[EveningStar]

Disable Windows Defender

Any recommendations for an anti-virus anti-spyware program if Windows Defender is not acceptable?

[usconservative]

I personally use AVG and Malware Bytes.

I've seen a number of folks here on FR over the years express their preference for Avast and Kaspersky.

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the above.

I do recommend that you combine an AntiVirus program of your choice along with Malware Bytes. One's anti-virus, the other is malware protection.