Computer Hope

I am using a paid version of AVG but have been told that Windows Defender (part of my w10) does an equally good job and anyway shuts down at start up  if it detects that other anti virus software is running. If Windows Defender doesn't close itself and keeps running, is it a bad idea to have 2 ant- virus packages running at the same time? Also, how can I check that Windows Defender is or is not running? Is it possible to show a WD icon on my desktop?

You can install an anti virus app in Windows and Defender will be disabled. You can check for yourself: Control Panel - Security & Maintenance. Alternatively, you can use Defender instead of AVG if you prefer. The current incarnation of Defender is highly rated.