Malwarebytes 3 and Windows Defender

[thelordpuffer]

I have a PC running Win 7 64 bit Home Premium (all updated) and the latest version of Malwarebytes.  Prior to purchasing Malwarebytes, I was just running MSE.  I don't remember if Windows Defender at the time was enabled or disabled.

When I installed Malwarebytes the first time, I believe that it prompted me during the installation if I wanted to integrate it with the security on my PC.  I said yes.  

I have Windows Update set to notify me of updates and let me decide to download and install them (a setting that I want to keep).  However, since I installed Malwarebytes, I get notified every few days through Windows Update of Windows Defender definitions that are available.  I've been downloading and installing them each time.

My question is, should Windows Defender be enabled if I have Malwarebytes?  Also, if it should be, is there another way to update it other than having to manually install the Windows Defender definitions every few days?  TIA.

 

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[thelordpuffer]

I don't think that the auto reply will answer my questions.  Please read the OP above.

[bru]

9 hours ago, thelordpuffer said:

My question is, should Windows Defender be enabled if I have Malwarebytes?  Also, if it should be, is there another way to update it other than having to manually install the Windows Defender definitions every few days?  TIA.

 

I have MBAM and Defender both enabled on numerous computers and Defender installs its definitions automatically.  You have something configured wrong related to Defender. 

Edited April 3, 2018 by bru

[thelordpuffer]

Thanks bru......I'll have to check out the settings in Defender.  I'll post back how it goes.

[thelordpuffer]

I think that I found it.  It said to "Check for updates before doing a scan."  Since mine is set up to scan daily, that should take care of it.  Thanks again.

[exile360]

That is one option, however if you'd like to configure it to update more frequently (without having to enable Automatic Updates for Windows Update; which by the way is normally how Windows Defender receives its definition and program updates), then you can follow the tutorial on this page.  Also, just FYI, those same instructions also apply to Microsoft Security Essentials (the full antivirus from Microsoft based on Windows Defender that they offer for free for users of Windows Vista and Windows 7, and the same product that ships with Windows 8/8.1/10 that got renamed to Windows Defender in those newer Windows versions).

If you wish to use Microsoft Security Essentials instead of just Windows Defender (which is basically an anti-spyware/anti-Trojan application, not quite a full antivirus like Microsoft Security Essentials) then you can get it here or here.

[thelordpuffer]

Thanks exile360.....If you were me, would you turn off Windows Defender and install MSE instead?  That would mean for protection I would be running Malwarebytes and MSE.  Or is that overkill?  Thanks again.

[exile360]

Yes, I'd install MSE (it will turn Windows Defender off for you automatically when you install it) because it's just about as light on resources as Windows Defender, works well alongside Malwarebytes, but provides better protection/detects more threats than Windows Defender so there's really no good reason not to in my opinion.  Malwarebytes 3 and MSE make an excellent combination  

[thelordpuffer]

Thanks again.

[thelordpuffer]

46 minutes ago, exile360 said:

Yes, I'd install MSE (it will turn Windows Defender off for you automatically when you install it) because it's just about as light on resources as Windows Defender, works well alongside Malwarebytes, but provides better protection/detects more threats than Windows Defender so there's really no good reason not to in my opinion.  Malwarebytes 3 and MSE make an excellent combination  

MSE is installed.  Things are working well.  Like you said, Malwarebytes 3 and MSE play nice together.

[bru]

2 hours ago, thelordpuffer said:

MSE is installed.  Things are working well.  Like you said, Malwarebytes 3 and MSE play nice together.

Not sure how I missed it but if you're running Windows 7 I suppose MSE would be better for you but I really would think you should look in to upgrading your OS.

Edited April 4, 2018 by bru

[thelordpuffer]

3 hours ago, bru said:

Not sure how I missed it but if you're running Windows 7 I suppose MSE would be better for you but I really would think you should look in to upgrading your OS.

I was just going to post that I'm running Win 7.  Thanks anyway.

BTW, I plan on updating my OS in 2020 when MS no longer supports Win 7.

Edited April 4, 2018 by thelordpuffer

[exile360]

Yeah, I wish the new Windows Defender in Windows 10 were available for Windows 7.  It does have some pretty awesome features, especially for a free tool.