If you open Task Manager on a Windows system, you will find a vast amount of processes and services running in the background. Most of them are usually related to the operating system, with few being specific to user-dependent software. One of the interesting processes is the one named “Antimalware Service Executable.” If you are using Windows 10, you will find this process constantly running in the background.
Often, this process consumes disk speed, processor speed, and a relatively large amount of Random Access Memory (RAM), prompting you to search for the function of this process, determine if it’s system-related or virus-related, and whether it should be disabled. Many questions may arise in your mind now, so let’s take a closer look at the Antimalware Service Executable process and answer all questions.
As every Windows user knows, Windows Defender is the default program for protecting the computer from various threats and viruses. The program has come a long way in Windows 10, becoming reliable and capable enough to rely on and eliminate the need for any other antivirus program, thanks to the improvements and modern technologies that enhance system security.
So, why mention this program now? Simply because the Antimalware Service Executable process is the background service for Windows Defender, as the functioning of any security program in the galaxy is done through a dedicated service that operates constantly in the background on the operating system.
Therefore, the function of the Antimalware Service Executable process here is responsible for scanning files for malicious programs by Windows Defender and should always run in the background to monitor what happens while you use the computer and alert you when malicious files or unusual activities are detected, in addition to automatically scanning and updating Windows Defender and anything else related to the program; this process is responsible for it.
Sometimes you may notice that the Antimalware Service Executable process consumes device resources heavily, such as: when starting the computer immediately after booting Windows, or when installing a new program on the computer, or when downloading a new file from the internet, or when opening a new folder or file… and other situations that make this process the most resource-consuming during background work. Let me tell you that this consumption is very normal, as Windows Defender, like any antivirus program, conducts regular automatic scans in the background to ensure the best level of protection on the operating system.
The best thing about the Antimalware Service Executable process is that it conducts scans in the background only when the computer is idle and not in use, to ensure that it doesn’t slow down the computer while using programs or playing video games. However, it may continue to consume processor and hard disk resources when necessary to install updates or scan files while opening them only.
Can it be disabled?
Now that you know the function of the Antimalware Service Executable process and realize its importance and that it is not a virus, are you still thinking of disabling it? There are indeed different ways to disable the process, but it is not recommended and I do not suggest doing so unless you want to give up Windows Defender services and make your computer more vulnerable to viruses and their risks because disabling this process means disabling the Windows Defender program.
You can temporarily stop it by opening the program and going to the Virus & threat protection section, then click on Virus & threat protection settings and disable the Real-time protection feature, which will prevent the Antimalware Service Executable from continuing in the background. However, everything will return to normal once the computer is restarted, so it is a temporary solution.
There is another solution to prevent Windows Defender from automatically scanning from time to time, which will naturally reduce the consumption of the Antimalware Service Executable process on the device’s resources in the background. To do this, press the Windows key + R together, then type “taskschd.msc” in the Run window that appears and press OK. Now the Task Scheduler window will open, and through it, go to the following path:
Task Scheduler Library> Microsoft> Windows> Windows Defender
On the right side, select Windows Defender Scheduled Scan, then click on the Disable option under the Actions section. After that, Windows Defender will no longer automatically scan the computer.
Note that if you install another antivirus program on the computer, Windows Defender will automatically disable itself and disable the Antimalware Service Executable process permanently. If you go to the Virus & threat protection section, you will find a message stating that you are using another antivirus program (Antivirus Name is installed as an antivirus provider). When Windows Defender detects another protection program, it will withdraw itself to avoid burdening the device’s resources, so you won’t need to do anything regarding the Antimalware Service Executable process.
