Windows Defender Antivirus is a built-in tool that comes with Windows 10. It is designed to protect your computer from viruses, malware, and other malicious software. While it is a useful tool, some users have reported issues with the program using a lot of memory. In this article, we will discuss why Windows Defender Antivirus uses a lot of memory and what you can do to fix the problem.

What Causes Windows Defender Antivirus to Use a Lot of Memory?

There are several reasons why Windows Defender Antivirus may use a lot of memory. One of the most common reasons is that the program is scanning your computer. When Windows Defender Antivirus scans your computer, it has to read every file and folder on your system. This process can take a lot of memory, especially if you have a large number of files on your computer.

Another reason why Windows Defender Antivirus may use a lot of memory is that you have other programs running at the same time. If you have several programs running on your computer, they can compete for resources, including memory. When this happens, Windows Defender Antivirus may use more memory than it normally would.

How to Fix the Issue of Windows Defender Antivirus Using a Lot of Memory

If you are experiencing issues with Windows Defender Antivirus using a lot of memory, there are several things you can do to fix the problem:

1. Disable Real-Time Protection

The first thing you can do is disable real-time protection. Real-time protection is a feature that constantly monitors your computer for threats. While it is a useful feature, it can also use a lot of memory. To disable real-time protection, follow these steps:

• Open Windows Security by clicking on the shield icon in the taskbar or searching for it in the Start menu.
• Click on Virus & threat protection.
• Click on Manage settings under Virus & threat protection settings.
• Toggle off Real-time protection.

2. Schedule Scans

Another thing you can do is schedule scans. Instead of running a scan whenever you want, you can schedule them to run at a specific time. This will ensure that Windows Defender Antivirus does not use a lot of memory when you are using your computer. To schedule scans, follow these steps:

• Open Windows Security by clicking on the shield icon in the taskbar or searching for it in the Start menu.
• Click on Virus & threat protection.
• Click on Manage settings under Virus & threat protection settings.
• Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the link that says "Manage settings for scheduled scans".
• Select the option to run a scheduled scan.
• Choose the day and time you want the scan to run.

3. Adjust Windows Defender Antivirus Settings

You can also adjust Windows Defender Antivirus settings to reduce the amount of memory it uses. To adjust Windows Defender Antivirus settings, follow these steps:

• Open Windows Security by clicking on the shield icon in the taskbar or searching for it in the Start menu.
• Click on App & browser control.
• Click on Reputation-based protection settings.
• Toggle off "Check apps and files" under the "Reputation-based protection" section.
• Toggle off "Check for potentially unwanted apps" under the "Potentially unwanted app blocking" section.

4. Use Another Antivirus Program

If none of the above steps work, you may want to consider using another antivirus program. While Windows Defender Antivirus is a useful tool, there are many other antivirus programs available that may work better for you. Some popular antivirus programs include Norton, McAfee, and Avast.

Conclusion

Windows Defender Antivirus is a useful tool that comes with Windows 10. However, it may use a lot of memory, which can cause issues for some users. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can reduce the amount of memory Windows Defender Antivirus uses and ensure that your computer runs smoothly.

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