Can one prevent Antimalware Executable to start hogging CPU for extended periods each time some network adapter gets active?

Anonymous
2013-03-15T20:00:20+00:00

One of the most annoying habits in Windows 8 is, that the built-in "Antimalware Service Executable" (part of "Windows Defender") starts hogging my device's CPU with 60-70% (and 100% disk) for extended periods EACH AND EVERY time after I wake it up.

I wouldn't mind if it starts doing its business IN THE BACKGROUND but when I wake my device up from standby it's usually to get something done NOW and thus I find it increasingly unacceptable, that the system is always taken over by Window's defender exactly then and for up to several minutes! If I don't find a solution soon to throttle this beast, then I will disable Defender altogether!

What I noticed is, that this process seems to be actually triggered not by the system waking up, but by the network adapter becoming active. And actually, this happens each and every time ANY network adapter gets active! E.g. if my system has NO network connection at all and I plugin the network cable the Antimalware Service Executable starts. When - after it has settled again - I additionally enable Bluetooth then the Antimalware Service Executable starts its hogging business again. And if I then additionally enable the WLAN a few minutes later, it will AGAIN start to consume CPU!

So: can one decouple this? Running a scan ONCE after (re-)starting it is definitely enough, especially if Defender hasn't downloaded any new signatures since the last run! And, second, can one make Defender convince to strictly run in the background ONLY?

Michael

[Moved from Windows]

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Security and privacy

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

146 answers

Sort by: Newest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2015-09-15T17:54:25+00:00

    I did this and discovered windows defender was turned off but there is no button to turn it back on.  I have Panda Antivirus running but thought I should have them both, since windows defender checks for malware too.   Now. I would prefer not to as my laptop has never worked better!  Instant response, fast as lightening, the way things should be.  It was almost non-functioning prior this, so maybe I'll take a chance.  What are your thoughts?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2015-09-15T10:28:06+00:00

    Hi Michael,

    Thank you for choosing Windows 8 and joining us on our Community.

    From the issue description, I understand that Windows Defender runs the security scan when the system wakes up from sleep mode or when you try to plug a network cable to the computer. And you don’t want this.

    You would have scheduled Windows Defender to do so. So I would suggest you to unschedule Windows Defender to do so and check.

    Follow these steps:

    a.      Press Windows key + W and type administrative tools.

    b.      Select Administrative Tools and select Task Scheduler.

    c.       Follow this path in the left hand pane. Task Scheduler Library/Microsoft/Windows/Windows defender

    d.      Uncheck all the boxes under Idle, Power and Network.

    e.      Now it won’t scan your computer.

    For any further queries related to Windows defender, feel free to get back to us any time. We will be glad to assist you.

    i cant sees idle,power,network

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2015-09-03T05:18:50+00:00

    Pls go through below link.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NV45Mmn7TE

    my problem resolved after doing this.

    Thanks to uploader.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2015-08-03T19:12:06+00:00

    Brilliant,

    Slightly different in Windows 10. Get to it the same way but you have to select properties on the pane on the right, then go to conditions tab and adjust setting to how you want.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2015-06-30T13:48:13+00:00

    Hi Tejas,

    Thank you for sharing your part of query in Microsoft Community.

    However, as per the age of the thread, I would recommend creating your own thread with all the necessary information intact to get the issue resolved. This way your issue will get the needed attention and targeted assistance from experts all over the community.

    I would suggest you to refer to the following article for suggestions on asking questions on forums.

    ***Suggestions for asking a question on help forums***

    Hope this information is helpful.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments