Windows Defender and Windows Firewall

[rima]

Hi I can't seem to get a straight answer on the following, some help please.  I have McAfee Internet Security installed, I have no problems with it, and computer is secure.  But I am trying to find out if

a) Should Windows Defender be turned on or off?  I have read conflicting stories as to whether it should be turned on when McAfee is installed on PC.

b) Should Windows Firewall be turned on or off?

Thanks

[exbrit]

McAfee installer turns off Windows Defender because the McAfee software developers regard it as unnecessary, however we have found that it can be turned back on again safely in Vista and Windows 7 (and XP if it has been installed as an extra), but NOT in Windows 8 because Windows Defender has an antivirus component in the 8 version, which would compete with McAfee and possibly alloow infection in.

Microsoft really should have called it something else in its Windows 8 version.   It's very confusing.

[rima]

Thanks for your reply, I have Vista, it's turned off so if it's doing no harm I will leave it off.  Can you answer with regards to the Windows Firewall please.  Windows says if there are more firewalls running at the same time they can conflict, McAfee said to leave it on!

[exbrit]

The installation of McAfee Firewall, assuming you are using it, should have disabled Windows Firewall as running two software firewalls can cause issues with security loopholes.   A software firewall and a hardware firewall are OK (those are found in routers and some cable modems usually).

In Vista your Windows Security Center should look like this (I have Windows Defender turned on)  (Click to enlarge)

If it does not, run the Virtual Technician to see if it will fix things:  http://mvt mcafee.com/

If it doesn't contact Technical Support, it's free by phone or online chat and linked under Useful Links at the top of this page.

[rima]

Hi yes my Windows Security Centre shows exactly the same, the only difference being that it states Windows Firewall and McAfee Firewall are both turned on with the Note about 2 or more Firewalls running will conflict.  I have turned Defender back on and will run Virtual Technician.  Many thanks.

[exbrit · Accepted solution]

Go to Control Panel > Security > Windows Firewall and turn it off.

Open McAfee SecurityCenter to make sure it's all OK and that should be all that's needed.

[rima]

Thank you yes all done. 

[exbrit]

That's great,, all the best 😉