Use antivirus software that Windows doesn't find

Applies to all editions of Windows Vista.
Which edition of Windows Vista am I using?

Antivirus software can help protect your computer against viruses and other security threats. Windows regularly checks to see if an antivirus program is installed on your computer, that it's running, and that it's up to date. The status of your antivirus program is displayed in Windows Security Center. However, Windows does not detect all antivirus programs, and some antivirus programs don't report their status to Windows.

If you receive security-related notifications about your virus protection software, but you know that your antivirus software is installed and up to date, you can follow the steps below to stop receiving these notifications. You should only do this if you're sure that you have a full, up-to-date antivirus program installed on your computer, and that real-time scanning, which checks every file before it is opened or used, is turned on.

To specify that you are using an antivirus program that Windows doesn't find

If your computer is on a domain, your security settings might be managed by your network administrator, and Security Center will not display your security status or send notifications.
1.	Open Security Center by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking Security, and then clicking Security Center.
2.	Click Malware protection, and then, under Virus protection, click Show me my available options.
3.	In the Windows Security Center dialog box, click I have an antivirus program that I'll monitor myself. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. Security Center will display your antivirus settings as Not monitored, and you will no longer receive notifications about your virus protection software.

NoteThe Show me my available options link is not available when the Virus protection setting is marked On.

Use antivirus software that Windows doesn't find

To specify that you are using an antivirus program that Windows doesn't find

See also