Cannot instal Sophos Endpoint Security and Control because existing 3rd party AV software could not be uninstalled

Question

Please note, I have only basic IT skills 
 I have a Windows 10 laptop which was happily running Sophos ECC for several years but recently stopped updating. I was advised by Sophos tech support to uninstall and reinstall. But reinstall stops because it detects 3rd party software - presumably Windows Defender as there is no other AV software. Strangely, Windows defender states that Sophos is providing the AV protection even though uninstalled but I cannot open the Sophos app via Defender console. 
 I have tried seting up new DWORD DisableAvCheck = 1 and restarting but this has not solved the problem. Sophos Tech support says they cannot do anything else to help but I now have a laptop which is currently not protected (Sophos not installed but Defender is not protecting it because it thinks Sophos is installed). Sophos Tech Support suggested I should upgrade to Sophos Cloud but I don't know whether it would be right for me. I like Endpoint. 
 Any suggestions?

Qoosh · Accepted Answer

Hello Christine, 
 I recommend removing the "Microsoft Security Client" using this tool. I don't recommend using the tool to remove Sophos AV from the device. In general, I only recommend using the MsFixit tool on Microsoft/Windows' software. 
 If you need to clean up a Sophos installation, you'll want to use "Sophos Zap."

Qoosh · Answer

Hello Christine, 
 Thank you for uploading the logs. With the "Microsoft Security Client" that is detected, I recommend using the following "MsFixIt" tool. - Fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed 
 I have used this successfully in previous instances where Microsoft Security Client has been detected on a device. Let me know if this works for you.

Cannot instal Sophos Endpoint Security and Control because existing 3rd party AV software could not be uninstalled

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