SmartScreen if it works well for you. I don't recommend disabling SmartScreen as long as it works well for you and in your configuration.

For the record, Windows Defender is known to be a resource hog for a lot of people as far as I know. While I have not encountered issues with it on modern hardware, I know that many others have. And it's one contributing factor as to why some people still use third-party, even when Windows Defender would be sufficient to their needs.

 

[Ink]

Is MsMpEng.exe (Antimalware Service Executable) the one in question?

CPU usage is normal during scans, updates and when downloading.

Windows Defender should have deactivated upon detection of a third-party Antivirus.

 

[ForgottenSeer 58943]

Defender is an epic hog. I'm always shocked at how bad my machines (even decent gaming rigs) run after a Win10 reset when WD fires back up. It's like I poured concrete into them.

I use GP's to disable defender, smartscreen and all assorted messes related.

 

[Hadden]

It's him.
Actually, that usage is the idle background process (never did a scan with it).
Before the windows updates it was totally off -- but then appeared again.
Well, I guess I can safely disable even the malware (background) service with gpedit if I don't use it.
Probably, WD don't detect Panda Dome.

Win 10.0.17134.228 build 1803 (which came not so time ago in un-targeted branch).