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If another compatible antivirus is installed and turned on, Microsoft Defender Antivirus normally turns off its real-time protection automatically. You can still use Windows Security to check which provider Windows recognizes, run an occasional Defender scan, and review firewall settings. To make Defender the active antivirus again, uninstall the other antivirus and then verify Defender’s status.
How do I check which antivirus is active?
- Open the Windows Security app.
- Select Virus & threat protection.
- Under Who’s protecting me?, select Manage providers.
- Check which antivirus provider Windows lists and its status.
Microsoft says Defender Antivirus turns off automatically when a compatible non-Microsoft antivirus is installed and enabled. Check this page rather than assuming which product is active. Windows 10 and Windows 11 interfaces can vary by build, and a work- or school-managed device may be subject to administrator policies. If the listed provider or status is unexpected, contact the antivirus vendor or your device administrator; Microsoft’s guidance does not give one universal fix for every provider-registration issue. Microsoft’s instructions for scanning an item and checking providers and its Windows Security overview describe this behavior.
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How do I use Defender without making it the active antivirus?
Scan a specific file or folder
In File Explorer, right-click the file or folder and select Scan with Microsoft Defender. On Windows 11, the command may be under Show more options. This is useful for a one-off check; it does not mean Defender has taken over ongoing real-time protection.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsRun a broader scan
In Windows Security, open Virus & threat protection and choose the scan option available on your device. Microsoft documents Quick scan, Full scan, Custom scan, and Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan). A Quick scan checks common locations; a Full scan examines files and running programs; a Custom scan lets you choose locations. An offline scan restarts into the Windows Recovery Environment, so save open work before starting it. Scan availability and labels can vary. See Microsoft’s scan and threat-protection guidance.
#1 Best Overall
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key C NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key C NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key C NFC via USB-C and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
How do I make Microsoft Defender active again?
- Uninstall the other antivirus using its normal removal method or Windows app settings.
- Restart if the uninstaller or Windows requests it.
- Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Who’s protecting me? > Manage providers and verify that Microsoft Defender Antivirus is active.
Microsoft says Defender should return to active mode automatically after a non-Microsoft antivirus is uninstalled. Check promptly after removal: uninstalling security software can leave the device without active antivirus protection if Defender has not resumed or another provider is not active. Do not try to force two antivirus products’ real-time protection to run together, or use unsupported registry or policy changes to override provider behavior. Microsoft’s guidance on returning Defender to active mode describes the expected transition.
Should I change Windows Security exclusions?
Usually not as a routine compatibility fix. An exclusion tells Defender not to check that file, folder, file type, or process during real-time scanning, which can leave the excluded item or data more exposed. Microsoft notes that scheduled scans by Defender or a third-party antimalware product may still scan excluded items. If a specific, trusted application requires an exclusion, make it as narrow as possible and remove it when it is no longer needed. Review Microsoft’s explanation of exclusions before changing them.
Rank #2
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key NFC via USB-A and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
Does another antivirus replace Windows Firewall?
Antivirus status and firewall status are separate checks. In Windows Security, open Firewall & network protection to see the network profile—domain, private, or public—and review Microsoft Defender Firewall settings. Do not assume that installing an antivirus automatically replaces or disables the Windows firewall; firewall behavior depends on the other product and is not established by the Windows interface guidance. See Microsoft’s Firewall & network protection guide.
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Windows Security and Microsoft Defender are not always the same product
Windows Security is the built-in Windows dashboard. Microsoft Defender Antivirus is one of the security components it manages, alongside separate areas such as firewall and network protection. Microsoft also offers a distinct Microsoft Defender app with Microsoft 365 Family or Personal; that app can cover Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android and should not be confused with the built-in Windows antivirus engine. See Microsoft’s Windows Security overview and Microsoft Defender app introduction.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5C NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5C NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5C NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
Rank #4
- Security Key : Protect your online accounts against unauthorized access by using FIDO2 and U2F authentication with T120. It's the world's most protective security key that works with windows, Mac OS, Linux as well as Chrome, Firefox, Edge and many other major browsers.
- Certified with the new FIDO2 standard, T120 provides the benefit of fast login and strong protection against phishing, account takeover as well as many other online attactks.
- Works with : Bank of America, Github, Google, Microsoft, DUO, Twitter, Facebook, Dropbox, Apple, ebay, BINANCE, mor and more.
- Fits USB-C port : Insert the T120 security key into the USB-C port of each service and log in conveniently with one touch
- For the driver download and user guide, please visit TrustKey Solutions Home support page.
Rank #3
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5 NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5 NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5 NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
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