Slow computer

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Slow computer

William Bryant 0

Question: My computer is too slow. My Dell computer has Microsoft Defender, McAfee and Malwarebytes installed. Do these products conflict with each other, which cause slow performance? If so, how do I correct this problem and speed up my computer?

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Answer 1

Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

Microsoft Defender typically does not conflict with other security software, as it usually disables itself when it detects third-party software installed. However, McAfee and Malwarebytes can conflict in some situations.

I suggest uninstalling McAfee and Malwarebytes to see if the slowness stops.

For Malwarebytes, simply uninstall it using the standard method. Press "Windows + I" to open Settings and select "Apps > Apps & features." Locate it in the list of apps, select it, and click "Uninstall."

For McAfee, a standard uninstall may leave behind traces that could continue to negatively impact the system. Therefore, I suggest uninstalling it using the McAfee Consumer Product Removal tool (MCPR). Download the tool and follow the instructions in the official article at the link below.

https://www.mcafee.com/support/s/article/000002766?language=en_US

As a precaution, run a full scan using Defender to ensure there is no malware on your PC.

If the slowness persists even after uninstalling them, let me know so I can help you explore other possibilities.

Feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Standard Disclaimer: There is a link to a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

Answer 2

Yes. Running more than one real-time antivirus or antispyware product at the same time can slow the PC, cause instability, and even trigger unexpected restarts. Microsoft recommends not running other antivirus or antispyware products at the same time as Windows Defender.

In this case, Microsoft Defender, McAfee, and Malwarebytes can contribute to the slowdown if more than one of them is providing real-time protection.

To correct it:

Keep one real-time security product.
- Microsoft recommends uninstalling previous security software when using Microsoft security software.
- If Malwarebytes is only being used as an on-demand scanner, that is different from real-time protection.
Uninstall the extra antivirus/antispyware apps.
- Go to Start > Settings > Apps.
- Find the unwanted security app.
- Select Uninstall.
- Restart after uninstalling. A reboot is likely needed after each removal.
Make sure the PC is still protected.
- Before removing other security software, ensure Microsoft Defender Antivirus is enabled and Windows Firewall is turned on.
- This avoids leaving the PC unprotected.
If an antivirus app does not fully uninstall, use the vendor’s cleanup utility or contact that vendor’s support.
After removing the extra real-time products, run an on-demand malware check.
- Microsoft recommends the Microsoft Safety Scanner to clean any malware from the PC.
- On-demand scanners such as Microsoft Safety Scanner or Microsoft Defender Offline can be installed alongside real-time security software because they run only when started or scheduled.
If scans still feel slow:
- Close non-essential apps while scanning.
- Make sure there is enough free disk space, especially on the system drive.
- Restart the PC and run the scan before opening other apps.

If the slowdown started after installing these security products, removing the extra real-time ones is the most direct fix supported here.

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