A match immediately flags the file as malicious. Signature-based: The suspected file’s digital signature (based on the file’s contents and calculated using a cryptographic hash function) is compared against a database of known malware signatures.Anti-malware tools can prevent new malware from being installed on the system (for example, by scanning files while they’re being downloaded) or detect, quarantine, and remove existing malware. However, this feature is off by default.(also antimalware) Anti-malware definitionĪnti-malware is the umbrella term for software and policies designed to protect systems from malware (malicious software like computer viruses).

If you see Microsoft Defender using CPU even while you have other antivirus tools installed and want to stop it, head here and ensure the Periodic scanning feature is set to “Off.” If it doesn’t bother you, feel free to enable Periodic scanning-it’s another layer of protection and additional security. On this same screen, you can expand “Microsoft Defender Antivirus options” and enable “Periodic scanning.” Defender will then perform regular background scans even while you’re using another antivirus program, providing a second opinion and potentially catching things your main antivirus might miss. However, there is a way to use both your antivirus program of choice and Microsoft Defender. RELATED: How to Periodically Scan Your Computer With Windows Defender While Using Another Antivirus

The process may run in the background, but it shouldn’t use CPU or disk resources attempting to scan your system. This means that Windows Defender is disabled. If you head to Windows Security > Virus & threat protection, you’ll see a message saying “You’re using other antivirus providers” if you have another antivirus program installed and activated. If you do have another antivirus program installed (like Avira or BitDefender), Microsoft Defender will automatically disable itself and get out of your way.

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