question

[bryanh1231]

Is Microsoft Defender suppose to be running quick scans while Free Avast version 19.8.1293 is installed?  This is happening on Win 10 Pro version 1903.

Thanks

[DavidR]

Looks like you have Defender running periodic/scheduled on-demand scans, it isn't resident. If my memory isn't playing tricks on me, MS in their infinite wisdom has periodic scans enabled by default.

Open Control Panel > Windows Security > Virus and Threat Protection > Windows Defender Antivirus Options - ensure that Periodic Scanning is OFF.

[bryanh1231]

Okay, I have discovered that Avast is turn off according to Windows Security, Security Providers.  I can turn off Windows Defender, however I can not turn on Avast.  Avast says all the shields are turn on.

Is there a command that will reinitialize Avast or should I go the uninstall/reinstall route?

[DavidR]

If the Windows Security is saying Avast is switched off, surely you should be switching Avast on rather than switching Defender off.  As the act of switching Avast on should switch Defender off.

Obviously in the image I posted it shows Avast is on, if it weren't I would have thought that screen would allow you to switch it on ?
In that screen shot it only shows the Windows Defender periodic scan, that would be what you are turning off.  Can you attach a screenshot of what you see in that Virus and Threat Protection screen.

It sounds like there is some miscommunication between windows security and Avast as you are saying it is running.  You could first try a shutdown and restart if the OS, if that doesn't resolve this mis communication, try an Avast Repair.

[bryanh1231]

David, you are correct and a reboot fixed the issue.  The last time this laptop was rebooted was in November when I allowed MS to install patches (about three weeks ago).  I do hibernate the laptop when not in use.

Thanks for the assist.

[DavidR]

You're welcome.