If you are a Windows user, you may be familiar with the built-in Windows Defender antivirus program. However, many users choose to use third-party antivirus software, such as Malwarebytes. A common question among users is whether these two antivirus programs conflict with each other. In this article, we will explore this topic in detail.
What is Windows Defender?
Windows Defender is a built-in antivirus program that comes with Windows operating systems. It is designed to protect your computer from viruses, malware, spyware, and other types of malicious software. Windows Defender is free to use and automatically updates itself to protect against the latest threats.
What is Malwarebytes?
Malwarebytes is a popular third-party antivirus program that offers advanced protection against malware, ransomware, and other online threats. It is available as a free version and a premium version, which offers additional features such as real-time protection and scheduled scanning.
Do Malwarebytes and Windows Defender Conflict?
The short answer is no, Malwarebytes and Windows Defender do not conflict with each other. In fact, Malwarebytes is designed to work alongside other antivirus programs, including Windows Defender. This means you can use both programs at the same time without any issues.
However, it is important to note that running multiple antivirus programs simultaneously can slow down your computer and cause performance issues. It is recommended that you only use one antivirus program at a time.
How to Use Malwarebytes with Windows Defender
If you want to use Malwarebytes alongside Windows Defender, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Make sure both programs are up to date and running the latest versions.
- Configure Malwarebytes to run alongside Windows Defender by selecting "Settings" and then "Security" from the Malwarebytes dashboard.
- Set up scheduled scans for both programs to ensure your computer is always protected.
When to Use Malwarebytes Instead of Windows Defender
While Malwarebytes and Windows Defender can work together, there are some situations where you may want to use Malwarebytes instead of Windows Defender:
- If you are using an older version of Windows that does not include Windows Defender.
- If you want more advanced protection against online threats, such as real-time protection and anti-exploit technology.
- If you want to use a program that is specifically designed to detect and remove malware.
Conclusion
Overall, Malwarebytes and Windows Defender do not conflict with each other and can be used together to provide maximum protection against online threats. However, it is important to only use one antivirus program at a time to avoid performance issues.
