Running Windows 10 x86-64. I have installed Avira antivirus and want to completely disable Windows Defender. In the control panel's security and maintenance page, I am informed that both are turned on, so I clicked the view installed antivirus apps button, once I do that, I cannot find any menu options to disable Windows Defender.
Despite the control panel menu, the Windows Defender says it is disabled. Despite that, it is showing up in the task bar.
Windows Defender is hard-baked into Windows 10. It cannot be removed. It can be disabled shortly in the settings (in settings -> security), but will turn itself back on after about 10 minutes or so. Same things goes for the associated services.
Expounding on what Ramhound said, it is safe to run both at the same time.
If you would to remove the defender icon from the notify tray, right click the task bar, go to settings, and then scroll down to notification area settings. Choose 'Select which icons appear on the taskbar' and then disable whichever icons you do not wish to see.
