The core of effective antivirus performance is the ability to intercept threats and be deeply rooted into the system’s kernel. This exclusive access is limited for availability and usage to a single AV platform.

Where did the idea of having two antivirus programs come from? Has it benefited anyone?

What happens if you have two antiviruses on your device and run them both at the same time?

Read further.

Can You Have Two Antivirus Programs On A Single Device?

The short answer is – yes, you can.

However, even if you install two different antivirus programs on your device, you definitely shouldn’t start them up and run them simultaneously. That’s it, if they are not complementary, and both support kernel consistency.

Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Have Two Antiviruses At Once in a Single Device

What About Alternatives?

The very idea is imposed by the rapid technological advances, aiming to include more features in a single antivirus package.  Though some antiviruses are excellent fighters, they lack additional functions, such as online scanners or an included VPN. But, there are many ways to get both while still using a single antivirus.

  • One of the antivirus programs is likely to fail to intercept system events, being unable to penetrate deep into the system’s kernel, and install interceptors there.Additional use of CPU is going to bring down your normal system performance.It will drain your battery, which is important for laptops and mobile devices.False virus alerts, due to the inability to regularly intercept upcoming and existing information is going to be a constant bug.Additional pop-ups and alert messages on an issue you’ve just fixed with the other program since they’re in an endless competition of proving themselves better.Report each other as suspicious programs and a possible threat.Lower protection – aiming for more, you’ll end up destroying the perfectly good condition offered with a single antivirus software performance.

When Should You Run a Second Antivirus Program on Your PC?

Though most antivirus software is effective against viruses, worms, and other types of malware, sometimes it is a good choice to ‘ask for a second opinion’. In this case, you can run a second scan using different antivirus software; just make sure to turn the first one off for best performance.

  • Purchase them as additional features – most antivirus software companies offer additional firewall, VPN, email or identity theft protection as a bonus feature complementary to your existing antivirus software.Get a free trial – if you need to check a one-time suspicion, most of these gadgets have a free trial option.Download an upgraded antivirus program – but make sure you delete your old one first.

Find a program that uses a different approach and database than the one you used at first. For example – disable Malwarebytes if you’re aiming to find Trojan horses using a stronger antivirus, such as Norton.

If you’re aiming to find a rootkit infection, running a second antivirus will not help with rootkit detection. This is because rootkit kernels and the antivirus program operate at the same security level. Try running a remote scan from a known safe device in this case.

Should You Run Two Antiviruses at The Same Time?

Having multiple antivirus programs for Windows 10 is definitely not recommended, not even by Windows’ software engineers.  All antivirus programs warn about the risks of running another antivirus software in parallel and exclude their fault for a hidden threat to potentially risk your cyber-security.

You’ll only end up lowering your device’s threat protection and making yourself prone to cyberattacks and computer viruses.

Bottom Line

In the matter of having two antivirus programs, the rule of ‘’quality over quantity’’ applies.

The alternative option is cross-functioning original Windows Security preferences along with a single antivirus that suits your device usability the most. This package should work just perfectly for regular home-based users or small offices.

1. Why using multiple antivirus programs is a bad idea?

Slowing down regular system performance, burning your battery, overrunning and intercepting themselves as threats – instead of enhancing it, more than one antivirus program will lower your device’s protection.

2. Can you have two antivirus programs on your phone? 

Yes, you can. However, they will most likely do more damage, draining your battery and ‘fighting’ over which one gets to alarm about a problem or solve it.

3. Should I uninstall one antivirus before installing another? 

Definitely, after learning what happens if you have two antiviruses, you should be aware that one antivirus is always better – you just need to find the right one for you!