Norton, BT Virus Protect

[Janet8]

I have had Norton BT Virus Protect installed on my laptop as part of my Halo package for a couple of years without any real issues.  However, a couple of days ago I was prompted to enable Behaviour Protection which I did.  There was another alert telling me I needed to optimize/defragment my computer.  I set the scan to check for defragmentation and after a while it came back with a message that my computer was defragmented by 9% and did not need any optimisation.   All well and good except the alert to optimize my computer will not go away from the Norton dashboard.  The Windows security icon (I have Windows 10) is saying that my computer is unprotected and I need to follow the instructions on Norton.  The Norton dashboard is however saying that I am protected but will not get rid of the optimisation alert.  I have tried restarting my computer, running the defragmentation scan again, but it keeps giving the same information i.e. 9% defragmented and do not need optimisation but the Norton dashboard alert says I do.  Is it safe to just ignore this?  Its just the Windows security icon saying that I am not protected which concerns me.  Please note that my  laptop is over 5 years old but according to Microsoft is not suitable for Windows 11.  Any advice please  

[Kimberlin · Accepted solution]

Unfortunately, one of the problems you’re soon going to face, is that come October 14, 2025, security updates for Windows 10 will cease. Your laptop isn’t suitable for W11 because it probably doesn’t have TPM2.0. There is a workaround but you need to know what you’re doing and to be honest, it’s probably not worth it on a 5 year old plus laptop anyway.

I was faced with a similar situation last year with an old laptop that was 8 years old. In the end I bought a replacement because it was just easier. I’m no fan of Norton Security myself, I much prefer Windows Defender, it’s good, there’s nothing wrong with it. Unfortunately, my new laptop came with Norton Security software pre-installed and I had to remove it within 24 hours because it was an absolute pain.

Your defragmentation issues are probably due to a cluttered hard drive. You may or may not have an SSD fitted or more likely, an older disk type version hard drive. There’s a fear here I could get too technical.

My personal advice is if you can do so, is consider replacing your laptop for a new one, moreover for ongoing future technical support and updates.

[imjolly]

if you always keep your W10 updated then you should shortly be able to extend cover just keep checking your updates

To extend Windows 10 security after support ends in October 2025, enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and selecting "enroll now" under the Windows 10 support information. 

google search will give you more information so you can continue to use existing laptop for bit longer

[gg30340]

It is OK to ignore the warning from Norton. No harm will come to your laptop.

I would agree that if it was me I would remove Norton and just use the Windows Defender that is already on your laptop.

If you remove Norton from your laptop Windows Defender will kick in and protect your laptop. You do not need to install it.

It will update and run in the back ground and just work without any intervention by you.

[shakey1981]

use this think to idenitfy weath this has tpm 2.0 support on your current windows 10 device

https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/how-to-use-the-pc-health-check-app-9c8abd9b-03ba-4e67-81...

is you get not suppoted look up the laptop model if this has windows 11 support you will be able to get instructions  on how to enable the tpm if your using  bitlocker this will already be enabled 

[Kimberlin]

@Janet8 

I’ve mentioned this before in another thread, but should you decide to remove Norton Security from your laptop, Norton provides their own software removal tool. Unfortunately from experience, Norton’s own software might not remove all of the folders associated with their product. I had popups appearing even after uninstalling, warning me that my computer was not protected even though I had Windows Defender turned on. It took a deeper search with my laptop hard drive files to find four offending folders which once removed, completely rid the software from my laptop.

As has been suggested, run the TPM tool and enrol for extended updates if a newer laptop isn’t an option.

[gg30340]

Another tool to use to ensure Norton is fully removed is to download CCleaner which is a free Malwarebytes  product that will remove any left over items of Norton. Run the "Custom Clean" then run the "Tools, Registry" tool and delete anything that has been found. 

[Janet8]

Thanks for taking the time to reply.  When I logged into my laptop tonight, everything looked back to normal so I don't know what was causing the problem.  I was thinking of getting a new laptop, but in a few months time as I have other stuff to spend my money on at the moment!  If I have any further problems, will do as you suggest and use Windows Defender instead

[Janet8]

Thanks for your response.  When I logged into my computer tonight everything was back to normal so I don't know what the cause was.  If I have any further problems, will just use Windows Defender as you suggest