Can't use Windows Defender Real-time Protection: can't stop Security Center Service

I have Spybot Search & Destroy + AV 2.7.64.0 Professional (Settings 2.7.64.139) on a PC with Windows 10 Pro.

I would like to use Windows Defender Real-time Protection. However, I can't because Windows says "You're using other antivirus providers". The only other antivirus Windows shows is Spybot.

In the Spybot Start Center, I checked "Advanced User Mode", then clicked "Settings" & selected "System Services". I tried to stop the Spybot Security Center Service, but the Stop button is greyed out and inoperative.

What can I do? The only thing I've found that works is to uninstall Spybot. I don't want to do that because I will have wasted my money buying the Professional version.

Hello doejohn,

From the FAQ here please see Settings & Tools. Open the drop menu, "Does Spybot conflict with other antivirus programs?"

Please let us know if the information there helps.

Best regards.

Tashi,

Thanks for getting back to me.

When I initially installed Spybot, I thought Live Protection might be the problem, but I uninstalled it. That didn't help. Even without Live Protection on, Windows Defender won't let me turn on Real-Time Protection.

My apologies for not having mentioned this in the first place

Hello doejohn,

Thank you for your feedback.

Could you open a ticket for the issue please, here.

Best regards,
tashi