Computer Help and Support

Earth-shine

(4,044 posts)

17. Yes. Uninstalling security software can result in damaged Windows files ...

Sat Aug 14, 2021, 12:11 PM

Aug 2021

... in particular for systems that have been in operation for a while.

I can't talk you through the reinstall here. I'll bet there are many YouTube videos that discuss it.

It's not hard. It's just scary if you've never done it before.

If I recall correctly, Defender came out with Win 7. If Microsoft had developed Defender years earlier, many of these competitor security software makers (Avast, AVG, etc.) would never have had a place in the market.

Kasperski was considered to be the best of them, until a few years ago when people in the US became paranoid about using "Russian" software. As far as I know, it was inconclusive as to whether Putin actually infiltrated Kasperski. But, many chose to stay away.

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McAfee All Access came with my LG laptop, it expires soon, is Windows Defender enough? [View all] Eliot Rosewater Aug 2021 OP

I just stuck with the Microsoft program that came on the computer captain queeg Aug 2021 #1

For basic anti-malware protection, Windows Defender is as good as many paid AV products, Eugene Aug 2021 #2

That's what I use, MS defender JohnSJ Aug 2021 #3

I would not want to only depend on Windows Defender Nictuku Aug 2021 #4

Thanks, I knew some of this but good reminder. I also have MB the paid version. Eliot Rosewater Aug 2021 #10

I usually just use Control Panel Nictuku Aug 2021 #23

I dumped all the "trial" av stuff and just use Defender. Except... TreasonousBastard Aug 2021 #5

👆🏽 This. IrishAfricanAmerican Aug 2021 #6

I have the paid version of MB, forgot to mention that. thanks Eliot Rosewater Aug 2021 #9

I like Avast nt Wicked Blue Aug 2021 #7

Kaspersky Free Version FrankTC Aug 2021 #8

I do this for a living... orwell Aug 2021 #11

Thanks, great advice! Eliot Rosewater Aug 2021 #12

You are a financial institution, orwell Aug 2021 #21

It definitely is in my opinion, only caveat BootinUp Aug 2021 #13

Windows Defender is adequate for your needs, despite what some others might say. Earth-shine Aug 2021 #14

I dont know how to reinstall Windows so if my OS is damaged removing McAfee I will Eliot Rosewater Aug 2021 #15

Yes. Uninstalling security software can result in damaged Windows files ... Earth-shine Aug 2021 #17

Thanks, I will PM You when I decide to do it and I will use my phone to talk to you on DU while Eliot Rosewater Aug 2021 #18

That's the way most software is uninstalled. But, it doesn't always work with anti-virus. Earth-shine Aug 2021 #22

Part or all of Windows defender is currently off on mine due to mcafee, once I remove mcafee Eliot Rosewater Aug 2021 #26

What version of Windows is this? It matters! Earth-shine Aug 2021 #34

20H2...does that sound right? Eliot Rosewater Aug 2021 #35

It's a version of Windows 10. I've never removed antivirus from 10, but I think it should go well. Earth-shine Aug 2021 #36

Flash drive? Thanks, we are way past my pay grade now...Thanks but Eliot Rosewater Aug 2021 #37

Stop getting all this advice, especially from that guy below ... and me ,too. Earth-shine Aug 2021 #38

Thanks... Eliot Rosewater Aug 2021 #39

Defender usually gets above average in independent ratings. lpbk2713 Aug 2021 #16

I only use defender, because I decided years ago the so called protectors were busy scraping data ShazamIam Aug 2021 #19

Before you reinstall windows BootinUp Aug 2021 #20

I am hoping I dont have to reinstall Windows because I removed mcafee... Eliot Rosewater Aug 2021 #25

This message was self-deleted by its author BootinUp Aug 2021 #27

i think i misunderstood. you have or have not uninstalled mcafee? BootinUp Aug 2021 #28

Thanks, per above response I have not tried yet, scared that something will go wrong. Eliot Rosewater Aug 2021 #29

there is a cleanup tool. BootinUp Aug 2021 #30

couple additional thoughts BootinUp Aug 2021 #31

Thanks, no questions yet. But thanks, really. I am nervous so maybe i will wait till tomorrow Eliot Rosewater Aug 2021 #32

I know that feeling BootinUp Aug 2021 #33

I use Webroot, it covers all my devices. Historic NY Aug 2021 #24